Cultural Benefits Research Articles

Intra-Articular Injection of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Reduces Radiographic Osteoarthritis in an Ovine Model.

To determine if mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from human umbilical cords (hUC) could reduce degeneration developing when injected into the knee of a large animal model of osteoarthritis (OA). Ten million culture-expanded UC-MSCs (pooled from 3 human donors) were injected in 50 μL of tissue culture medium into the left stifle joints of 7 sheep whose medial meniscus was transected 4 weeks previously. Seven other sheep had only 50 μL of medium injected as the no treatment "control" group. After 8 weeks the sheep underwent euthanasia, the joints were excised and examined macroscopically, via x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both via histology for degenerative and inflammatory changes and immunohistochemically to identify any human cells within the joint tissues. Activity monitoring both before meniscus transection and euthanasia was also undertaken. There was a significant reduction in the Kellgren-Lawrence x-ray score for joints injected with hUC-MSCs compared with the control joints. Likewise, macroscopic, MRI, synovitis and OARSI histology scores were all lower (better) in the joints injected with hUC-MSCs than in the control arm, but not significantly. Activity levels and synovitis scores were similar in both groups of animals. hUC-MSCs appear to modify and reduce the development of osteoarthritic changes in the ovine stifle joint after meniscal destabilization, an injury which commonly leads to OA in humans. These results are encouraging for the potential benefit of culture expanded UC-MSCs as an allogeneic cell therapy in patients who may have early OA following a meniscal injury of the knee.

Culture Suitability of Macrobrachium rude with Carp Polyculture in Bangladesh

The experiment assessed the production performance of Gura Chingri (Macrobrachium rude) in polyculture systems across different stocking densities over six months from February 2023 to July 2023. Three treatments (T1, T2, and T3), replicated three times each, were implemented, with varying stocking densities for Gura Chingri, Suborno Rui, Catla, and Silver carp. Following stocking, formulated feeds containing 28-30 % protein was administered, initially at 8% of biomass, gradually reduced to 3%. After six months, the highest mean final weights for individual Prawn (1.10±0.10) g, Suborno Rui (445.68±24.6) g, Catla (511.80±15.72) g, and Silver carp (560.15±13.26) g were recorded in the T2 treatment. Suborno Rui exhibited significantly lower growth performance in T1 compared to T2 and T3, while Chingri showed statistically significant higher growth performance in T2 compared to T1 and T3 (p < 0.05). The food conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lowest in T2 (1.66) and highest in T1 (1.78) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the highest survival rates were observed in T2 for Prawn (62.21%) g, Suborno Rui (98.7%) g, Catla (98.5%) g, and Silver carp (99.82%) g. Based on these findings, carp polyculture can be an effective way for the farmers to achieve optimal production and financial benefits in Gura chingri culture. Further research is needed to develop consistant and environmentaly sustainable culture system of Gura chingri.

Multifunctionality, social benefits, and engagement: insights for forest restoration success from a study case in Brazil

Social, economic, and ecological aspects must be considered for ecological restoration projects to be successful. Multifunctionality, achieved when restored ecosystems have multiple uses, is the desired goal for these projects. Understanding people's perceptions of forest restoration is essential to advance the debate on stakeholder acceptance and engagement. Based on a 30‐year case study of forest restoration on a university campus in Brazil, we assessed (1) how project objectives relate to contemporary multifunctionality and social attributes; (2) how the current state of the forest meets social goals; and (3) how stakeholders perceive the importance of the forest and the project itself. We used documents, interviews, and questionnaires, applying content analysis and narrative interpretation with the “social benefits wheel” and the “five‐star social system” to assess how the initial project objectives corresponded to contemporary social development goals and its progress toward social goals. The results revealed that socioecological goals were incorporated from the beginning of the project, ensuring a multifunctional approach. Respondents highlighted ecological, social, and cultural functions, with 84% expressing positive feelings toward the forest. Ecosystem services, especially regulatory and cultural benefits, were recognized as the most valuable. Although academic use was significant, nonmaterial values, such as cultural and emotional connections, were more prominent. The study concludes that a well‐planned restoration project involving the local community generates lasting support for ecological restoration. This information strongly supports Brazil's voluntary reforestation targets proposed in the Paris Agreement.

