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Assessing tourism potential for rural tourism development: Promoting SDGs and economic opportunities to the B40 community—A mixed method approach
Get PDFThis research explores the untapped tourism potential of three tranquil villages in Bukit Tengah, Penang, Malaysia. Its overarching strategy is to foster sustainability and economic growth, particularly in the B40 communities of the area. Employing mixed-methods research, the study evaluates tourism products through systematic weighted scoring, questionnaire surveys, and interviews with key informants and tourism stakeholders. The sustainable development theory is used in this study as a conceptual framework for rural tourism development, emphasising the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions to ensure long-term viability and benefits for local communities. The results indicate the latent potential for rural tourism development in the three villages, contingent upon garnering local support and collaborating with tourism stakeholders. The study highlights the capacity of rural tourism promotion in generating additional income for the local population, thus promoting both environmental sustainability and community well-being. These findings align with the state government’s goal of achieving balanced tourism growth between the island and Seberang Prai regions. Moreover, this research also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 11, recognising the role of tourism in achieving goals such as poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and community well-being, all of which are relevant to rural tourism development
Significant guidance for the effective management of construction waste in North Africa and the Middle East countries
Get PDFDeveloping countries in North Africa and the Middle East have a low rate of waste recovery (15%) compared with developed countries (90%). The study aims to investigate the main reasons behind this lag. A literature review was conducted to design a questionnaire for scrutinizing waste management plans applied during design, waste mitigation techniques during construction and government support of this sector. The results indicated that there is lack of updated regulations, 74% of stakeholders still sending waste for landfill disposal, whereas other waste hierarchy processes (recycling and reduction) accounts only 7% and weak support of government. In conclusion, the current situation of waste management is not effective, so quick actions from both government and stakeholders were proposed to improve waste management practices
Tourism destination sustainability: The systematic literature review
Get PDFThe sustainable development of tourism destinations is a continual and evolving process crucial for long-term value and well-being. However, the existing literature reveals a gap in understanding how to effectively evaluate the sustainable development of tourism objects, with a predominant focus on developed countries. This raises concerns about the applicability of similar strategies in underdeveloped nations. This study employs an analysis of the scientific literature to address the identified research problem. We propose a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to sustainable tourism management, aiming to equalize the distribution of economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Our focus is on developing a theoretical evaluation model that goes beyond conventional frameworks and includes both broad and narrow dimensions. The research uncovers that sustainable development, as presented by various authors, encompasses economic benefits, environmental protection, and social dimension management. We introduce a sustainability management model that surpasses existing systems, offering a holistic perspective. Moreover, we emphasize the significance of voluntary publicity for environmental and socio-cultural activities in enhancing a tourism destination’s image and societal value. Our study contributes a theoretical evaluation model based on global criteria for sustainable tourism. This model not only evaluates the dimensions of coherence broadly but also incorporates specific criteria for a nuanced analysis of the current situation and potential opportunities. The proposed framework aims to guide tourism destinations in achieving economic benefits without compromising the environment and prioritizing the well-being of local communities, thus fostering a more sustainable and equitable development process
A new approach to measure spatial variability of soil parameters and field technique to test-value specific fertilizer recommendations
Get PDFInformation on the distribution of soil properties is important to know the status of nutrients in the soils based on which fertilizer nutrients are recommended. Given the variability of nutrients in the soils, making a site-specific fertilizer recommendation seems to be a compelling work. To determine the spatial variability of soil nutrients and to make judicious and precise fertilizer recommendations, new measures are designed with this study. These measures are tested against the soil samples (n = 43) for total nitrogen (N), organic matter (OM), phosphorus (P2O5), and potassium (K2O) in the study area. The descriptive statistical analysis indicated an average of low nitrogen and organic matter, while phosphorus was found to be very high and the level of potassium was high. The spread of nutrients across the data sets, however, included low, medium, high, and very high levels of ratings. The Deviation Square Index was developed and applied for the variability measurement and found that the largest variation was with phosphorus distribution, followed by potassium, nitrogen, and organic matter. The coefficient of variation (CV%) analysis also exhibited similar trends in nutrient distributions. Nitrogen was the main determinant explaining the variations in rice yield, while phosphorus and potash were negatively related to the yield. An index of fertilizer nutrient recommendation called Test-Value Specific Dose (TVSD) was developed and used to calculate the nutrient recommendation for each sampled location. This new method gave easy and more accurate doses of fertilizer over the blanket recommendation to fit the variations across the soil samples
