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Freshwater inflows to closed basins of the Andean plateau in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia
No full textMore than half the world's lithium resources are found in brine aquifers in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. Lithium brine processing requires freshwater, so as lithium exploration increases, accurate estimates of freshwater availability are critical for water management decisions in this region with limited water resources. Here we calculate modern freshwater inflows, such as groundwater recharge and streamflow, for 28 active or prospective lithium-producing basins. We use regional water budget assessments, field streamflow measurements, and global climate and groundwater recharge datasets. Using the freshwater inflow estimates, we calculate water scarcity using the Available Water Remaining methodology. Among all 28 basins, freshwater inflows range from 2 to 33 mm year-1. Our results reveal that commonly used global hydrologic models overestimate streamflow and freshwater availability substantially, leading to inaccurate water scarcity classifications
Effects of environmental salinity on global and endocrine-specific transcriptomic profiles in the caudal neurosecretory system of salmonid fishes
No full textThe caudal neurosecretory system (CNSS) is a fish-specific neuroendocrine complex whose function(s) remain uncertain despite over 60 years of research. Osmoregulatory roles for the CNSS have been hypothesized, but molecular regulation of the CNSS following changes in environmental salinity remains poorly characterized. Therefore, we performed transcriptomics on the CNSS of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to establish: (1) how the CNSS responds following seawater (SW) transfer, and (2) which endocrine systems contribute to osmoregulatory responses in the CNSS. Responses following SW transfer varied at 24 h versus 168 h, with changes primarily affecting membrane transport and transcriptional processes at 24 h and neuronal processes at 168 h. Components of several osmoregulation-associated endocrine systems were affected (e.g., corticosteroid receptors), including some that have not previously been identified in the CNSS (e.g., calcitonin). Additionally, transcript levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) peptides-which have osmoregulatory functions and were highly abundant in the CNSS-were approximately twofold higher after 24 h in SW. Therefore, we performed additional experiments investigating CRF peptides in a more euryhaline salmonid, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Smolts had up to 12-fold higher levels of CRF peptide transcripts than parr, but abundance declined following SW transfer. Additionally, CRF transcripts were lower 24 h following freshwater transfer of SW-acclimated salmon. These results suggest that CRF peptides acutely aid in coordinating physiological responses following fluctuations in environmental salinity via anticipatory and/or responsive mechanisms. Collectively, our data indicate that CNSS-mediated production of CRF peptides has osmoregulatory functions and provide a resource for investigations of novel CNSS functions
Affirming Identity: Exploring Black Travelers Perceptions of Inclusive Tourism
No full textThe issue of race and tourism has been a surprisingly under researched area of study, with limited attention to the tourism experiences of racial minorities. However in recent years, there has been a small, but growing number of scholars focused on understanding the experiences of Black travelers. This work has largely focused on the experiences of Black American travelers and as a result there have been calls for broadening the scope of what is considered "Black Travel". This research aims to fill that gap through the use of a qualitative approach known as descriptive cognitive interviews. This process will explore the cross-cultural connections Black travelers from the U.S., Jamaica, and Ghana. This pilot study tests the probing questions designed for the comprehensive cognitive interviews. Preliminary results identity the following subthemes associated with the ways in which the tourism industry can affirm their identity: Recognition: Cultural Connections and Safety/Comfort; Belonging: Community Engagement and Inclusive Environments; and Representation: Racial and Cultural Visibility and Pride
Analysis of environmental impacts of tourists’ ridesharing transport
No full textThis study examines the environmental impact of tourist ridesharing from 2016 to 2022, focusing on short-distance trips to airports and tourist destinations. Using data from a Slovenian ridesharing provider, the research explores how shared mobility reduces vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) and mitigates CO2 emissions. The dataset includes nearly 2 million passengers and 295,881 rides, analyzing occupancy rates, distances traveled, and saved kilometers. Results indicate that ridesharing saved 172 million kilometers traveled and avoided 15 million kg of CO2 emissions during the observed period, with an average CO2 reduction of 51 kg per trip. Findings highlight ridesharing's role in addressing environmental challenges in tourist transportation, particularly where public transit infrastructure is insufficient. Despite challenges like COVID-19's impact on demand, ridesharing's high occupancy rates demonstrate significant potential for fostering sustainable travel practices. The study advocates for further integration of ridesharing into regional transportation systems and policies to enhance environmental and economic benefits
Stakeholder Perceptions of Historical Markers in Coastal Georgia