Co-Developing Business Plans for Upscaled Coastal Nature-Based Solutions Restoration: An Application to the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

Upscaling coastal nature-based solutions (NbSs), from the river to sea scale, essential to the ultimate success of restoration, requires larger investments, greater socio-economic engagement and a transformative shift in governance. Consequently, the ability to catalyze blended finance from public and private investors through business model innovation and accessibly written long-range business plans is imperative. This research proposes a methodology to systematically co-design, through iterative stakeholder engagement, suitable and effective business models for upscaling NbSs coastal restoration, as well as a framework to develop business plans adaptable to different investors needs and financial criteria. This method was tested and validated in a saltmarsh restoration project coordinated by public agencies in the Venice Lagoon. It delivered an advanced business model canvas, carefully assessed through a stakeholder questionnaire and a related business case centered on ecotourism complemented by a willingness-to-pay analysis. The resulting business plan lays out the governance, management, business and financial strategies for successful restoration, addressing specific interconnected issues, improving five main ecosystem services and delivering NbS multifunctional environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits. The methodology has proven to be applicable beyond the Venice Lagoon saltmarsh case and types of restoration projects.

Outcomes of an agri-environmental scheme in the management of common pastures in northern Portugal: Social benefits and effects on local capacity for collective action

Baldios are wide areas, integrated in extensive farming systems, historically held and managed by local communities for animal grazing and other extractive activities in support of their livelihoods. This land tenure regime persisted despite successive political and socioeconomic changes that threatened its communitarian nature, profoundly influencing the socioeconomic structure of rural areas. Today, use and possession of the baldios by the local communities is safeguarded by formal legal rights. In 2007 an agri-environmental scheme (AES) designed for managing the pastures in the baldios was proposed to the commoners of two protected areas. While one was successfully implemented and is still active, the other was discontinued. This study focuses on the Peneda-Gerês National Park experience, where the AES was widely adopted, aiming to understand the effects of its implementation on local dynamics for management of baldios, looking at its social and cultural benefits, particularly regarding local capacity for collective action. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in all the baldios in the park, and a period of stay in one of the villages allowed an opportunity for deeper analysis. Other stakeholders were also interviewed (e.g., state institutions). We argue that the benefits of this scheme went beyond the direct monetary payouts, playing an important role in the revitalization of local institutions. Moreover, we conclude that in depopulated and aging rural areas, top-down site-specific agri-environmental schemes that rely on existing social and institutional structures to operate are critical to recover and/or recreate institutions and practices for local collective landscape management.

Post-pandemic positions: new perspectives on international education and public diplomacy in Australia

PurposeIn an era of internationalism, higher education and vocational training have been core to Australia’s nation-building, regional co-operation and public diplomacy. This essay examines what has become of the people-to-people aspect of Australia’s engagements in the Indo-Pacific region, as discussed in the Australian government’s influential White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century (2012). More recently, established patterns of international educational exchange, and their economic, social and cultural benefits, have been disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, shifting international relations and domestic politics, with consequences for international education and public diplomacy.Design/methodology/approachThis essay introduces the scholarly context for a reappraisal of Australian histories of international education within the Indo-Pacific region since the mid-20th century, and the role of NGOs, academia and government in educational schemes and scholarships. It draws on an approach informed by international history, the history of education and diplomatic studies, to provide an overview of key themes and the past and present case studies discussed in the seven articles of this special journal issue.FindingsThe little-known histories of international education in Australia, and associated scholarship schemes, are important aspects of soft power or public diplomacy and the nation’s relations with the Indo-Pacific region. We argue that there needs to be greater acknowledgement of the vital role of these interpersonal interactions and the international organisations that facilitated such exchanges in histories of Australia’s internationalism and diplomacy. While Australian governments have initiated scholarship programmes, what is becoming clear is that understanding their significance for Australian–regional relationships demands a research focus on student expectations and experiences that often lay beyond government control.Originality/valueThis essay and the articles in this special issue offer new historic and current insights on international education policy and programmes and Australia’s diplomatic relations. Many of the highlighted case studies have not previously been analysed within this context, and fresh analysis makes an intervention into the field, revealing the complexities and limitations of international education and people-to-people relationships for Australia’s past and present connections with the Indo-Pacific region.

