Limited Policy Research Articles

Exploring the management mode for breeding new species suitable for deep sea mariculture in China: Best practices, challenges, and prospects

High-value fish species are crucial for deep-sea mariculture success, and China has implemented best management practices for breeding new species in these environments. This study identifies management modes of breeding seedling suitable for deep-sea in China by field interviewing representative provinces selected for their representativeness, suitability, and data availability. It explores local government best practices and examines the challenges and prospects. The results indicate that Shandong, Fujian, Guangdong, and Zhejiang employ a combination of management modes, including state-supported, market-oriented, industry-association-supported, and north-south cooperation modes. Despite advancements in management modes fostering the breeding of new species for deep-sea mariculture, challenges like limited land policies, inadequate land policy, inadequate technical and financial resources, degradation of traditional fish germplasm, and inefficient stock enhancement persist. Future management should prioritize optimizing land policy approval, in-situ germplasm conservation, resource banks, and stock enhancement. Furthermore, relay breeding and technical collaboration between northern and southern provinces are vital to enhancing Chinese seedling breeding advantages.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Selected Community Pharmacists towards the Disposal of Unused and Expired Medicines at Kalaburagi City

Purpose: Disposing of unused and expired drugs presents a critical challenge with far-reaching implications for public health and environmental well-being. This issue has gained increasing attention as pharmaceutical consumption rises globally. Improper disposal practices can contaminate water bodies, soil, and ecosystems, endangering human and aquatic life. Hazards to human and environmental health and safety are high when pharmaceuticals that have been used and are no longer needed are not properly disposed of. This is why the current research is an effort to gather data on the understanding of Kalaburagi City's community pharmacists regarding proper disposal of leftover and expired medications. Methodology: The study was conducted in various areas and colonies of Kalaburagi city, over six months from March to August 2023 for evaluating opinions with regards to disposing of unwanted medicines. Tools and teaching aids used for the study are specially designed pretested and validated questionnaires, leaflets, and videos. The study design used is “A case-control study”. The inclusion criteria were, Pharmacists willing to participate, Government pharmacists, and Private pharmacists. The exclusion criteria were, Pharmacists who were not interested in participating, and person without a pharmacy background. The survey was carried out in Kalaburagi city and was divided into two groups North (test) and South (control). The test group received counseling regarding the methods of disposal of unused and expired medicines and leaflets, whereas the control group received only leaflets. Results: A study of 461 pharmacists found that 79% were male and 21% female, with 42.3% aged 31 to 40. Notably, 92% regularly check medication expiry dates, and 85% are concerned about drugs polluting the environment. An overwhelming 94% support drug take-back programs. Most pharmacists (84%) recognize improper disposal as a health risk, and 92% return expired medicines to manufacturers. For disposal methods, 49% suggest returning expired meds to pharmacists, while 10% recommend flushing and 24% advise disposal in sinks. There is a push for increased consumer awareness, with 50% wanting healthcare professionals to educate on safe disposal, and 38% advocating for government-led programs. Conclusion: The awareness regarding, the impact of improper disposal of pharmaceutical products is still unknown. It is a cornered issue and needs to be focused on. The current methods and practices are not optimal and upgraded. Pharmacists possess knowledge regarding the proper disposal of unused and expired medicines. However, they often lack the attitude to implement these practices effectively. Lack of standardized disposal facilities, limited regulatory enforcement policies and public awareness regarding safe disposal have contributed to the gap between the knowledge and practice of pharmacists.