No full textStakeholder Perceptions of Historical Markers in Coastal Georgia Coastal Georgia is a region steeped in rich history, making it an important area for studying historical markers. The region’s colonial history is equally significant, as it was among the earliest areas settled during the formation of the United States. This history includes the establishment of key settlements, colonial trade routes, and interactions between European settlers and Indigenous populations, all of which shaped the area’s cultural landscape. The three-county region of Chatham, Glynn, and McIntosh Counties in Coastal Georgia includes numerous African American historical sites, which are critical to understanding the broader cultural and historical narratives of the area. These sites highlight key aspects of African American heritage, including the contributions of the Gullah Geechee people, the legacy of slavery, and the ongoing efforts to preserve underrepresented histories. By examining historical markers in this region, valuable insights into how local communities share and celebrate their heritage while addressing historical gaps can be obtained. The Georgia Historical Marker Program includes over 2,200 markers statewide with approximately 250 markers located in the three-county region under investigation. The purpose of this study was to examine how historical markers in the three-county region of Coastal Georgia support the understanding and sharing of local history, contribute to community pride, encourage local tourism efforts, and directly and/or indirectly provide additional value to local stakeholders. Literature Review Historical markers are vital to heritage tourism, which emphasizes authentic, place-based experiences. Heritage tourism attracts older, affluent, and educated travelers, fostering longer stays and increased spending (Mandala Research, 2013). These travelers often seek meaningful connections to the places they visit, making historical markers a key component of their experiences. Heritage tourism also supports economic development by preserving history, entertaining tourists, and enhancing local culture (Chhabra, 2009). Historical markers, as a form of cultural preservation, can bolster a community's sense of place while facilitating educational opportunities and tourism growth (Gursoy et al., 2019). By embedding historical narratives into physical spaces, markers transform destinations into living museums, enriching the visitor experience. In Coastal Georgia, markers have helped narrate underrepresented histories, such as African American and Gullah Geechee heritage, addressing gaps in historical representation (Bright et al., 2021; Dickey, 2020). Furthermore, colonial history, including early settlements and trade routes, also plays a critical role in shaping the region’s historical identity. The interplay of these diverse narratives underscores the importance of historical markers in fostering inclusive, multi-dimensional storytelling that resonates with both local communities and visitors. These markers also support the understanding and sharing of history, enhance community pride, and contribute to tourism and local stakeholder value by providing authentic, educational, and economic opportunities. Methodology The study employed a qualitative research design to gain an in-depth understanding of stakeholder perceptions regarding historical markers in Coastal Georgia. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with 10 key stakeholders from various organizations in the local area. These stakeholders were selected based on their expertise, involvement, and familiarity with historical markers in a three-county region in Coastal Georgia. The interviews were conducted via telephone and lasted approximately 30 minutes. The interviews followed a semi-structured format to ensure consistency while allowing flexibility for participants to elaborate on their perspectives. The interview guide included open-ended questions addressing key themes such as the role of historical markers in community pride, tourism, education, and local economic development. Questions also explored accessibility challenges and the inclusivity of historical narratives. Interviews were recorded with participant consent and subsequently transcribed for analysis. The data were coded and analyzed using NVivo 11 software, following thematic analysis principles. This process involved identifying recurring themes, categorizing responses, and generating patterns based on the interview framework. A total of 29 nodes were created and coalesced around six major themes related to history, tourism, values, interactions, daily lives, and community pride. Triangulation was employed to enhance the study’s validity and reliability. Data from interviews were cross-referenced with findings from relevant literature, online resources, and surveys conducted with residents and visitors to the study area. The use of multiple data sources ensured a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder perceptions and minimized researcher bias. Results The findings highlight the multifaceted roles of historical markers in fostering history-sharing, tourism, and community engagement. Stakeholders emphasized that markers are essential for educating residents and visitors about local history, serving as tools for validating and preserving historical significance. They also noted that historical markers enhance the tourism experience by providing authentic, place-based attractions that contribute to longer visitor stays and greater economic benefits for local communities. Additionally, markers indirectly support local economies by encouraging visitation to lesser-known areas, dispersing tourists, and providing opportunities for new programming and