Budaya Leles Orang Manggarai Sebagai Suatu Fenomena Sosial Dalam Terang Filsafat Metafisika Heidegger

This research focuses on the (social) cultural phenomenon of Leles Orang Manggarai in the context of social change driven by the influence of modern technology. Current conditions indicate a decline in unity and cooperation within this culture. The study employs a qualitative approach with literature review, interviews, and Heideggerian philosophical analysis to elucidate the changes in this cooperative culture. Literature review and interviews reveal the dynamics of Leles culture that has undergone transformation due to interactions with modern technology, resulting in a decline in the previously strong values of unity and cooperation in Manggarai society. In the philosophical context of Heidegger, the research examines the metaphysical implications for the changed Leles culture. The qualitative findings provide insights into how modern technology has influenced culture and social values, and how Heideggerian thought can be applied to contemplate societal changes. This research contributes significantly to understanding the impact of technology on culture and cooperation in Manggarai society. It is essential to underline that this study does not aim to examine the entire Manggarai society or address social phenomena universally, like sociological theories. Instead, it emphasizes the social benefits of Leles culture, presenting social phenomena as a reflective framework in this context.

Responsible tourism in Thailand: Evidence from tour operators

This paper points out indicators of responsible tourism which are of strategic significance to tour operators seeking to develop their country towards achieving a competitive advantage. It looks at the extant literature covering the notions of responsible tourism and responsible tour operators. Qualitative research involved in-depth and semi-structured interview questions employed to collect responsible tourism data from tour operators’ direct experiences. The findings revealed that eighty-eight responsible tourism indicators for tour operators could be divided into five categories relating to the responsibility of tour operators, organisations’ sustainability policies, products and services, partners and clients, benefits for society and culture, economic benefits, and benefits for the environment.

If You're So Successful, Why Are You Still Working 70 Hours a Week? Exploring the Costs and Benefits of an Always-On Work Culture

This article explores the costs and benefits of working excessively long hours through an analysis of academic research and real-world industry examples. It argues that while dedication and hard work have driven success initially for many professionals, an "always on" culture risks normalizing unsustainable practices that undermine well-being in the long run. extensive research documents the negative impacts of chronic overwork on physical health, mental health, job satisfaction, and productivity. However, evidence also suggests that balanced boundaries between work and personal life can yield individual rewards like reduced stress and organizational rewards like stronger engagement and innovation. The article provides strategies for professionals and leaders to strike a balance appropriate for their context, through mechanisms like clearly communicating expectations, measuring outcomes over hours, guarding time for learning and relationships, and role modeling boundaries. With care and intention, even competitive industries can promote sustainable success over the long term.

Totally (Savannah) Bananas: The benefits of a mission-driven culture

Founded in 2016, the Savannah Bananas have quickly grown from a summertime amateur baseball team to a worldwide cultural and social media phenomenon. The Bananas have accomplished this with a laser-focused and simple mission: Fans First. While it’s well-established that being a mission-driven organization can lead to success, the mechanisms that support the mission and propagate it throughout an organization are still unclear. This study uses semi-structured interviews and observations of the team’s players and personnel to investigate how the Bananas operate and succeed, both on and off the playing field. We show how the collective synergy of the mission, organizational culture, and leadership at all levels of the organization supports the mission and allows it to guide the decision-making of every employee.