Writing a case for policy debate: reflections on the loss of policy debate in the west and recommendations for addressing the activity’s ongoing accessibility challenges

This essay examines equity in intercollegiate policy debate through the lens of a forensics director at a public university in California. I present and explain many external factors that currently harm participation for some students and prevent programs from providing pedagogical goals and benefits of intercollegiate policy debate. These harms include decreasing budgets, increasing travel costs, tournament locations, past, current, and future university, state, or federal laws and policies (e.g. pandemic related travel bans, California’s Assembly Bill 1887, and laws impacting academic freedom), and characteristics and demographics of university student bodies. Although some of the harms are more relevant to programs at colleges and the universities in the west, others remain reminders of the ongoing and systemic challenges that have always limited policy debate’s accessibility. The second part of the essay provides suggestions to help the policy debate community navigate the current and emerging challenges. I argue that some “solutions” require more collective insight and work from the coaches, directors, and organizational leaders for resolution. To that end, I call upon our governing organizations and community members to give attention to these issues so programs can thrive, and policy debate can revive and grow throughout the United States.

Using group model building to frame the commercial determinants of dietary behaviour in adolescence – findings from online system mapping workshops with adolescents, policymakers and public health practitioners in the Southwest of England

BackgroundIn England, 23% of children aged 11 start their teenage years living with obesity. An adolescent living with obesity is five times more likely to live with obesity in adult life. There is limited research and policy incorporating adolescents’ views on how they experience the commercial determinants of dietary behaviour and obesity, which misses an opportunity to improve services and policies that aim to influence the prevalence of childhood obesity. This study reports the findings from online Group Model Building system mapping workshops in which we explored the mechanisms by which commercial drivers influence adolescents’ dietary behaviour.MethodsWe ran a series of 3 online Group Model Building workshops with adolescents and one Group Model Building workshop with policymakers and public health practitioners. Adolescents portrayed their views on how food and beverage industries influence what they choose to buy and eat in a system map, and then proposed a set of policy actions to promote healthier food environments. We shared the system map created by adolescents with policymakers and public health practitioners to reflect on how current policy interventions match adolescents’ views on the most influential factors.ResultsThe system map contains 37 elements connected by 70 hypothesised causal links and five feedback loops. These elements were grouped into six themes that portray the complexity of factors that influence adolescents’ food choices in their physical and digital environments, disproportionately encouraging the consumption of unhealthy products. Policymakers and public health practitioners reflected on the power and the deep level of influence food companies exert on adolescents’ behaviour. They recognised that the coexisting influence of food marketing and social media on mental health and body image is not well reflected in current policy and research efforts.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for public health policymaking processes to provide youth with a space to voice influential elements and consequences, thereby co-creating policies and designing interventions to buffer risk factors and increase well-being in this critical transitional stage.

An A-Share Board Chasing Strategy Based on the JoinQuant Platform

The price limit system sets a limit on the price fluctuation of stock prices to ensure the stable operation of the securities market. Current research mainly focuses on the impact of various price limit policies on the stock market, but research on short-term investment strategies and methods for price limit stocks is still insufficient. Since the proportion of people who can get great investment returns in the Chinese stock market is very low, this paper aims to explore the stocks with good liquidity on the stopping stocks to construct investment strategies. In this paper, five important stock factors are identified through the multi-factor stock selection method, and then through the Join Quant platform with a back testing method, we finally get a good excess return and determine the value range of these five factors. Based on the above research, people can provide a good stop trading strategy for individual investors. This strategy can be called as a board chasing strategy, which can help investors to get high investment returns in a short period of time.

How to Keep Doing What You Like Doing: A Qualitative Study of Active Older Adults’ Insights on the Facilitators and Barriers to Maintenance of Physical Activity (From the MOVEAGE-Act Project)