partnerships. Stakeholders perceived historical markers as significant contributors to community identity and pride, creating a "sense of place" for both residents and visitors. However, challenges such as accessibility issues and the underrepresentation of diverse histories, particularly African American and Gullah Geechee narratives, were identified as critical areas for improvement. These findings demonstrate that historical markers in Coastal Georgia successfully support the understanding and sharing of local history, enhance community pride, encourage tourism, and provide value to stakeholders, though improvements are needed to address gaps in accessibility and inclusivity. Conclusion and Discussion The Georgia Historical Marker Program significantly contributes to heritage tourism, community pride, and historical education in Coastal Georgia. Stakeholders recognized the markers as critical for fostering authentic cultural engagement and supporting local economies. Additionally, historical markers align with the growing trend toward slow tourism, as they encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the destination by exploring historical marker routes. This approach allows for a deeper connection to the local history and culture while promoting extended stays and sustainable tourism practices. However, efforts to address accessibility and represent underrepresented histories remain crucial. Future research should explore broader stakeholder perspectives, including those from the hospitality and education sectors, to enhance marker programs and their impact. The study’s findings support historical markers in Coastal Georgia effectively support the understanding and sharing of local history, enhance community pride, encourage tourism efforts, and provide direct and indirect value to stakeholders. However, efforts to address accessibility and representation of underrepresented histories remain crucial. Future research should explore broader stakeholder perspectives to enhance marker programs and their impact. References Bright, C. F., Foster, K. N., Joyner, A., & Tanny, O. (2021). Heritage tourism, historic roadside markers, and "just representation" in Tennessee, USA. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 29(2-3), 428-447. Chhabra, D. (2009). Proposing a sustainable marketing framework for heritage tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 17(3), 303-320. Dickey, J. (2020). "Cameos of History" on the landscape: the changes and challenges of Georgia’s Historical Marker Program. The Public Historian, 42(2), 33-55. Gursoy, D., Ouyang, Z., Nunkoo, R., & Wei, W. (2019). Residents’ impact perceptions of and attitudes towards tourism development: A meta-analysis. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management, 28(3), 306-333. Mandala Research. (2013). The 2013 cultural and heritage traveler report. Retrieved from https://mandalaresearch.com/reports-new/ on June 19, 2021
Exploring content curation strategy for user-generated Instagram photos: The case of U.S. state DMOs
No full textContent curation is a crucial marketing strategy for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). Today it is particularly relevant for social media platforms such as Instagram given their relevancy for destination marketing to shape tourists' perceptions and decision-making. To leverage photos on Instagram effectively, DMOs strategically incorporate user-generated photos on their official accounts. This study investigates the content curation strategies for user-generated photos for 50 U.S. state DMOs. Analyzing their Instagram accounts from January 2013 to December 2023, we find that these DMOs have increasingly adopted content curation strategies over time. DMOs conducting high curation intensity with high content alignment generate the most user engagement. This study contributes to tourism marketing literature on the adoption of user-generated content in the social media context. The findings also provide practical guidance for U.S. state DMOs in crafting their social media strategies
Carbon-aware Resource Management for Cloud Computing Platforms
No full textThe rising demand for computing has led to a significant increase in energy consumption. In 2023, data centers consumed 176 terawatt-hours (TWh), with estimates predicting consumption to rise between 325 and 580 TWh by 2028. As fossil fuels continue to be the primary energy source, the increased energy demand leads to higher carbon emissions, with cloud data centers becoming significant contributors to global carbon emissions. In response to this issue, cloud platforms are increasingly focusing on sustainability and minimizing their operational carbon footprint. While earlier strategies centered on enhancing the energy efficiency of data centers, I advocate for prioritizing carbon emissions as a first-class objective.
In this thesis, I propose novel resource management techniques that allow cloud users and operators to reduce their operational carbon emissions. First, I propose an optimal scheduling algorithm that leverages the elasticity of cloud batch applications, where a job dynamically varies its server allocation based on fluctuations in the carbon intensity of the grid's energy. I quantify and show how the proposed technique significantly reduces carbon emissions without performance overheads and possible cost overheads.
Second, I evaluate the three-way trade-off between carbon emissions, performance, and cost for batch schedulers in hybrid cloud clusters. I show how carbon-aware scheduling can increase job completion times due to delayed execution and how carbon-aware adjustments change the demand pattern by periodically leaving resources idle, resulting in a trade-off between carbon emissions and cost.
