Local Benefits Research Articles

Mining in Africa: Are local communities paying the price of the global energy transition?

The energy transition is crucial to unlocking the potential of the Paris Agreement and the global climate goals. To meet the projected demand for the transition, critical mineral extraction is expected to significantly increase in countries of the global South. The critical mineral mining boom has the potential to drive economic development, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda. However, considering historical tensions between extractive industries and development, critical mineral mining risks exacerbating socio-economic inequalities and poverty.Against this background, the paper investigates factors influencing the local socio-economic impact of critical mineral extraction. Using satellite data and mining data from the S&P database, the study examines the socio-economic effects of 94 critical mineral mines that opened in Africa between 2000 and 2020, focusing on mineral-specific attributes and contextual factors, as well as factors related to governance.Findings indicate that critical mineral extraction can have significant positive impacts on local socioeconomic activity, particularly in areas distant from existing infrastructure and urban centers. The results highlight the complex role of institutional quality in mediating the socio-economic impact of mines, and shift attention to the underlying factors that shape institutional performance to deliver local benefits.

Effects of spectral peaks and notches in head-related transfer function on median plane sound localization with dynamic binaural playback

Spectral peaks and notches in the head-related transfer function (HRTF) are considered pivotal for elevation perception in virtual auditory displays (VAD), especially during static binaural signal playback. However, studies on dynamic binaural signal playback in VAD have shown that the auditory system can still utilize dynamic cues for elevation localization, even when these high-frequency spectral components are missing, although this may compromise localization accuracy. This study investigated the effects of spectral peaks and notches in dynamic playback, examining how distorting these features and their contrasts at various levels (33%, 66%, and 100% removal) influenced elevation localization along different rotational axes (yaw and pitch rotation). The results revealed that at the same distortion level, the impact of these features on median plane localization decreased sequentially from spectral contrast, to peaks, to notches. At a distortion level of 33%, notch removal enabled dynamic playback results that were not significantly different from control conditions. As distortion levels increased to 66% and 100%, localization performance progressively deteriorated, including increased localization errors and up-down confusion with head yaw rotation as well as front-back and up-down confusion with head pitch rotation. Simultaneously, localization performance with head pitch rotation exhibited poorer performance compared to yaw rotation, particularly in cases involving peak removal and contrast compression. The experimental results further revealed that auditory elevation localization benefits from multiple localization cues generated by head movements, including dynamic spectral cues produced during large head rotations when all spectral cues are available or distorted at a level of 33%.

Integrating Circular Economy Practices for Sustainable Maritime Tourism Development in Bone Regency, Indonesia

This study analyzes the application of circular economy principles in the development of marine tourism in Bone Regency, Indonesia, using a qualitative case study approach involving local government representatives, community members, and tourists. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and field observations to understand the integration of circular economy practices, including waste management, resource reuse, and local community empowerment. Findings highlight both opportunities and challenges in implementing sustainable tourism, such as limited funding and infrastructure. However, effective practices, such as community-led recycling initiatives and government support in waste treatment, underscore the potential for circular economy models to enhance environmental sustainability and local economic benefits. The study concludes that a circular economy framework, supported by multi-stakeholder collaboration, can provide a path toward sustainable marine tourism, offering insights for policymakers and researchers aiming to balance environmental and economic goals in tourism development.

Community-based ecotourism and the challenges of local participation: insights from an ecotourism venture in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam

Community-based ecotourism (CBE) promotes conservation, sustainable tourism, community cohesion, and equitable benefit distribution. Our case study investigates the quality of community involvement in implementing the CBE framework within Cat Tien National Park, a major conservation reserve in Vietnam. Using qualitative methods, such as key informant interviews and participant observation, the study assesses the level of community participation in this particular ecotourism venture. Despite its collaborative design, the project’s top-down implementation constrained local involvement and benefits. Challenges included power imbalances, capacity issues, and unfair distribution. These highlight the need for better stakeholder involvement, transparent governance, and genuine community engagement to improve CBE outcomes. To address these challenges, the paper recommends establishing community advisory boards, increasing support from government and private sectors, and integrating traditional knowledge into conservation. It emphasises the need for long-term commitment, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns, effective capacity-building, and transparent feedback to enhance community engagement and manage expectations.