While the facilitators/barriers for the initiation of physical activity (PA) are well documented, there is less known about these facilitators/barriers for maintenance of PA in the older population in general and not following an intervention. This study aimed to explore older adults’ perspectives on the facilitators/barriers to maintaining PA. The study used a descriptive qualitative design, with three focus groups, one in Ireland and two in France. Participants were community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) 66% were female, recruited through older adult websites. Findings were analyzed thematically using a Socio-Ecological Model as a framework. Thirty-three older adults participated, and 88% met the international physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. From intrapersonal and interpersonal perspectives, enjoyment, social engagement, adapting physical activity for their age, establishing routines/habits, and combining PA with other activities and interests were all key facilitators in PA maintenance. From the policy, environmental and organizational perspectives, limited policies or their implementation, activity-related factors (insufficient information on activities, age appropriateness and availability of suitable activities, accessibility, inadequate support), and social connectedness were identified. Multiple interrelationships across the different social-ecological perspectives emerged. It was evident for PA maintenance that a balance is needed between having activities that are enjoyable and yet challenging and being able to adapt them to age-related changes such as loss of function and confidence. In addition, it was apparent that older adults were more likely to engage in PA if it had a social element and if they had access to relevant information and safe, age-appropriate activities and support. These factors should be further incorporated into PA promotion, activities, and policies to maximize PA maintenance. Barriers may lead to non-maintenance of healthy aging targets, with implications for health service economies and older adults’ health.

Awareness Level of Farmers on Agricultural Related Softwares for Improved Agricultural Production: Panacea for Food Insecurity in Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State

Purpose: The study in its main objective assessed the awareness level of farmers on agricultural related softwares for improved agricultural production in Iseyin Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of respondents; evaluated the level of awareness on agricultural softwares in the study area; investigated the extent of factors influencing usage of agricultural related softwares; assessed the severity of various challenges to usage of agricultural related softwares. The research hypothesis examined significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their level of awareness of farmers on agricultural related softwares available to the respondents. Materials and Methods: A well- structured interview schedule was used to collect primary data. A total of 75 respondents were selected. Both descriptive statistics and inferential statistical analysis were employed in data analysis. Findings: The study revealed that male (64.0%) population is more than population of female (36.0%) in the study area. Results further revealed that aside automated poultry machine, weather forecasting tools was the most aware agricultural softwares in the study area. The study also deduced that factors influencing usage of agricultural softwares was access to technology with highest frequency of 97.3%. Limited digital infrastructure, regulatory and policy issues, reliability and connectivity issues and awareness and perception was ranked 1st in the challenges facing the respondents to usage agricultural related softwares. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of sex (x2 = 5.88, p= 0.015), religion (x2 = 26.16, p= 0.000002), marital status (x2 = 184.94, p= 0.00001), secondary occupation (x2 = 45.02, p = 0.001), year of farming experience (x2 = 6.72, p= 0.035) and aspect of farming enterprise (x2 = 174.54, p= 0.001) meanwhile, educational status do not to have a significant relationship on the awareness level of farmers on agricultural related softwares. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommended improved awareness of less-known agricultural softwares like precision agronomy and data management tools through targeted educational campaigns and demonstrations that highlight their benefits to farmers, addressing regulatory and policy barriers will be crucial, along with promoting digital literacy programs to increase farmers understanding and perceived benefits of using agricultural related softwares.

Implementasi Kebijakan Mitigasi Bencana Banjir di Nagari Sicincin

This research aims to review the implementation of flood mitigation policies in Nagari Sicincin, which is often affected by floods due to poor drainage, waste accumulation, and low public awareness in maintaining environmental cleanliness. The mitigation policy from the Water Resources and Construction Service of West Sumatra Province focuses on improving irrigation infrastructure. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with purposive sampling to select informants. Data is collected through observation, interview, and documentation study, data validity is tested with triangulation technique, and data analysis is done through the process of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results show that even though the infrastructure development has been running, but the flood is still hitting Nagari Sicincin and the construction of the infrastructure has not been completed due to lack of budget and difficulties in providing land. In addition, non-structural aspects such as public education have not been maximized. Poor inter-institutional coordination as well as limited human and financial resources slow down policy implementation.

