Untapped Resource Research Articles

US Intangible Economic Cultural Capital (Outline for Characterization)

Countries differ in their prevailing values, norms, traditions, perceptions, etc., what can be called intangible cultural capital. Since economic relations permeate all relationships between people, a special place in cultural capital is occupied by its economic dimension. The United States is, in every sense of the word, a unique country with a distinct economic cultural capital. Its specificity is determined by the fact that this community was formed as a result of multi-tribal and multilingual immigration, adopting the so-called American Creed as a dominant worldview, which is based mainly on the values of British Protestant settlers. With vast untapped natural resources and the complete absence of feudal relations, the newcomers had a wide scope of economic activity with an absolute equality of opportunities. Individualism, partly inherited from the English nuclear family, has risen to become the prevailing principle of their behavior. This individualism, voluntaristic in nature, did not preclude individuals from uniting freely in various social entities, while also allowing for easy separation. Americans placed emphasis in their economic activity on achievement, success, the measure of which was perceived to be wealth. The accumulation of wealth was not and is not condemned; it is believed that its source is primarily the hard work of its owners who perform important social functions (investment, development of new technologies, etc.). Meanwhile, the causes of poverty, both in the past and present, are often seen in the poor people's own misbehavior. One cannot rule out that the active influx of immigrants with different cultural capital may in the future provoke changes in the American Creed.

Exploring the potential for organic aquaculture in Sivas Province, Turkey: A pathway to sustainable development

Organic aquaculture is an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable form of agriculture. Although organic aquaculture principles and standards have been established in the world and in Turkey, there are no established and operating facilities related to organic aquaculture in Sivas province. This study suggests optimistic and positive hopes for the start of organic aquaculture in Sivas province. There are suitable and untapped water resources in Sivas province where organic aquaculture can be carried out. Establishing and starting organic aquaculture facilities in Sivas province has the potential to create new employment opportunities and make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Sivas province and therefore Turkey.

Evaluation of Hydropower Potential of Kapologwe Waterfalls for Rural Electrification in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region Tanzania

Hydropower remains one of the most significant renewable energy sources, accounting for a substantial proportion of global electricity production. In Tanzania, where electricity access is limited, particularly in rural areas, untapped hydropower resources could play a critical role in meeting local energy needs. This study investigates the hydropower potential of the Kapologwe Waterfalls on the Kala River, located in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region. Key factors influencing hydropower generation, including hydraulic head, flow rate, and turbine efficiency, were analysed using land survey techniques and hydrological modeling. The hydraulic head was measured at 605.15 meters, and flow rates were calculated based on field data, with a design flow of 1.542 m³/s. A Pelton turbine, known for its high efficiency under high-head, low-flow conditions, was selected for the site. The estimated power potential is 7.238 MW, suggesting that the Kapologwe Waterfalls could significantly contribute to localised electrification and reduce reliance on Tanzania’s national grid. This research highlights the feasibility of small-scale hydropower projects in rural Tanzania and their potential to alleviate energy poverty.

Mycoprotein: A Healthy and Sustainable Source of Alternative Protein-Based Foods.

Perhaps the most important challenge currently facing agrifood is how to ensure a more sustainable food system by changing the way we eat. Fermentation of fungi to produce mycoprotein can address this imperative by utilizing an age-old technology and a largely untapped natural resource. In this review, we look at the origins of mycoprotein, fermentation at scale, and downstream applications of mycoprotein as food. We review the advances in our understanding of the underpinning science from fermentation through to food development and the evidence base of research that provides insights into the impacts of diets rich in mycoprotein on both the health of our bodies and the environment. We show that mycoprotein has a valuable and future-facing role as a healthy new protein with a low environmental impact.