Women helping women? Female local official and gender gap in bank credit

This study examines whether and how female local officials benefit female-led firms by focusing on the gender gap in bank credit. Using a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2021, we find that female local officials can facilitate access to bank credit for female-led firms, particularly for long-term loans. Mechanism analysis reveals that female officials can reduce the impact of gender bias and provide greater policy support for female-led firms, thereby helping to narrow the gender gap in bank credit.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal and wild food plants in Kırşehir (Türkiye)

This study compiles information regarding the use of certain plants found in Kırşehir and its surrounding regions in the Central Anatolia Region in folk medicine and other ethnobotanical characteristics. A total of 180 people participated in this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the participants. As a result of the study, demographic characteristics of the participants, types of medicinal plant used by the people of the region, preparation techniques, usage patterns and frequency were determined. Local people benefit from 80 plants belonging to 28 families. The most commonly encountered medicinal plant family was Asteraceae (22 taxa). Twenty-two disease categories were identified in which traditional medicinal plants were used. Local people frequently use medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases. These include dermatologic ailments (ICF 0.87), hematology issues (ICF 0.98), high cholesterol (ICF 0.98), gastrointestinal problems (ICF 0.88). Medicinal plants are also employed for treating cancer (ICF 0.95), hand tremors (ICF 1.00), cataracts (ICF 1.00), and gonorrhea (ICF 1.00), and kidney stones (ICF 1.00). The highest UV was found for Mentha arvensis and M. pulegium. This research is important in terms of transferring traditional knowledge to future generations. Moreover, the findings obtained should be investigated in fields such as pharmacology and phytotherapy.

Beyond aquifer boundaries: unveiling the multi-dimensional value of groundwater management in Jeju, Korea

ABSTRACT This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of groundwater valuation in Jeju Island, Korea, which relies heavily on groundwater resources. The research addresses the limitations of conventional valuation methodologies that often undervalue groundwater management and ignore spatial heterogeneity. We employ three non-market valuation aggregation methods: local benefit, national benefit, and a combined heterogeneous benefit approach. The heterogeneous benefit approach divides the population into groups based on their distinct groundwater valuations and then consolidates their willingness to pay. Using a contingent valuation method, we analyze survey data from 542 respondents in Jeju and 1,000 respondents nationwide to capture the comprehensive value of improving groundwater quality, considering both local and non-local dependencies. Results show that national benefits exceed local benefits by a factor of 21.4, and this disparity increases to 21.6 when spatial heterogeneity is included. These findings highlight a significant underestimation in previous studies focusing solely on local beneficiaries. Our approach enhances understanding of the varied values attributed to groundwater by different populations, providing crucial insights for sustainable water resource management

Grain quality attributes of an on-farm Thailand's highland rice germplasm directly beneficial to the farming households

Rice (Oryza sativa) from the highlands of Northern Thailand where the crop is predominantly planted with local varieties was examined for grain quality features having direct benefits for the local population. Un-husked rice seed provided by farmers of 10 minority groups had large grains, in contrast to the slender grain type found in the lowlands. The highland-grown rice directly benefits the local population by providing a higher dietary intake of Fe but not of Zn. The highlands have been identified as a rich source of pigmented rice with a high anthocyanin content and an environment favouring the production of premium quality rice. On-farm experiments confirmed the effects of genotype (G) and environment (E) and the G × E interaction on grain quality. The local rice with high grain Zn exhibited higher concentrations under the upland conditions, while the high anthocyanin variety produced greater levels under wetland conditions. The pigmented rice had a higher anthocyanin content at high altitudes than at lower altitudes. The information concerning the value of local rice germplasm benefits the local population and should facilitate more sustainable on-farm conservation efforts than rewards offered to the farmers from external funding sources.