Inclusive Education: Enhancing Social Integration and Academic Achievement for Students With and Without Learning Disabilities Aged 5 to 14

Inclusive education is recognized as essential for fostering the holistic development of children, irrespective of their abilities or limitations. This paper examines the effects of inclusive education on students with learning disabilities (SWLD) and students without learning disabilities (SWOLD) in Southern Vietnam, focusing on its impact on social integration and academic achievement. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative interviews with educators and quantitative analysis of student performance data. There are 487 participants, consisting of 132 SWLD and 355 SWOLD. These participants were drawn from inclusive and non-inclusive schools across various educational levels in southern Vietnam. Results indicate that inclusive practices significantly enhance social integration, empathy, and understanding among students. For SWLD, inclusive education leads to improved academic outcomes, particularly in the early education stages, while SWOLD reports favourable or neutral effects on academic achievements. However, at the secondary education level, the impact tends to be neutral or adverse for SWOLD. The research also identifies challenges in Southern Vietnam, including insufficient funding, inadequate teacher training and limited policy support, which hinder the effective implementation of inclusive education. Addressing these barriers is crucial for creating an equitable learning environment for all students in Vietnam.

Tinjauan Hukum Strategi Optimalisasi Kebijakan untuk Mengatasi Tantangan Dalam Pengelolaan Limbah Padat Medis

Solid medical waste management is a crucial issue in the health system. RSUD Menggala of Tulang Bawang Regency is responsible for ensuring orderly and efficient waste management. However, challenges in solid medical waste management often arise, including limited resources and policy changes. A qualitative approach was used as a way to conduct descriptive research, and it was found that Menggala Regional Hospital has not fully complied with regulations according to Permenkes RI Number 7 of 2019 concerning Hospital Environment. Some optimisation strategies that can be proposed include increasing awareness, strengthening resources, strict supervision, external cooperation, and increasing HR capacity. With the right steps, RSUD Menggala can ensure regulatory compliance, reduce environmental risks, and improve patient and health worker safety. This research serves as a basis for RSUD Menggala in formulating more effective policies in solid medical waste management

Caregiving Intensity, Duration, and Subjective Financial Well-Being Among Rural Informal Caregivers of Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses or Disabilities.

Rural informal caregivers (IC) experience major financial and economic constraints in caring for their older family members. Rurality combined with increased caregiving demands and intensity, poor economic opportunities, and limited financial resources and policies create multiple financial stressors and can lead to poor financial well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to understand how caregiving demands, intensity, and duration impact the subjective financial well-being of rural caregivers of older adults. Informal caregivers (N = 196) residing in 12 rural counties in the central North Region of the Midwestern US participated in the survey. Ordinary Least Squares and Linear Probability Model regressions were conducted to measure the association among the study variables. Our findings showed a moderate level of subjective financial well-being among informal caregivers (average = 51.62; SD 14.52). Caregiving intensity negatively affected financial well-being (β = -1.470, p < 0.05). More than half of informal caregivers (58%) were not satisfied with their household income, and 30% found it difficult to meet their family's needs with their current income status. Longer hours of care are associated with financial burden and insecurity and can significantly influence the financial health and well-being of rural informal caregivers of older adults. Older caregivers were found to manage their financial constraints more effectively. Future comparative and longitudinal studies with a more diverse sample are required to infer long-term interactions among the different variables in this study.

The Role of Videogame Micro-Transactions in the Relationship Between Motivations, Problem Gaming, and Problem Gambling.