Santriprenuership: A Strategic Approach to Human Capital Development

Economic development in the era of industry 4.0 has emerged as a crucial societal concern, drawing significant attention from scholars and practitioners. On a theoretical level, the discourse centers around achieving sustainable development through economic self-sufficiency. At a practical level, economic progress should be accessible to all strata of society, including those within Islamic boarding schools. This inclusivity extends to the development of santripreneurship, a rapidly growing concept within the Islamic boarding school community. Santripreneurship refers to a new breed of students who possess expertise in both religious studies and practical knowledge, with a strong inclination toward business and entrepreneurship. This research aims to delve deeper into the development of human capital within Islamic boarding schools through santripreneurship and identify a strategy to cultivate student potential, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and mindset that aligns with local cultural values, all while enhancing their knowledge and skills in accordance with Islamic boarding school principles. This research is conducted at Nurul Haromain 93 Islamic Boarding School in Tolbuk Village, Bangkalan, Madura. We employed a qualitative descriptive approach, utilizing in-depth interviews, focus group discussion (FGD), questionnaire and direct observation to assess potential and formulate strategies for human capital development through santripreneurship at this institution. Our findings indicate a significant reservoir of untapped resources and human capital development strategy within the Islamic boarding school. We propose various methods to harness this potential, including the identification of pesantren assets and introduction of early entrepreneurship education and training for santri and teachers. Furthermore, the research findings encourage government participation in the development of santripreneurship in new-small scale pesantren that are pioneered independently. Keywords: human capital development, santripreneurship, santripreneur, Islamic boarding schools, economic development

Geothermal resources of Hungary: a play-based review

In this paper we review the geothermal resources of Hungary using the geothermal play concept and its scale-dependent hierarchical categorization. The Pannonian Basin belongs to an extensional domain play type, with two main plays: the porous Neogene basin-fill sediments and the fractured–karstified Paleozoic and Mesozoic basement rocks. Both plays can be divided into hydrostatic and overpressured play segments. The most widely utilized play level in the hydrostatic segment of the porous Neogene sediment play comprises laterally extended, highly permeable sandstone layers storing low-salinity thermal water with average flow rate of c. 900 l min −1 and temperatures between 50 and 100°C in the depth range of 1–2 km. The other prosperous play level is represented by the fractured–karstified Mesozoic carbonates in the hydrostatic segment of the basement play having elevated temperatures (90–120°C) and several thousand l min −1 flow rates. The play level related to fractured Paleozoic rocks is less important due to its limited extent. The overpressured segment of the basement play may have high flow rates but it is still an untapped resource as exploitation is limited by high overpressure, high temperatures (170–200°C) and highly saline hot waters.

A synthetic co-culture for bioproduction of ammonia from methane and air.

Fixed nitrogen fertilizers feed fifty percent of the global population, but most fixed nitrogen production occurs using energy-intensive Haber-Bosch-based chemistry combining nitrogen (N2) from air with gaseous hydrogen (H2) from methane (CH4) at high temperatures and pressures in large-scale facilities sensitive to supply chain disruptions. This work demonstrates the biological transformation of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3) using methane (CH4) as the sole carbon and energy source in a single vessel at ambient pressure and temperature, representing a biological 'room-pressure and room-temperature' route to ammonia (NH3) that could ultimately be developed to support compact, remote, ammonia (NH3) production facilities amenable to distributed biomanufacturing. The synthetic microbial co-culture of engineered methanotroph Methylomicrobium buryatense (now Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense) and diazotroph Azotobacter vinelandii converted three methane (CH4) molecules to L-lactate (C3H6O3) and powered gaseous nitrogen (N2) conversion to ammonia (NH3). The design used division of labor and mutualistic metabolism strategies to address the oxygen sensitivity of nitrogenase and maximize methane oxidation efficiency. Media pH and salinity were central variables supporting co-cultivation. Carbon concentration heavily influenced ammonia production. Smaller scale ammonia (NH3) production near dispersed, abundant, and renewable methane (CH4) sources could reduce disruption risks and capitalize on untapped energy resources.

Perilla Seed Oil and Protein: Composition, Health Benefits, and Potential Applications in Functional Foods.