Fighting Malaria Sustainably: An Investigation of the Innovation System for Biobased Malaria Repellents in East Africa

This paper investigates a biobased innovation system producing a catnip plant-based mosquito repellent developed to fight malaria in East Africa. We adopt a technological innovation system (TIS) methodology. Previous studies on TIS in the global south emphasized innovation diffusion, rather than development. In contrast, we study the catnip-based mosquito repellents in East Africa, a R&D and innovation driven TIS. Our results highlight the potential of innovation development in East Africa by demonstrating strong TIS functions such as entrepreneurial activity, knowledge sharing, and legitimacy building. However, the TIS functions, market creation, resource mobilisation and policy guidance were relatively weak. This suggests that the innovation challenges in East Africa are not always related to a lack of knowledge generation or entrepreneurial capabilities, but more due to a structural feature such as lack of finance, resources, and supportive policies. Our study also demonstrates how local bio-entrepreneurs benefit from business incubation through regional cooperation.

Development Model of Sustainable Agrotourism-Based Village Tourism for Improving Community Welfare in Tapanuli Utara Regency, Indonesia

This study examines the impact of village tourism development on sustainable agrotourism and community welfare in Tapanuli Utara Regency, Indonesia. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines household surveys and structural equation modeling (SEM), data were collected from 203 respondents across 22 villages to evaluate the relationships among infrastructure development, local economic benefits, community participation, rural tourism products, sustainable agrotourism, and community welfare. The results indicate that village tourism development significantly and directly enhances both sustainable agrotourism and community welfare, with infrastructure and local economic benefits being the most influential factors. In contrast, community participation and rural tourism products did not show significant individual effects, suggesting that without proper support, training, and resource allocation, these elements may not effectively contribute to sustainable agrotourism. Moreover, sustainable agrotourism was found to significantly mediate the relationship between tourism development and community welfare, highlighting its role as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic improvement. The study underscores the necessity for integrated development strategies that prioritize infrastructure enhancement and local economic engagement while fostering sustainable agricultural practices within tourism. Limitations of the study include its regional focus, which may affect the generalizability of the findings, and the need for further research to explore effective mechanisms for boosting community participation and developing rural tourism products. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to promote sustainable rural tourism and enhance community welfare in similar contexts.

Extending localized passive heat therapy benefits for individuals with exercise intolerance.

Extending localized passive heat therapy benefits for individuals with exercise intolerance.

Analysis of Predicted Thermal Manikin Physiological Responses when Wearing Compression Gear for American College and Pro-Level Football Athletes

From 2012 to 2019, there were approximately 3455 large-scale National Football League injuries reported. There is widespread commercial acceptance of compression garments as tools for reducing injury, promoting recovery, and improving performance in athletic activity. While studies have been conducted to assess the exercise physiology benefits of compression garments, there remains a gap in the scientific literature regarding the clothing comfort and resultant thermoregulation effects of compression girdles for performance athletes. This study aimed to assess the effects of tighter fitting, multi-layer compression systems when worn by American football athletes. A negative impact on thermoregulation may negate or outweigh any realized local benefit such as increased skin blood flow or reduced muscle oscillatory properties. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the predicted hypothalamus temperature, skin blood flow, skin temperature, sweat rate, temperature sensation, and comfort perceptions of the male human body when wearing a compression girdle. A sweating thermal manikin was utilized to predict the physiological responses of a 50th percentile male when wearing football girdles in both practice and play settings. The results indicate significant differences in skin blood flow, skin temperature, core temperature, sweat rate, and comfort and sensation perceptions when wearing compression girdles compared to boxer briefs in replicated practice and play settings. Findings also demonstrate the use of real-time manikin simulation modeling for predicting physiological response outcomes of wearing compression garments to a realized extent.

Scanning the underground: Comparison of the accuracies of SLAM and static laser scanners in a mine tunnel

Superior measurement speed is a great benefit of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) scanners, especially in enclosed spaces. Here, we (i) provided a workflow for testing both terrestrial static laser scanners and SLAM scanners in underground spaces, which can help to identify the partial components of the error, and (ii) using this workflow, we compared the performance of four SLAM and two terrestrial scanners in a mining environment (120 m long tunnel). Although SLAM scanners suffered from greater noise than static scanners, their performance was excellent, with root mean square deviations after primary georeferencing on control points within the range of 12–24 mm for SLAM and 22–27 mm for static scanners. This result, along with additional provided metrics, suggests that SLAM scanners of the new generation perform excellently in enclosed spaces which, along with their ease of use, makes them highly suitable for measurements in this type of environment.

Integrating Sustainable Development Goals in local plans: Unlocking practices and challenges of local governments in Nepal

Local governments are pivotal in the implementation of sustainable development initiatives. However, the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into local plans remains a significant challenge. In Nepal, there is an increasing recognition of the need to align local plans with the SDG framework to achieve holistic and inclusive development. This study explores the practices and challenges faced by local governments in integrating the SDGs into their plans, programs, and budgets. The qualitative case study method was adopted as a mode of inquiry. The findings reveal that local governments have yet to fully incorporate the SDG framework directly into their plans, programs, and budgets. They have yet to recognize the benefits of localization in effectively implementing and achieving the SDGs. Local governments face several challenges, including a lack of ownership, limited financial resources, insufficient SDG-friendly data, lack of institutional capacity, and weak coordination and cooperation. Despite these challenges, some local governments have formulated SDG-friendly periodic plans, while others are in the process of doing so. This study sheds light on the shift from an indirect to a direct approach in integrating the SDGs into local plans, programs, and budgets. This paper contributes to on-going efforts to promote sustainable development in Nepal by offering valuable insights to those involved in formulating and implementing local plans.

Community-Based Management: Marine Tourism Development for Ecological and Economic Sustainability

This study analyzes community-based management approaches in the Kapoposang Marine Nature Tourism Park (TWAL) as a model for sustainable tourism development. The research examines how local community involvement in managing marine tourism areas enhances economic, social, and ecological sustainability. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines qualitative and quantitative data, including interviews with stakeholders, direct observations, and surveys of local residents and tourists. Findings reveal that participatory approaches significantly enhance the effectiveness of marine ecosystem management, particularly in coral reef conservation, while also contributing to increased local income. However, challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure development, which limits tourism growth and local benefits. The study suggests strategies for maximizing Kapoposang's tourism potential through inclusive community engagement, addressing infrastructure gaps, and promoting sustainable practices. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to foster sustainable marine tourism and community empowerment in protected marine areas, providing a replicable model for similar regions seeking balanced development.

Lipid-Based Formulation of Baricitinib for the Topical Treatment of Psoriasis

Background: Baricitinib, commonly used for autoimmune diseases, is typically administered orally, which can lead to systemic adverse effects. A topical formulation could potentially offer localized therapeutic effects while minimizing these side effects. Objectives: This study focuses on developing a lipid-based topical formulation of baricitinib (BCT-OS) for treating psoriasis. Methods: The optimized formulation was then assessed for physical, chemical, and biopharmaceutical characterization. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the formulation was tested in a model of psoriasis induced by imiquimod in mice, and its tolerance was determined by the evaluation of biomechanical skin properties and an inflammation test model induced by xylol in mice. Results: BCT-OS presented appropriate characteristics for skin administration in terms of pH, rheology, extensibility, and stability. The formulation also demonstrated a notable reduction in skin inflammation in the mouse model, and high tolerability without affecting the skin integrity. Conclusions: BCT-OS shows promise as an alternative treatment for psoriasis, offering localized therapeutic benefits with a potentially improved safety profile compared to systemic administration.

Leveraging intergovernmental data sharing for digital transformation in ecological and environmental protection

The data-sharing problem in the digital transformation of ecological environmental protection is a result of complex interactions and continuous strategic interactions among governments. While existing research has focused on the application and impact of digital technologies in ecological environmental protection, there remains a paucity of micro-level investigations into data sharing among different local governments regarding ecological environment protection. Notably, the issue of data barriers between local governments is particularly prominent. This paper analyzes the data-sharing problem in the digital transformation of ecological environmental protection through an evolutionary game model involving central and local governments, providing new perspectives and methods for understanding and improving data sharing and governance of ecological environmental protection, thereby promoting the digital transformation of the ecological environmental governance system and governance capacity. It finds that six stable equilibrium strategies can form based on local government participation levels, with the superior government's active promotion and regulation being crucial for achieving stable, multi-party participation. Key factors include the superior government's administrative costs and incentives, and local governments' benefits, costs, and risk considerations. The study highlights the importance of benefit-sharing rules and provides optimization strategies for enhancing intergovernmental data sharing.

The uphill battle for reinventing post-industrial regions: The case of Greater Manchester's ‘clean growth’ mission

In this paper we enrich the concept of place-based leadership. Building on social movement theory, our analysis of the clean growth mission development in Greater Manchester (UK) reveals the role of place-based leadership in mobilising and coordinating framing processes that linked the global climate change problem with local challenges, articulated local benefits of its resolution, and provided justification for local change efforts. We draw on theories of the policy process (i.e. Multiple Streams Framework) to shed light on how place-based leaders frame problems and solutions strategically to engender policy change. While framing processes had an impact on local policy agendas, we do not find evidence of accelerated implementation, pointing to the important distinctions between problem ownership and solution ownership in the context of wicked problems. Our findings contribute to the ongoing debate on the role of multi-level governance and localised agency in problem-based policymaking for sustainable regional development.

Local People's View of Non-Benefiting from Murat River Projects: Examples of Bingöl, Elazığ and Muş Basins

In Bingöl, Elazığ, and Muş, micro-basin projects have been implemented, but not all local residents have benefited from these initiatives. This study aimed to understand the views and experiences of those locals who did not benefit from the projects, assessing the potential impact on productivity and income. The study was conducted in the provinces of Bingöl, Elazığ, and Muş. Data was gathered between 16-25 August 2021. The primary sources of information were interviews with 168 non-beneficiaries, complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Findings showed that 75% of participants linked increased productivity to the projects, and all acknowledged an enlarged production area due to project activities. There was no significant difference in production area or income from agricultural sales based on gender or the presence of cash income. However, cash income holders reported higher earnings from both agriculture and livestock. Provincial disparities in income emerged: residents of Bingöl had 2.439 times the income of those in Muş, while Elazığ inhabitants earned 0.882 times less. Men's income surpassed women's by 1.209 times, and those with a history of cash income earned 4.037 times more than those without. Interestingly, owning land or cultivating high-value crops was associated with lesser income. Measures to counteract drought could enhance production areas and, consequently, local incomes. A significant barrier identified was the 20% contribution requirement, preventing some locals from project participation. Recommendations include adjusting project criteria to increase local engagement and benefits. The original value of this article is to reveal the impact of microcatchment projects implemented in Turkey.

Oligometastatic Urothelial Cancer and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review and an Updated Insight of Current Evidence and Future Directions.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the most commonly used metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) for oligometastatic urothelial carcinoma (omUC). Despite efforts in defining this disease entity, open questions remain concerning the role of MDT and the use of biomarkers, imaging, and its combination with systemic therapies. The aim of the present systematic review is to provide an updated overview of the current clinical evidence on SBRT for omUC in terms of survival and local control benefits. We also aim to provide updates on controversial areas and future directions in this emerging field. With a systematic approach, following PRISMA recommendations, we searched two databases to identify and select articles published up until March 2024 reporting the use of SBRT for omUC with or without concomitant systemic therapies. Prospective randomized or non-randomized studies as well as retrospective studies were included. Eight studies were selected for data extraction and 293 omUC patients treated with SBRT were collectively analyzed. In metachronous omUC patients, SBRT delivered with ablative doses (BED10 ≥ 78 Gy) was associated with a 2-year overall survival (OS) rate of 50.7% (95% CI 35.1-64.4%). The use of sub-ablative SBRT doses (BED10 = 43.2 Gy) in combination with immunotherapy did not demonstrate significant clinical outcome improvement in two prospective studies. The overall tolerance was good, with only one study reporting toxicity of grade 3 in up to 18% of the patients treated with SBRT in combination with immunotherapy. SBRT is an effective and widely available MDT option in omUC, although this is based on a limited number of studies. Despite the attempt to use SBRT as an immune response trigger in combination with immunotherapy, no significant improvement in survival outcomes has been observed. The integration of new systemic agents with MDT will likely define a new scenario for the treatment of omUC. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO, ID: CRD42024522381.