Emerging research has highlighted potential associations between micro-transaction use and problematic videogame and gambling behaviour. An increasingly prominent theory highlights that self-determined motivations and basic psychological needs may play crucial roles in the development of problematic videogame and gambling behaviour. However, literature discussing the role thatmicro-transaction use has in this relationship is scarce. The present study examined the role of micro-transactions in the relationship between self-determined motivations for gaming and gambling and problematic behaviour (internet gaming disorder and problem gambling severity). A sample of 370 participants (74.1% male, Mage = 28.24years, SD = 7.88) answered questions related to their gaming and gambling motivations, basic psychological needs, micro-transaction use (i.e., type of micro-transaction, expenditure, and frequency of use), internet gaming disorder, and problem gambling. The present study used structural equation modelling methods to test relationships between these variables. The results indicated positive associations between extrinsic gaming and gambling motivations and frequency of micro-transaction use. Frequency of micro-transaction use (i) partially mediated the relationship between extrinsic gambling motivations and problem gambling severity, and (ii) fully mediated the relationship between externally regulated gaming motivations and problem gambling severity. Expenditure on micro-transactions and basic psychological needs were not found to be significant variables in the present study. Potential explanations for the findings, including a lack of self-esteem and a need to boost ego, social pressure, and rapid reward processes, are discussed. The implications and applications of the research are also discussed, focusing on limit setting and policy development focusing on frequency of micro-transaction use.

The Politics of Christianity in Shaping the Political Dynamics of Zambia

Religion can often be very influential in the political system and political actors frequently take advantage of the leverage that it provides. In the Zambian case, Christianity in particular plays a crucial role in politics and policymaking, dating from the pre- to post-colonial era. Around 1880, Zambia, then Northern Rhodesia, became a British colony and, at the same time, Christianity was introduced within the context of the European culture. Later, 27 years after independence, Zambia was declared a Christian nation, and all Zambian political leaders have embraced Christianity as the nation’s identity. Thus, Christianity plays a critical function in Zambia’s political sphere. The main aim of this paper is to critically examine how Christianity seeks to direct the political agenda in Zambia’s national politics. It demonstrates the interplay between church and state relations linked to how the state seeks to govern the nation in a Godly manner and the implications on public policymaking in Zambia. This paper explores a multifaceted analysis of the existing literature and the ideas around the politics of the state and religion. It argues that (i) Christianity in Zambia is often used as a political weapon to gain political mileage and (ii) Christianity as a religion has been traditionalised in Zambia. It serves as a “national moral campus”, which compromises the nation’s position as a so-called “democratic” state and suppresses individual freedoms. Thus, it corrupts the very nature of fundamental practices of the religion itself, as it has simply blossomed into more of a norm than a religion. Understanding these dynamics is very crucial, especially in the context of how religion is perceived, experienced and exercised in the political arena to circumvent limited policy options for broader problem solving.

Exploring the impact of publication limits on academic freedom and productivity: a qualitative study of Vietnamese EFL lecturers

ABSTRACT This qualitative study investigates the effects of a publication limit policy on the research productivity and academic freedom of Vietnamese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) lecturers. Amidst growing concerns over research quality and output, the Vietnamese academic sector has implemented a policy restricting the number of publications an academic can produce annually. This study aims to explore the ramifications of this policy from the perspectives of those directly affected – the lecturers themselves. Employing semi-structured interviews, the study engaged nine Vietnamese EFL lecturers from two institutions, representing three career stages: novice, mid-career, and near-retirement. The interpretivist paradigm guided the research, enabling an in-depth exploration of the participants’ subjective experiences and perceptions. Key findings revealed diverse impacts across career stages. Themes such as the perception of academic freedom, impact on research productivity, professional growth, research quality, methodology, and personal well-being emerged. The study found that while the policy aimed at enhancing research quality, it also posed challenges such as narrowed research focus, heightened stress, and the need for strategic adaptation in research practices. This research contributes to the discourse on academic policies, highlighting the need for flexible, supportive approaches that consider the diverse needs of the academic community.