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) seeds are emerging as a valuable resource for functional foods and medicines owing to their rich oil and protein content with diverse nutritional and health benefits. Perilla seed oil (PSO) possesses a high level of a-linolenic acid (ALA), a favorable ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids, and other active ingredients such as tocopherols and phytosterols, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. The balanced amino acid ratio and good functional properties of perilla seed protein make it suitable for a variety of food applications. The chemical composition, health benefits, and potential applications of PSO as well as the structural characterization, functional properties, modification methods, bioactivities, and application scenarios of perilla seed protein are comprehensively presented in this paper. Furthermore, the challenges as well as future prospects and research focus of PSO and perilla seed protein are discussed. The growing interest in plant-based diets and functional foods has made PSO and perilla seed protein promising ingredients for the development of novel foods and health products. The purpose of this paper is to highlight implications for future research and development utilizing these two untapped resources to improve human health and nutrition.

Assessment of the Recreational Potential of Flooded Quarries in Slovakia

This article focuses the assessment of the recreational potential of selected water-filled quarries in Slovakia, specifically the Škrabské, Beňatina, and Kraľovany quarries. Water-filled quarries represent a significant untapped resource that can contribute to the development of various leisure activities while simultaneously supporting local communities and environmental conservation. The main challenge of the study is finding a balance between the recreational use of these sites and the need to maintain ecological sustainability, which requires a detailed evaluation of the natural conditions, infrastructure, and accessibility of the individual quarries. The study focuses on a comprehensive assessment of the recreational potential of selected water-filled quarries in Slovakia, specifically the Škrabské, Beňatina, and Kraľovany quarries, using a methodology based on point evaluation according to criteria such as natural beauty, accessibility, existing infrastructure, and ecological status. The results of this study provide an important foundation for further research and decision-making processes in the transformation of water-filled quarries, aiming to maximize their recreational potential while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

An untapped resource: social media accounts show problem solving in numerous new animal species

Abstract Problem solving in animals is often studied by measuring an animal’s ability to solve man-made puzzles, such as puzzle feeders. Outside of scientific studies, puzzle feeders are also presented to captive animals housed in zoos, aquaria, and sanctuaries as a form of enrichment. Footage of these interactions is commonly posted on social media accounts to increase public engagement with the institution. However, because these puzzle feeders are not presented to animals for research purposes, the problem-solving abilities of numerous species may not be recorded in the scientific literature. Therefore, we searched through three social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and X) for footage of captive animals solving problems to determine if social media could be a useful tool for behavioural scientists. For each video, we recorded what species was featured, what the puzzle was, how it was solved, and whether this was the first documentation of problem solving for the species (to the best of our knowledge). We found 111 records of successful problem solving across 74 species, including mammals (), birds (), and reptiles (). Overall, this was the first record of problem solving in 29 of these species. We suggest that social media could be a useful tool for researchers studying problem solving, particularly of mammalian and avian species.

The influence of mucilage-rich flours from diverse Australian Plantago species on the pasting, storage, and gluten-free breadmaking properties of rice flour

Plantago seed composition varies with natural variation, particularly regarding their mucilage content and structure, but little is known about how this influences their potential as replacements for conventional food hydrocolloids. We investigated the influence that whole seed flour (WSF) addition from diverse Plantago species had on the pasting, storage and gluten-free (GF) breadmaking properties of rice flour (RF). Despite being starch-less, Plantago WSF significantly altered the pasting profiles of RF with the mucilage conclusively shown to be key. Hastened pasting, stimulation of gelation on cooling and increased storage stability were hypothesised to be related to starch-hydrocolloid interactions. GF RF doughs with WSF added had significantly increased elastic moduli (G’), with tan δ showing a reduced frequency dependence. Improved dough rheology modulated proofing kinetics and led to collapse resistance which produced GF breads with increased specific volume, improved crumb structure, and improved textural characteristics like lower hardness and higher cohesiveness. WSF from the commercial species, P. ovata (psyllium) produced high quality breads but two Australian native relatives, P. turrifera and P. cunninghamii, produced doughs with improved rheological properties and GF breads with greater volume, improved crumb structure and improved texture. Effects of Plantago WSF addition were partly independent of mucilage content suggesting that mucilage polysaccharide structure is influential and might be related to co-polymer network formation. These data show that Plantago WSF can be used as nutritious and sustainable hydrocolloids in starch-based foods and that natural variation in Plantago seed composition is an untapped resource for selectively manipulating their quality.