Third, I analyze the conflict between carbon efficiency --- work done per unit of carbon --- and energy efficiency --- work done per unit of energy --- for batch workloads and show how optimizing for carbon efficiency often reduces energy efficiency. Next, I experimentally quantify the carbon-cost-performance trade-offs for both interactive and batch cloud applications, examining the extent of stampede effects that cloud providers may encounter as clients become more carbon-conscious.
Finally, I propose a cluster resource manager for carbon-aware resource provisioning and scheduling for cloud-based batch workloads. The scheduler leverages continuous learning over historical cluster-level data to drive near-optimal runtime resource provisioning and job scheduling. I show how my continuous learning approach is able to mimic the decisions of an oracle scheduler with perfect knowledge of future carbon intensity and job lengths in online settings.Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.
Connecting Downtowns and Trails for Economic Development: Insights from New Hampshire, USA
No full textCommunities across the globe are interested in how their local natural assets can be better integrated into improvements in quality of life and downtown vibrancy. Trail infrastructure can be an important natural asset, literally and figuratively bringing together residents, visitors, and business owners. Over the past five years we’ve researched, piloted, implemented, and evaluated a program, Downtowns & Trails, to meet these needs in New Hampshire. Our findings are relevant for communities and professionals across the globe who are looking to better connect their business districts with natural assets such as trails and waterways to support visitors and residents alike. Across the four community projects, we identified four key themes as essential components for bringing the community-based project from the stages of vision to implementation. These include 1) collaboration, 2) local champions, 3) effective marketing and outreach, and 4) representation and authentic voices
Mediating role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Consumer Purchase Decision in a Developing Country: A Consumer Behavior Analysis
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to fill the knowledge gap regarding the effect of CSR in a developing country and overall awareness level of people about CSR. The paper looks to perform as a guideline for the organizations looking to keep up with the emerging trends of Marketing. Design/Methodology/Approach: Cross-Sectional survey method was used to collect data and Convenience Sampling Technique was used to select the participants of the survey. The survey was done by integrating both online and offline information collection from the respondents. Findings: The results showed that CSR has both a direct and indirect influence on consumer buying behavior and fit in the Consumer Behavior Model. Based on the respondents considered CSR resulted in an indirect variation of .697 . When considered in the Model, CSR along with other variables influenced consumer buying decision by .9152, this identified the fact that people living in a developing country do consider CSR when making a purchase decision. Originality/Value: The paper contributes to the existing literature on consumer buying behavior. The paper opens up opportunities for further analysis of the Consumer Behavior Model. Research Limitations: Bangladesh was considered as a country representing developing country and the 259 respondents represented the larger population. This opens up opportunities for further adding to the literature by considering different segments of people. Also the integration of Consumer Behavior Model showed that other relevant factors may fit in the Model, opening up new routes for further research. All of which were not endeavored in this particular paper
Building Destination Resilience through Stakeholder Collaboration: Applying Social Network Analysis to Transform Coastal Destination Management
No full textIntroduction In light of the rapid changes shaping the tourism landscape, transformative approaches that integrate economic, social, and ecological dimensions are increasingly essential for the sustainable development of tourism destinations (Pechlaner et al. 2022). The growing emphasis on sustainability and resilience in tourism underscores the role of participatory destination development as a fundamental strategy for achieving long-term stability in tourism regions (Jamal and Getz 1995; Gao et al. 2024). The active involvement and networking of diverse stakeholders form the basis for resilient and sustainable tourism development (Freeman 1984). Recent studies, such as Hartman et al. (2020), highlight that effective destination management requires moving beyond traditional marketing models toward governance frameworks that prioritize collaboration and adaptive capacity. This shift toward network-driven governance not only enables the integration of diverse stakeholder interests but also provides a cohesive structure for tackling complex challenges unique to each destination. Within this context, engaging local actors is transformative, as it serves as a critical mechanism for embedding ecological and social priorities within development processes and securing long-term acceptance and resilience (Hartman et al. 2020). Literature Review This research aims to develop a sensitivity model that identifies and analyzes key success factors and structural vulnerabilities in the stakeholder networks of tourism-dependent coastal regions. Using the case of Sankt Peter-Ording, this study explores how stakeholder networks