Comparative Approaches to Energy Transition: Policy Guideline for Enhancing Thailand’s Path to a Low-Carbon Economy

Thailand’s transition to a low-carbon economy faces significant challenges, including a dependency on fossil fuels, fluctuating energy costs, and limited policy clarity. This study conducts a comparative analysis of energy transition policies in Germany, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore to derive actionable lessons that can be adapted to Thailand’s socio-economic and energy contexts. Using the Integrated National Energy Planning (INEP) framework and Network Governance Theory, the research identifies key strategies, such as setting clear and achievable renewable energy targets, establishing robust legal frameworks, fostering multi-stakeholder engagement, and encouraging decentralized governance. The findings highlight the importance of long-term vision, inclusive governance, and targeted investments in renewable technologies to accelerate energy transitions. This paper presents policy guidelines to enhance Thailand’s energy security and contribute to its climate goals by promoting public awareness and strengthening institutional capacities. By adapting these strategies, Thailand can align with global energy trends, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and advance toward a resilient and sustainable energy system, aligned with global energy trends while addressing its unique socio-economic context.

Are Governmental Policies an Effective Way to Reduce Agricultural Carbon Emissions? An Empirical Study of Shandong in Main Grain Producing Areas of China

In the context of global and national carbon reduction targets, agricultural carbon emissions have become a critical focus. As global food demand increases, numerous agricultural policies have been implemented. Faced with limited policy resources, evaluating the impact of these policies on agricultural carbon emissions and production is essential. This study examined the relationship between food production and agricultural carbon emissions during the stage of agricultural development in Shandong Province, one of China’s major grain-producing regions, using the decoupling model. Additionally, the coupled coordination model was employed to assess the specific influence of agricultural policy clusters on this transformation. The results indicate that Shandong is transitioning from high-input, extensive farming to green, low-carbon, modern agriculture, with most cities shifting from strong negative decoupling to strong decoupling. Over time, the role of agricultural policies in driving this shift has grown more significant. Future policymaking should prioritize the overall quality of agricultural producers and maintain a continuous focus on sustainable, green development. Ensuring that policy directions align with evolving stages of agricultural development and adjusting them in real-time will be crucial.

Minority stress mediates associations of sexual minority state policies and tobacco use among US sexual minority young adults

IntroductionState policies surrounding sexual minority (SM) rights are associated with tobacco use among SM individuals. Research is scant regarding the role of distinct SM policy categories on SM young adults’ (SMYAs) tobacco use and mechanisms explaining these associations. MethodsWe analyzed 2023 survey data from 1100 SMYAs (ages 18–34; 14.2 % gender minority; 66.1 % bisexual+, 29.1 % monosexual; 53.2 % racial/ethnic minority) with representation across 45 US states and DC. Regression-based models examined: 1) direct associations of residing in states with negative and limited (vs. comprehensive) SM state policies with respect to 7 policy categories (relationship/parent recognition, nondiscrimination, religious exemptions, LGBTQ youth, healthcare, criminal justice, gender identity documents) with minority stress (mental health, internalized stigma, community connectedness); 2) direct associations of policy categories and minority stress with tobacco use (past-month cigarette, e-cigarette, any tobacco use, number of products used); and 3) indirect associations of policy categories with tobacco use through minority stress. ResultsRelative to residing in states with comprehensive policies, residing in states with limited relationship/parent recognition policies indirectly predicted higher odds of e-cigarette use through mental health; weaker nondiscrimination policies indirectly predicted using more tobacco products through internalized stigma; and negative healthcare policies indirectly predicted higher odds of cigarette and any tobacco use through community connectedness. ConclusionsThese novel findings regarding associations among distinct SM policy categories, minority stress mediators, and tobacco use outcomes warrant further examination to better understand these distinct mechanisms, ultimately to inform SM-related policy and advocacy efforts, as well as tobacco prevention and cessation efforts.