Factors Affecting Teachers’ Behavior of Innovative Teaching with Technology: Structural Equation Modelling

This study aimed to investigate factors that predict Indonesian primary school teachers’ behavior of innovative teaching with technology (BITT). A survey instrument was adapted and validated through content validity, a pilot test, and a measurement model in partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). We obtained data from 868 primary school teachers, analyzed through a structural model in PLS-SEM and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) in SPSS. The structural model was computed with several statistical reports, including the path coefficient (β), effect sizes (f2), coefficient of determination (R2), and predictive relevance (Q2). MANOVA results informed t and p values. Findings indicated that four out of six hypotheses significantly predicted primary Indonesian teachers’ BITT. The most substantial relationship emerged between group learning and BITT. Meanwhile, the weakest correlation was between innovative culture and BITT. Two insignificant predictors of BITT were job autonomy and innovation compatibility. Most variables showed insignificant differences based on gender. However, some variables, such as benefits of innovation, innovation compatibility, innovative culture, group cohesion, and BITT, varied significantly based on location. The study may help teachers and policymakers understand BITT elements that encourage primary school teachers to use technology creatively.

Harnessing Heritage Resources for Social, Economic and Cultural Benefits in Nigeria

Heritages are nonexistent and existent asset of a community that are important for historical, economic educational, recreational, social, and cultural significance, conserved and handed over from one generation to another. The utilization of heritage sites’ resources for social, economic and cultural benefits in some countries have been extensively studied. This paper presents the overview of heritage sites benefits on social, economic and cultural benefits in Nigeria. A qualitative approach through a synthesis of literature was adopted in the study. This review provides details to further develop deeper understanding of heritage resources for social, economic and cultural advancement in Nigeria. Empirical studies are cited to elaborate on the importance of heritage resources to sustainable development. Findings of the research revealed moderate contributions of heritage sites resources to sustainable development in Nigeria. The need to encourage communities’ participations and development of domestic tourism for heritage sites was maintained in the paper. The study concluded that for there to be development of heritage resources that will drive socio-economic and cultural growth, the protection of the resources is of utmost important.

Co-cultivation of microalgae and bacteria for optimal bioenergy feedstock production in wastewater by using response surface methodology

This work uses response surface methodology (RSM) to study the co-cultivation of symbiotic indigenous wastewater microalgae and bacteria under different conditions (inoculum ratio of bacteria to microalgae, CO2, light intensity, and harvest time) for optimal bioenergy feedstock production. The findings of this study demonstrate that the symbiotic microalgae-bacteria culture not only increases total microalgal biomass and lipid productivity, but also enlarges microalgal cell size and stimulates lipid accumulation. Meanwhile, inoculum ratio of bacteria to microalgae, light intensity, CO2, and harvest time significantly affect biomass and lipid productivity. CO2 concentration and harvest time have significant interactive effect on lipid productivity. The response of microalgal biomass and lipid productivity varies significantly from 2.1 × 105 to 1.9 × 107 cells/mL and 2.8 × 102 to 3.7 × 1012 Total Fluorescent Units/mL respectively. Conditions for optimum biomass and oil accumulation are 100% of inoculation ratio (bacteria/microalgae), 3.6% of CO2 (v/v), 205.8 µmol/m2/s of light intensity, and 10.6 days of harvest time. This work provides a systematic methodology with RSM to explore the benefits of symbiotic microalgae-bacteria culture, and to optimize various cultivation parameters within complex wastewater environments for practical applications of integrated wastewater-microalgae systems for cost-efficient bioenergy production.