can foster stability and adaptability in tourism development. Building upon stakeholder theory (Freeman 1984), we argue that effective stakeholder engagement underpins sustainable decision-making processes by mitigating structural power imbalances and supporting collaborative governance. Hartman et al. (2020) further support this framework by demonstrating that resilient destination management is achieved through coalition-building, where cohesive actor networks not only balance stakeholder influence but also bolster destination resilience. Our approach is refined through social network analysis (SNA) (Scott 2000), which illuminates relationships and power dynamics within the network, identifying structural barriers and collaborative opportunities. By combining these theoretical foundations, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder roles, interactions, and factors that influence sustainable development. Methodology This study follows a triangulated methodological approach, blending qualitative and quantitative methods to capture the intricate relationships within stakeholder networks. Data collection involves semi-structured interviews with 40 key stakeholders, including representatives from tourism associations, conservation organizations, local governments, and civil society. The standardized interview guidelines are designed to ensure the reliability and validity of findings, laying the foundation for rigorous data analysis. The qualitative component delves deeply into the interests, power dynamics, and reciprocal expectations among stakeholders. In parallel, social network analysis (SNA) is employed to visualize and quantitatively assess the structural relationships among stakeholders. Core network metrics, such as betweenness centrality, degree centrality, and network density, facilitate the identification of “bridge actors” and “gatekeepers,” who play pivotal roles in information flows and decision-making. These actors are essential for fostering communication and collaboration across various interest groups, representing leverage points to strengthen network resilience. SNA in this study also reveals peripheral actors and isolated segments within the network, which are identified as structural vulnerabilities that limit equitable participation and hinder cohesive governance. The visualization of these power and interest structures within the network supports the development of strategic recommendations that specifically address these barriers, furthering the adaptive capacity in complex tourism networks. Results The sensitivity model developed in this study offers critical insights into the value of balanced and inclusive stakeholder participation and provides practical guidelines for destination managers and policymakers to address the complex challenges of modern tourism in coastal regions. The model illustrates how coalition-building among stakeholders can address systemic vulnerabilities by promoting collaboration within diverse actor networks, thereby enhancing both ecological and social resilience and allows destination managers to formulate targeted recommendations for empowering stakeholder groups with limited decision-making influence, thus achieving a balance between ecological and economic interests and enhancing the social acceptance of sustainable tourism strategies. Furthermore, the model reveals actionable insights into the integration of peripheral actors within network structures, enhancing the resilience and robustness of the overall stakeholder network. Thus, destination managers and policymakers are provided with a practical tool to facilitate the transformation toward sustainable tourism strategies. The strength of this study lies in bridging theoretical and practical insights, underscoring both the scientific and practical significance of network analysis in tourism. By emphasizing productive coalition-building this sensitivity model advances an innovative framework for identifying and addressing weaknesses within stakeholder networks, fostering a holistic and sustainable approach to destination management. Conclusion and Discussion In summary, this study demonstrates that active and balanced stakeholder engagement is essential for sustainable and resilient destination development. By combining stakeholder theory and social network analysis, this research constructs a comprehensive picture of network structures and power dynamics. The sensitivity model and its findings not only enhance the understanding of destination governance but also equip managers with strategic tools to foster cohesive networks. These insights and practical recommendations contribute to the sustainable structuring of destination development processes and strengthen the capacity of tourism-dependent coastal regions to adapt and flourish amidst transformative challenges. References Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach. Boston: Pitman. Gao, X., et al. (2024). "Stakeholder Perceptions of Sustainable Tourism Development: A Case Study in Haikou, China." Sustainability, 16(16), 6742 Jamal, T. B., and Getz, D. (1995). "Collaboration Theory and Community Tourism Planning." Annals of Tourism Research, 22(1): 186-204. Hartman, S., Wielenga, B., & Heslinga, J. H. (2020). "The future of tourism destination management: building productive coalitions of actor networks for complex destination development." Journal of Tourism Futures, 6(3), 213–218. Scott, J. (2000). Social Network Analysis: A Handbook (2nd ed.). London: Sage Publications. Pechlaner, H./Zacher, D./Störmann, E. (2022): Resilienz Als Strategie in Region, Destination und Unternehmen. Eine Raumbezogene Perspektive. Wiesbaden: Springer