Revolutionising the ready-made garments firms in Bangladesh: strategies for transformative change towards sustainable product innovation

ABSTRACT Ready-Made Garments (RMG) firms, particularly in developing economies such as Bangladesh, struggles to integrate sustainability into its operations and product innovation. Limited supportive policies and institutions exacerbate this challenge, hindering the industry's ability to produce high-standard and globally competitive sustainable products. Drawing on case studies of Bangladesh’s RMG firms, this qualitative paper aims to identify potential strategies and commitments to drive transformative change in the RMG firms towards sustainable product innovation. It addresses the main questions on the drivers of transformative change in sustainable product innovation, as well as firm leadership responses to sustainable development. Key findings from key informant interviews (KII) and focus group discussions (FGD) indicate drivers and strategies for transformative change towards sustainable product innovation in five dimensions: sustainability practices, market demands, firms’ commitments and initiatives, policy and regulatory framework, and technology and innovation. The findings of the paper highlights policy insights and leadership roles that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the crucial factors and guidelines for initiating transformative changes in the RMG firms towards sustainable products. Also, a framework with insights from stakeholders is developed based on the findings to provide leadership guidance and recommendations for companies in the RMG sector and other related industries.

Unlinkable Policy-Compliant Signatures for Compliant and Decentralized Anonymous Payments

Privacy-preserving payment systems face the difficult task of balancing privacy and accountability: on one hand, users should be able to transact privately and anonymously, on the other hand, no illegal activities should be tolerated. The challenging question of finding the right balance lies at the core of the research on accountable privacy that stipulates the use of cryptographic techniques for policy enforcement. Current state-of-the-art systems are only able to enforce rather limited policies, such as spending or transaction limits, or assertions about single participants, but are unable to enforce more complex policies that for example jointly evaluate both, the private credentials of sender and recipient, situations that occur in cross-border payments, let alone to do this without auditors in the loop during payment. This severely limits the cases where decentralized virtual assets can be used in accordance with regulatory compliance such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) travel rule, while retaining strong privacy features. We present unlinkable Policy-Compliant Signatures (ul-PCS), an enhanced cryptographic primitive extending the work of Badertscher et al.~(TCC 21). We give rigorous definitions, formally proven constructions, and benchmarks using our prototype developed using CharmCrypto which gives the first insights into feasibility of PCS. Unlinkable PCS has the following unique combination of features: 1) It is an enhanced signature scheme where the public key encodes in a privacy-preserving way the user's verifiable credentials (obtained from a credential authority). 2) Signatures can be created (and later publicly verified) by additionally specifying a recipient's public key aside of the to-be-signed message. A valid signature can only ever be created if the attributes $x_S$ of the signer and the attributes $x_R$ of the receiver fulfill some global policy $F(x_S,x_R)$. 3) The signature can be created by the signer just knowing the recipient's public key; there is no further interaction needed and no information is leaked (beyond the validity of the policy). 4) Once credentials are obtained, a user can generate fresh public keys without interacting with the credential authority. By merging the act of signing a transaction with the act of providing an assurance about the involved participants being compliant with complex policies, yet retain that participants are able to change public keys without the involvement of an authority, we formally show how ul-PCS is a step towards improving regulatory compliance of privacy coins such as Monero or Zcash.

Engendering Rural Tourism as a Viable Strategy for Poverty Alleviation and Rural Development in the Southern Tourist Circuit of Tanzania

This article employs a systematic literature review to present the need to innovate and engender rural tourism as a viable strategy for poverty alleviation in the Southern Tourism Circuit of Tanzania—one of the regions with many rural tourist opportunities that are unexplored and yet to be utilized to transform local peoples’ livelihoods. The study explores why the circuit is underdeveloped in terms of rural tourism as compared to other tourist circuits and maps the existing rural tourism opportunities in the region. The impacts of colonial legacy, limited financial capability, policy issues and poor infrastructure are the main factors for the under-exploitation of tourist resources in the southern circuit. Rural tourism assets such as natural, cultural, agritourism/farm-based, and culinary assets in this circuit still need to be utilized. Innovation and utilization of these rural tourism opportunities could be one of the appropriate strategies to improve residents’ livelihoods. Rural tourism could help to boost individual economies and government revenues and enhance community development. The study highlights the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders and multisector linkage while putting the local community at the core of rural tourism.