EVALUATING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH RESOURCE EFFICIENCY: A CASE STUDY OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRACTICES IN THREE COMPANIES

The concept of a circular economy (CE) aims to develop a closed-loop system that strives to minimize waste, which adversely impacts the environment. Besides the positive impact on the environment, the adoption of CE generates economic, social, and cultural benefits that encourage companies to shift from linear ‘take-produce-use-dump’ to circular models of product. In this paper, we explore the implementation of CBMs in three companies from different industries including key factors contributing to the successful implementation of CBMs, benefits and challenges. Through an examination of best practices of the case studies from different sectors (Fashion, Manufacturing, Electronics), these companies have significantly enhanced resource efficiency and sustainability, demonstrating the viability and benefits of circular practices.

Espaços de turismo e lazer na zona rural de Teresina (PI): uma proposta de desenvolvimento sustentável

Tourism in rural areas comprises all activities carried out in non-urban areas, which consists of leisure activities in rural areas in various modalities defined based on the offer: rural tourism, agritourism, ecological tourism, etc. This work aims to understand the dynamics of tourism and leisure spaces in the rural area of the municipality of Teresina, Piaui, and their contributions to sustainable rural development. To this end, exploratory, bibliographic, and documentary research was used. The time frame to be worked on is contemporary, with the use of data and information from the Municipality of Teresina (PMT) through the Municipal Secretariat for Economic Development and Tourism (SEMDEC), in addition to the enterprises that operate in the field. In 2022, PMT created the Teresina Sites Route with the aim of strengthening rural tourism in the municipality. The results demonstrate that, among the businesses that make up the route, there is a variety of services offered, with most of them focused on gastronomy and sports and/or recreational activities. There are few enterprises that aim to offer an approximation to activities traditionally related to rural areas, such as agriculture and livestock farming. When considering that tourism and leisure options in rural areas can bring economic, environmental, and cultural benefits, it is essential to ensure that the activity does not grow in a disorderly manner, since a lack of planning can cause environmental degradation, loss of cultural identity and increased cost of living due to the appreciation of the area in question.

Capturing the social values of a mix-used university campus outdoor: An assessment of the Agricultural University of Tirana

Although mixed-use campuses are recognized by designers, little attention is paid to the social values that their outdoor environment generates for the wider community. Aiming to identify social values, the methodology used in this study includes a survey that is applied via an online questionnaire (N=156) to explore users’ perceptions about the values the campus produces to translate into indicators of wellbeing. This study’s aim is to identify indicators of wellbeing that can capture campus social value, referring to a continuously changing campus (Agricultural University of Tirana). The results indicate that the social and cultural benefits that come from a mixed-use campus are related to the adequacy of physical outdoor environments and social activities. However, compared to mixed-use spaces, outdoor spaces that preserve the functions of agricultural backgrounds (as originally designed) have higher social values. We suggest that both physical and non-physical determinants play a basic role in enhancing social interaction (this is a strong indicator), so they must be included in the policies and strategies of the higher education systems.

Solutions Based on Nature to Face Water Stress: Lessons from the Past and Present

Nature-based solutions (NbS) to water scarcity, environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity losses are enjoying increasing implementation throughout the world. This manuscript reviews three case studies from Brazil, Panama, and Portugal that illustrate NbS and searches for commonalities that may assist their usefulness in new sites. The Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro is a remarkable story of centuries of forest management and restoration that initially aimed at providing water security for the capital of the country during the XIX Century while it was still a monarchy. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Panama Canal Watershed produces water for canal operations, electricity generation, and drinking water for half the country’s population. Traditional water mills and weirs near streams in the Alentejo Region, Portugal, have largely been abandoned due to the damming of the Guadiana River. Yet today, weirs are increasingly recognized for their important contribution to water provisioning in this dry region. All have a primary goal related to water provisioning, yet their ecosystem benefits are multiple. The cases offer important lessons for adaptation to climate change, cultural benefits from traditional human activities, and concerns about social equity.