Automation and control system implementation in a smallholder crop production in Uganda: A review
Get PDFThis review paper explores the potential of automation and control systems in addressing critical challenges faced by agriculture in developing countries, with a specific focus on their applicability in Uganda. The study aims to comprehensively evaluate the role of these systems in enhancing agricultural practices, including the identification of adoption challenges, assessment of potential benefits, investigation of system effectiveness, and provision of evidence-based recommendations. The findings reveal that while there are notable obstacles such as high initial costs, limited technical expertise, and database constraints, there are also substantial opportunities, particularly through the integration of supportive information and communication technology (ICT) strategies and policies. Automation has demonstrated its effectiveness in various agricultural tasks, from mechanized tractors to food processing and livestock farming, offering promising prospects for value addition, irrigation, hydroponics, aquaponics, greenhouse farming, and livestock management. Despite the current modest adoption rates, the study provides compelling evidence supporting the need for increased utilization of automation and control systems in Uganda’s agriculture. Collaboration among stakeholders, formulation of supportive policies, development of comprehensive databases, prioritization of tailored ICT infrastructure, and facilitation of knowledge sharing are recommended to overcome challenges and harness the transformative capability of automation. In conclusion, embracing automation holds the key to enhancing the sustainability and food security of Uganda’s agriculture, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in guiding the sector’s future advancement
SIRT3 Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Kidney Injury through Notch1 Signaling
No full textBackground: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the main complication of critical care and has a variety of causes. Silent information regulator 2-related enzyme 3 (SIRT3) plays an important role in kidney diseases, including AKI. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SIRT3 on AKI in mice and its possible mechanism. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment was used to establish an animal model of AKI. Stable overexpression of SIRT3 in this model was achieved by injection of adeno-associated vector (Aav) expression system for overexpression of SIRT3 (Aav-SIRT3). Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were detected by biochemical analysis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to evaluate SIRT3 and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (Notch1) expression levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, as well as oxidative stress indices. Western blot was used to evaluate the level of protein expression. Results: The LPS treatment group showed increased SCr, BUN, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), and Notch1 compared to the control group, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and SIRT3 expression were decreased. However, overexpression of SIRT3 could reverse the above changes. Similar changes in the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, MDA, SOD, Notch1 and hairy and enhancer of split-1 (Hes-1) were observed after SIRT3 overexpression in LPS-induced HK-2 cells. These changes could be reversed by the addition of Notch1 activator. Conclusions: SIRT3 can improve LPS-induced AKI by regulating Notch1 signaling, thus providing a new approach for the treatment of AKI
Fibroblast-Derived TSLP Promotes Ovarian Cancer Metastasis by Altering the Immune Microenvironment
No full textBackground: Fibroblast-derived Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP), an inflammatory cytokine, plays a significant role in regulating the tumor microenvironment and immune responses. This study aimed to investigate the role of TSLP in ovarian cancer (OVCA) metastasis and its underlying mechanisms that modify the immune microenvironment and drive type 2 immunity. Methods: The role of TSLP in OVCA metastasis was evaluated using both the in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The expression levels of TSLP, its associated immune cell infiltration and type 2 immune-related factors were evaluated in non-metastatic and metastatic OVCA employing flow cytometry, Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blot analysis. Results: We found that TSLP was upregulated in fibroblasts and the TSLP receptor (TSLPR) was significantly upregulated in immune cells in the metastatic microenvironment (p < 0.01). Moreover, inhibition of TSLP substantially decreased the migration of both T cells and eosinophils. Furthermore, inhibition of TSLP reduced the formation of metastatic foci and modulated immune response within these foci (p < 0.01). Additionally, both in vivo and in vitro experimental results showed that TSLP promoted OVCA cell migration and invasion, and enhanced type 2 immune response of immune cells (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that fibroblast-derived TSLP plays a crucial role in promoting OVCA metastasis by altering the immune microenvironment and stimulating type 2 immune response. This study provides a theoretical basis for devising novel therapeutic strategies and targeted treatment of TSLP
Manilkara zapota Leaves and Anxiolytic Activity: Potential Benefits in Caffeine-Induced Experimental Animals with Anxiety