ZmKTF1 promotes salt tolerance by mediating RNA-directed DNA methylation in maize.

The epigenetic process of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) regulates the expression of genes and transposons. However, little is known about the involvement of RdDM in the response of maize (Zea mays) to salt stress. Here, we isolated a salt-sensitive maize mutant and cloned the underlying gene, which encodes KOW DOMAIN-CONTAINING TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR1 (KTF1), an essential component of the RdDM pathway. Evolutionary analysis identified two homologs of KTF1 (ZmKTF1A and ZmKTF1B) with highly similar expression patterns. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing revealed that mutations in ZmKTF1 substantially decrease genome-wide CHH (H = A, C, or T) methylation levels. Moreover, our findings suggest that ZmKTF1-mediated DNA methylation regulates the expression of multiple key genes involved in oxidoreductase activity upon exposure to salt, concomitant with increased levels of reactive oxygen species. In addition, insertion-deletion mutations (InDels) in the promoter of ZmKTF1 affect its expression, thereby altering Na+ concentrations in seedlings in a natural maize population. Therefore, ZmKTF1 might represent an untapped epigenetic resource for improving salt tolerance in maize. Overall, our work demonstrates the critical role of ZmKTF1 involved in the RdDM pathway in maize salt tolerance.

Agricultural Waste for Energy Storage, Conversion and Agricultural Applications

Agricultural waste residues (agro-waste) present a significant source of carbohydrates that are often underutilized despite their valuable properties. With increasing urbanization and limited non-renewable resources, the valorization of agro-waste is imperative. The global energy demand is on the rise, driven by factors such as population growth, industrialization, and a desire for enhanced living standards. Traditional energy sources, especially fossil fuels, have come under scrutiny for their environmental impact and limited availability. Consequently, there is an increasing focus on developing renewable and sustainable energy solutions, particularly through the use of agricultural waste. Agricultural waste—including crop residues, animal manure, and byproducts from food processing—represents a largely untapped resource for energy production. Converting this waste into valuable energy can help meet rising energy needs while offering environmental and economic advantages, such as mitigating waste disposal issues and creating additional income sources for the agricultural sector. Despite the significant potential of agricultural waste for energy storage and conversion, several challenges remain. These include issues related to logistics and transportation, the need for pretreatment, and concerns about economic feasibility. Future research should aim to enhance conversion technologies and better integrate agricultural waste into energy and agricultural systems. This review discusses various energy conversion technologies and applications of agricultural waste, including biofuels, biogas, and direct combustion, while exploring its role in energy storage through biochar. This review examines the composition and properties of agricultural waste, the various technologies available for energy conversion, and how agricultural waste can be utilized as a feedstock for biofuels, biogas, and direct combustion. It also investigates the integration of agricultural waste in energy storage solutions like biochar and explores other agricultural applications beyond energy production.

Dynamics of Amphibian Pathogen Detection Using Extended Museum Specimens.

Natural history collections have long served as the foundation for understanding our planet's biodiversity, yet they remain a largely untapped resource for wildlife disease studies. Extended specimens include multiple data types and specimen preparations that capture the phenotype and genotype of an organism and its symbionts-but preserved tissues may not always be optimized for downstream detection of various pathogens. Frogs are infected by an array of pathogens including Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), Ranavirus (Rv), and Amphibian Perkinsea (Pr), which provides the opportunity to study differences in detection dynamics across tissue types. We used quantitative PCR protocols to screen two tissue types commonly deposited in museum collections, toe clips and liver, from two closely related host species, Rana catesbeiana and Rana clamitans. We compared Bd, Rv, and Pr infection prevalence and intensity between species and tissue types and found no significant difference in prevalence between species, but Bd intensity was higher in R. clamitans than R. catesbeiana. Toe tissue exhibited significantly higher Bd infection loads and was more useful than liver for detecting Bd infections. In contrast, Rv was detected from more liver than toe tissues, but the difference was not statistically significant. Our results support the use of extended specimen collections in amphibian disease studies and demonstrate that broader tissue sampling at the time of specimen preparation can maximize their utility for downstream multipathogen detection.

Inadvertent climate refugia

AbstractFor centuries, humans have intentionally moved species around the world, and such actions have rarely been laudable from conservation perspectives. The notion that introduced populations of cold‐adapted species hold conservation value despite their non‐native status remains controversial. Many such populations exist as a legacy of humans moving wildlife to novel environments with little true consideration of species conservation. Herein, we identify cases in which individuals from inadvertent climate refugia (ICR) are returned to formerly occupied ranges or used to augment declining native populations. While conservation benefits have been infrequently realized, the global distribution of ICR offers a potentially untapped resource. Lessening biodiversity loss under increasing climate challenges will likely require assisted migration of many species and necessitate novel valuation of extant introduced populations—such as those within ICR. While ecological costs of translocated species are widely known, we highlight how species moved generations ago to ICR offer a reservoir for reintroductions and a buffer against rapidly changing climates.

Processes of Metal Oxides Catalyst on Conversion of Spent Coffee Grounds into Rich-Synthesis Gas by Gasification

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a waste product of the coffee industry, present a significant untapped resource for fuel production. This study aims to optimize the gasification of SCG using various metal catalysts (NiO, MnO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3) to maximize syngas yield. SCG samples were gasified at different temperatures (800 °C, 900 °C, 1000 °C) and analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG-DTA), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to evaluate catalyst performance and reaction mechanisms. The findings indicated that utilizing mixing techniques for physical contact to introduce catalysts led to a uniform distribution of catalyst particles throughout the sample. The decomposition rate of the gasification experiment after adding the catalyst was 24% faster than that of the pure SCGs. In the gasification experiment, the MnO2 catalyst showed the highest CO production, which was 71% higher than that of NiO under the same conditions. At this temperature, MnO2 generated around 171% more CO than at 800 °C, surpassing the yields observed with other catalysts. The study concludes that Mn emerged as the most promising catalyst, significantly improving both CO and CH4 yields. Selecting the appropriate metal catalyst and optimizing operational temperatures are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of SCG gasification.

The Mundeck Salt Unit: A Review of Aptian Depositional Context and Hydrocarbon Potential in the Kribi-Campo Sub-Basin (South Cameroon Atlantic Basin)

The Kribi-Campo sub-basin, located in the Gulf of Guinea, constitutes the southeastern segment of the Cameroon Atlantic Margin. Drilling in the Aptian salt unit revealed a sparse hydrocarbon presence, contrasting with modest finds in its counterparts like the Ezanga Salt in Gabon and the Rio Muni Salt in Equatorial Guinea. This discrepancy prompted a reassessment of the depositional context and hydrocarbon potential of the Mundeck salt unit. By integrating 2D seismic reflection and borehole data analysis, this study established the structural and stratigraphic framework of the area, emphasizing the salt unit’s significance. Borehole data indicate a localized salt unit offshore Kribi, with seismic reflection data revealing distinct forms of diapir and pillow. This salt unit displays a substantial lateral extent with thicknesses ranging from 4000 m to 6000 m. The depositional context is linked to the following two major geological events: a significant sea-level drop due to margin uplift during the Aptian and thermodynamic processes driven by transfer faults related to mid-oceanic ridge formation. These events were crucial in forming and evolving the Mundeck Salt. Regarding hydrocarbon prospects, this study identifies the unit as being associated with potential petroleum plays, supported by direct hydrocarbon indicators and fault-related structures. The findings suggest that untapped hydrocarbon resources may still exist, underscoring the need for further exploration and analysis.

Empowering Rural Left-behind Children in Meizhou, Guangdong: SIPS Model-Based Approach to Promoting Reading and Fostering Holistic Development

Objective: Under the dual influence of globalization and urbanization, the issue of left-behind children in rural areas has become increasingly prominent. Taking Meizhou, Guangdong Province, as a case study, this paper underscores the urgency of promoting reading activities for these children in this major agricultural hub in southern China. Methods: Leveraging a comprehensive approach that integrates online searches, official data, and other information-gathering techniques, the paper delves into the specifics of the challenge.The SIPS model, consisting of Resonance, Confirmation, Participation, and Sharing, offers a fresh perspective on tackling the challenge of promoting reading among these children. It explores how the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including university student volunteers, government agencies, and private enterprises, can harness tools such as simulated data and data integration methods to gain a nuanced understanding of the reading needs, obstacles, and untapped resources of left-behind children. Results: The paper outlines a series of actionable strategies under the SIPS model to advance reading promotion activities for left-behind children in rural Meizhou, thereby fostering their holistic development and contributing to local rural progress. Conclusion: By engaging stakeholders and utilizing methods like simulation data and data integration, the paper proposes practical strategies to create a richer and healthier reading environment for left-behind children, ultimately contributing to their development and the overall progress of rural communities.

How spatial considerations figure into aspiration formation and agency

As young people near the end of compulsory schooling they are faced with decisions about what future education, training and employment they will pursue. This paper argues that imagined future education, training and career prospects can have largely under-recognised socio-spatial dimensions. This claim disrupts received notions around careers decision-making as distinctly rational, based on academic strengths, skills, or talents. This spatial argument follows from a theoretically-informed analysis of interviews conducted with 15 young people living in England. Sampling was opportunitistic and the design flexible to enable me to explore the use of different methods which could foreground reflections on space and place. Interviews employed visual methods (including photo voice) to prompt young people to talk about their conceptualisations of places and spaces as well as future education, training and career considerations. Focusing in particular on three participants’ reflections, I suggest that through a process of emplacement young people are constructing thirdspaces, a concept proposed by Soja. This process both supports aspiration formation and disrupts imposed structures or labels that might otherwise be deterministic of particular post-16 pathways and subjectivities. For three participants, I consider the ways their conceptions of spaces are implicit responses to cultural expectations, limitations and structures. These three participants are presented as developing what Yosso has called spatially-informed navigational and resistant capitals. Claims are made in the context of an analysis framed by an interpretation of agency in terms of the identity and implied subjectivities. The process by which a young person emplaces themselves in a possible future and the construction of imagined thirdspaces could be untapped cultural resources informing young people’s post-16 decisions and planning which could lead them to build future pathways they themselves value.

From diagnosis to survivorship addressing the sexuality of women during cancer.

For women diagnosed with cancer, side effects affecting their sexuality are extremely common and can be distressing and life-changing; however, most women are left in the dark without any guidance from their oncology teams regarding possible side effects and treatment options. American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical guidelines provide guidance on the recommended assessments related to the domains of sexual function and their respective interventions. Despite the existence of these guidelines, the reality is that only a few women with cancer are asked about sexual concerns that result from cancer treatments. Common barriers to sexuality discussion reported by oncology providers include a lack of qualification and knowledge, not having a place to refer patients, and not knowing how to start the conversation. Social media remains a widely untapped resource regarding sexuality and cancer interventions, as people are increasingly turning to social media for health information and advice. This may be especially relevant for sexuality, as oncologists may not feel comfortable or well-trained to discuss the topic, and patients may be reluctant to bring up sexual concerns during their visits. Social media can play a critical role in studying sexual health and in sexuality interventions, particularly in adolescent and young adult patients with cancer. Here, we discuss the lack of inclusion regarding sexuality in oncology, the rates of sexual dysfunction in patients with cancer, treatment options for common sexual concerns, how to utilize the reach of various social media channels, and provide patient and provider resources.