Mapping Queer Berlin: The potential of virtual reality pedagogy for the language classroom

AbstractImmersive virtual reality (iVR) is a novel form of computer technology that promises to transform not only the delivery of language and cultural instruction but also how students produce language. The existing, yet limited, scholarship on the applications of iVR in the language classroom suggests affective and cultural benefits (e.g., increased student motivation and enthusiasm and bringing inaccessible locations and cultures to students) and a positive impact on vocabulary acquisition and speaking proficiencies, but evidence of iVR's effect on listening comprehension, reading, writing, and grammar instruction as well as higher‐level cognition remains scarce and inconclusive. The project presented in this article, “Mapping Queer Berlin,” targets this scholarly gap by investigating how iVR can improve students’ reading and listening proficiencies and promote advanced research and communication skills. The explanation of the project design and the learning process and outcomes aims to guide instructors on how to integrate iVR into their classrooms, including its technological constraints and pedagogical pitfalls. Drawing on the instructor's and students’ reflections, the article concludes that iVR is currently not mature enough to facilitate significant improvements in students’ language proficiencies beyond an elementary level but shows potential for transforming language curricula with future developments.

Exploring Shared Challenges of Empowered Patients and Entrepreneurs: Towards Diversity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in Post-Crisis Contexts

This practical study explores the shared challenges faced by individuals managing chronic health conditions and entrepreneurs within the context of post-crisis periods, focusing on diversity, innovation, and individual empowerment. The aim is to develop a theoretical framework elucidating the mechanisms behind these challenges and their implications for fostering diversity, social innovation, and sustainability. Methodologically, an integrative approach was employed, drawing upon insights from psychology, sociology, health management, and entrepreneurship literature to conduct a comprehensive analysis. The research utilized mixed methods, including scoping reviews and qualitative analysis of virtual communities, to uncover the dynamic mechanisms that drive empowerment. This approach not only validated the theoretical framework but also proposed practical strategies to harness diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in post-crisis contexts. Drawing upon Dubin’s methodology, the study structured the theoretical framework to highlight the interconnectedness of empowerment experiences within communities. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of empowerment experiences within communities and highlight the vital role of collaborative environments and support networks in promoting diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Ultimately, this research contributes to the development of strategies that capitalize on cultural diversities and reap the benefits of different nationalities, knowledge areas, and cultures, particularly in the aftermath of crises.

Implementation of the TALK© clinical self-debriefing tool in operating theatres: a single-centre interventional study

BackgroundDebriefing in operating theatre environments leads to benefits in mortality, efficiency, productivity, and safety culture; however, it is still not regularly performed. TALK© is a simple and widely applicable team self-debriefing method to collaboratively learn and improve. MethodsAn interventional study introducing TALK© for voluntary clinical debriefing was carried out in operating theatre environments in a UK National Health Service hospital over 18 months. It explored compliance with the Five Steps to Safer Surgery and changes in behaviour in surgical teams regarding consideration and completion of debriefing. ResultsTeam briefing and compliance with the WHO surgical safety checklist were performed consistently (>95% and >98%, respectively) throughout the study, which included 460 surgical lists. Consideration of debriefing increased at all data collection periods after intervention, from 35.6% to 60.3–97.4% (P≤0.003). Performance of debriefing, which was 23.3% at baseline, reached 39% at 6 months (P=0.039). Team planning of actions for improvement during debriefing also increased (P<0.001). A decline in performance of debriefing and subsequent improvement actions was observed after 6 months, albeit rates were above baseline at 18 months. The most reported reason not to carry out a debriefing was ‘lack of issues’. After implementation, nurses and allied healthcare professionals increased their contribution to initiating and leading debriefing. Reported barriers were <18% at baseline, and decreased after intervention. ConclusionsA simple intervention introducing TALK© for voluntary debriefing in theatres prompted significant changes in team behaviour and sustained growth regarding consideration and performance of debriefing, especially in the first 6 months.