No full textBackground: One of the most popular drinks in the world is caffeine, which is known to produce anxiety symptoms that are clinical in nature. There are numerous classes of anxiolytics in the market. Still, there is always a need to find safe substitutes for medications because of their poor effectiveness and long-term side effects. This study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic effects of Manilkara zapota (MZ) leaf extract on caffeine-induced anxiety in mice. Methods: The study was conducted on albino mice, in which anxiety disease was induced with a caffeine dose of 25 mg/kg by intraperitoneal (i.p) route. The animals were pretreated with different drugs for 14 days and caffeine was administered during the last 7 days of the treatment. The mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 6 animals each, including control, caffeine (used for inducing anxiety), diazepam (1 mg/kg by oral route, as reference standard), and three doses of MZ (150, 300, and 450 mg/kg orally). Various behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were evaluated in caffeine-induced anxiety. Results: MZ leaf extract demonstrated a significant increase in behavioral activity. In light/dark exploration (LDE), the extract significantly increased (p < 0.01) the duration spent in the light chamber and the number of switches from light to dark, which was otherwise diminished by caffeine. Similarly, in the open field test (OFT), the extract shows a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the number of rearing and the squares crossed. In the force swim test (FST), the extract showed an increase in the immobility time compared to the inducer. Compared to the caffeine-treated group, there was a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the levels of catalase, glutathione, and serotonin in the extract-treated groups. The histopathological changes showed a considerable decrease in the caffeine-induced damage in the brain and showed normal morphology in the hippocampus (dentate gyrus) region. Conclusion: In the present study, data suggested that MZ extract exhibited anxiolytic-like activity. The observed activity could be linked to enhanced antioxidant status that was responsible for restoring the serotonin level and preventing structural damage in the brain. More research might provide a cost-effective alternative source for treating anxiety disorders
Exploring the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Icariin-Mediated Regulation of Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4 Gene Expression in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
No full textObjective: This work aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of icariin (ICA) on postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) and explore its association with the fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) gene, providing novel insights into the mechanisms of osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: Forty-five healthy rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group S1 (icariin treatment), Group S2 (model), and Group S3 (sham surgery). Measurements included body weight, spatial structural parameters of tibia and lumbar vertebrae tissue, FABP4 gene expression, and Bone Gla protein (BGP) levels. Results: The body weight of rats in Group S1 was slightly lower than that of Group S2 at weeks 7 and 14, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) were also slightly lower than those in Group S3, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). However, the spatial structural parameters of tibia and lumbar vertebrae tissue, including bone volume (BV), total bone volume (TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular connectivity density (Conn.D), were significantly higher in Group S1 than in Groups S2 and S3. FABP4 gene expression and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) were significantly lower in Group S1 than in Groups S2 and S3 (p < 0.05). Additionally, the maximum bending and compressive loads of the tibia and serum BGP levels were significantly higher in Group S1 than in Groups S2 and S3 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: ICA effectively improved the strength of bone tissue in PMOP rats and enhanced the ultrastructural characteristics of trabecular bone. These effects may be associated with ICAs inhibition of FABP4 gene expression, increased serum BGP levels, and improved osteoblast activity. These findings provided important clues for further exploration of the mechanisms of PMOP treatment
Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Radiotherapy: Present Status and Future Prospects
No full textThe tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely related to the effect of radiotherapy on tumor cells. The changes in the TME after radiotherapy affect tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the TME. Their aggregation, phenotype change, and various cytokines released by macrophages after radiation therapy significantly affect the response of tumor cells to radiation and are important targets for improving the therapeutic effect of radiation therapy in the future. However, the effect of radiation on TAMs and the specific mechanism by which TAMs affect sensitivity to radiotherapy are still unclear. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the effects of radiotherapy on the phenotype of TAMs, the mechanism by which radiotherapy recruits TAMs, and the effect of TAMs on the radiosensitivity of tumor cells. The possible use of TAMs as a potential therapeutic target in combination with radiotherapy with a focus on improving radioresistance and enhancing anti-tumor immune activity has also been discussed. This provides a theoretical basis for the combined use of radiotherapy and targeted TAMs therapy in the future to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy