scholarly journals Evaluation of Wild Foods for Responsible Human Consumption and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeferson Asprilla-Perea ◽  
José M. Díaz-Puente ◽  
Susana Martín-Fernández

Traditional consumption of plants, fungi and wild animals constitutes a reality for the feeding of diverse human groups in different tropical territories of the world. In this regard, there are two views within the academic community: (1) those who defend the importance of the traditional consumption for family food security in rural areas, especially in tropical countries with emerging development; and (2) those who affirm their inconvenience as they are considered vectors of rapidly spreading diseases worldwide. A systematic literature review and an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with experts were carried out to identify the contributing criteria and dimensions in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) that help evaluate the potential of wild foods for responsible consumption in terms of human health and nature conservation. Four dimensions were identified. The first three are: (1) importance of food for the community that consumes it (w = 0.31); (2) nutritional value and risks for human health (w = 0.28) and (3) sustainability of the local use of wild food model (w = 0.27). These three obtained similar integrated relative weights, which suggests the possible balanced importance in the formulation of multidisciplinary methods for estimating the potential of wild foods. The fourth identified dimension is: (4) transformation techniques for turning wild foods into products with commercial potential, obtained an integrated relative weight of 0.14, which, although is lower than the other three, still contributes to the potential of this type of food. The study found ten assessment criteria to evaluate the identified dimensions, constituting a starting point to estimate the potential of this type of food.

Author(s):  
Oleksandr Antonov

The subject of the research is theoretical and practical aspects of identifying environmental motives and incentives for the organization and development of small businesses and agro-villages of rural green tourism. The purpose of the work is to identify environmental motives and incentives for the organization and development of small businesses and agro-villages of rural green tourism in order to improve their management in the interests of creating a favorable environment for the life of the population, rational use of nature, conservation and reproduction of rural areas. The methodological basis of the article was both general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge. Methods were used: dialectical, monographic, historical, system-structural analysis and synthesis, problem- and program-targeted approaches. Results of work. The article deals with the special role of functioning of small businesses and agro-villages of rural green tourism for rural areas. This is not just about his socio-economic motives for providing recreation for urban dwellers and improving rural employment and well-being. The environmental value of the organization and development of small tourist enterprises and agro-villages in the countryside is a key consideration in the study. They are considered, in essence, as the only alternative to agribusiness entities in ensuring the sustainable use, conservation and reproduction of the environment. Therefore, the identification of ecological motives for their creation and ecological incentives for development are of the utmost importance for management in order to ensure a favorable natural environment of life and activity of the population, the functioning of rural territories and their economy as a whole. The field of application of results. The materials, results and conclusions of the article can be used in the activities of individual subjects of rural green tourism, rural territorial communities, district state administrations, secondary and higher education institutions. Conclusions. The environmental motivation of rural green tourism will be the starting point for creating new approaches for this activity, both through the vector of socio-economic development (creation of new jobs and new professions, restoration of crafts, better use of existing resources, etc.), and through the vector of sustainable development (care for the environment, conservation of resources and reproduction of nature, comprehensive greening of activities and tourism products). It will also stimulate the formation of a new rural population mentality and management of rural development. Strengthening the ecological functions of agro-villages and rural tourism enterprises meets the requirements of the modern concept of social responsibility in the organization and development of any business in the countryside – large, small, medium, agrarian and other types.


2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (5) ◽  
pp. 515-522
Author(s):  
P Raynham

Electric light in buildings may provide some health benefits; however, for most people these benefits are likely to be small. It is possible for electric lighting to cause health problems, if there is too little light or there is glare, but for the most part there is good guidance available and these problems can be avoided. The quality of the lit environment can have a psychological impact and this may in turn impact well-being. A starting point for this is perceived adequacy of illumination. Related lighting metrics are examined and a hypothetical explanation is suggested.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3816
Author(s):  
Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri ◽  
Camilo-A. Vargas-Terranova ◽  
María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero ◽  
Paula-A. Bustos-Castro

For the first time in the scientific literature, this research shows an analysis of the implementation of circular economy techniques under sustainable development framework in six municipalities with a depressed economy in Colombia. The analysis is based on solid waste data production at a local scale, the valuation of the waste for subsequent recycling, and the identification and quantification of the variables associated with the treatment and final disposal of waste, in accordance with the Colombian regulatory framework. Waste generation data are obtained considering three different scenarios, in which a comparison between the simulated values and those established in the management plans are compared. Important differences have been identified between the waste management programs of each municipality, specifically regarding the components of waste collection, transportation and disposal, participation of environmental reclaimers, and potential use of materials. These differences are fundamentally associated with the different administrative processes considered for each individual municipality. This research is a good starting point for the development of waste management models based on circular economy techniques, through the subsequent implementation of an office tool in depressed regions such as those studied.


2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Trishala Gopikrishna ◽  
Harini Keerthana Suresh Kumar ◽  
Kumar Perumal ◽  
Elavarashi Elangovan

Abstract Purpose Fermented soybean foods (FSF) is popularly consumed in the South-East Asian countries. Bacillus species, a predominant microorganism present in these foods, have demonstrated beneficial and deleterious impacts on human health. These microorganisms produce bioactive compounds during fermentation that have beneficial impacts in improving human health. However, the health risks associated with FSF, food pathogens, biogenic amines (BAs) production, and late-onset anaphylaxis, remain a concern. The purpose of this review is to present an in-depth analysis of positive and negative impacts as a result of consumption of FSF along with the measures to alleviate health risks for human consumption. Methods This review was composed by scrutinizing contemporary literature of peer-reviewed publications related to Bacillus and FSF. Based on the results from academic journals, this review paper was categorized into FSF, role of Bacillus species in these foods, process of fermentation, beneficial, and adverse influence of these foods along with methods to improve food safety. Special emphasis was given to the potential benefits of bioactive compounds released during fermentation of soybean by Bacillus species. Results The nutritional and functional properties of FSF are well-appreciated, due to the release of peptides and mucilage, which have shown health benefits: in managing cardiac disease, gastric disease, cancer, allergies, hepatic disease, obesity, immune disorders, and especially microbial infections due to the presence of probiotic property, which is a potential alternative to antibiotics. Efficient interventions were established to mitigate pitfalls like the techniques to reduce BAs and food pathogens and by using a defined starter culture to improve the safety and quality of these foods. Conclusion Despite some of the detrimental effects produced by these foods, potential health benefits have been observed. Therefore, soybean foods fermented by Bacillus can be a promising food by integrating effective measures for maintaining safety and quality for human consumption. Further, in vivo analysis on the activity and dietary interventions of bioactive compounds among animal models and human volunteers are yet to be achieved which is essential to commercialize them for safe consumption by humans, especially immunocompromised patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 821
Author(s):  
Keith L. Kline ◽  
Virginia H. Dale ◽  
Erin Rose ◽  
Bruce Tonn

Wood-based pellets are produced in the southeastern United States (SE US) and shipped to Europe for the generation of heat and power. Effects of pellet production on selected Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) are evaluated using industry information, available energy consumption data, and published research findings. Challenges associated with identifying relevant SDG goals and targets for this particular bioenergy supply chain and potential deleterious impacts are also discussed. We find that production of woody pellets in the SE US and shipments to displace coal for energy in Europe generate positive effects on affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and life on land (SDG 15). Primary strengths of the pellet supply chain in the SE US are the provisioning of employment in depressed rural areas and the displacement of fossil fuels. Weaknesses are associated with potential impacts on air, water, and biodiversity that arise if the resource base and harvest activities are improperly managed. The SE US pellet supply chain provides an opportunity for transition to low-carbon industries and innovations while incentivizing better resource management.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002110002
Author(s):  
David Rhys Axon ◽  
Melissa Johnson ◽  
Brittany Abeln ◽  
Stephanie Forbes ◽  
Elizabeth J. Anderson ◽  
...  

Background: Patients living in rural communities often experience pronounced health disparities, have a higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, and poorer access to care compared to urban areas. To address these unmet healthcare service needs, an established, academic-based MTM provider created a novel, collaborative program to provide comprehensive, telephonic services to patients living in rural Arizona counties. Objective: This study assessed the program effectiveness and described differences in health process and outcome measures (e.g., clinical outcomes, gaps in care for prescribed medications, medication-related problems) between individuals residing in different rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) groups (urban, micropolitan, and small town) in rural Arizona counties. Methods: Subjects eligible for inclusion were 18 years or older with diabetes and/or hypertension, living in rural Arizona counties. Data were collected on: demographic characteristics, medical conditions, clinical values, gaps in care, medication-related problems (MRPs), and health promotion guidance. Subjects were analyzed using 3 intra-county RUCA levels (i.e., urban, micropolitan, and small town). Results: A total of 384 patients were included from: urban (36.7%), micropolitan (19.3%) and small town (44.0%) areas. Positive trends were observed for clinical values, gaps in care, and MRPs between initial and follow-up consultations. Urban dwellers had significantly lower average SBP values at follow-up than those from small towns (p < 0.05). A total of 192 MRPs were identified; 75.0% were resolved immediately or referred to providers and 16.7% were accepted by prescribers. Conclusion: This academic-community partnership highlights the benefits of innovative collaborative programs, such as this, for individuals living in underserved, rural areas.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Santiago ◽  
Fernando Martin Roxas ◽  
John Paolo Rivera ◽  
Eylla Laire Gutierrez

PurposeFamily businesses (FB), mostly small-sized, dominate the tourism and hospitality industry (THI), especially in the rural areas. While many would have been used to the impact of demand seasonality, it is unknown how these businesses would have survived through the restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as compared to non-family business (NFB) counterparts. This study aims to determine if there were differences on how family and non-family enterprises in the THI coped with government restrictions.Design/methodology/approachBy subjecting the survey data from tourism enterprises to non-parametric techniques, the authors establish empirical evidence on similarities and differences of coping strategies adopted by FBs and NFBs; their required support from government and their perceptions of a post-pandemic THI.FindingsThe analysis revealed that family-owned tourism and hospitality businesses in the Philippines tended to collaborate with other businesses to manage the impact of the pandemic restrictions. Since they hired more seasonal workers prior to the restrictions, they tended to avoid hiring workers during the restricted period. NFBs, on the other hand, that were generally larger in size and more professionally managed with more regular employees, tended to streamline operations for greater efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relied on survey results distributed and collected online. There is an innate bias against those firms that did not have access to the survey links.Practical implicationsThe comparative study suggests that interventions to assist firms in the THI should consider the differences in firm ownership as “one size does not fit all.”Social implicationsThe study provides evidence about how environmental factors impact the operations of family firms. Thus, it provides valuable insights for both the academic community and industry practitioners.Originality/valueThis is the first study in the Philippines that was able to capture response of family and non-family firms in the THI during the COVID-19 lockdown.


2012 ◽  
Vol 66 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
Sasa Vasilev ◽  
Jelena Cvetkovic ◽  
Ivana Radovic ◽  
Ljiljana Sofronic-Milosavljevic

Serbia is country with a high prevalence of Trichinella infection in pigs, which continues to be a serious human health problem. In Serbia, only a few isolates of Trichinella found in pork have been genetically specified to date, and all were proven as T. spiralis. New data shows that in the sylvatic cycle in Serbia, at least in the Belgrade district, more than one Trichinella species co-exist (T. spiralis and T. britovi). Increased awareness of the possible overlap among sylvatic and domestic Trichinella cycles indicates the need for continuous monitoring of Trichinella species circulation and strongly points to the need that all isolates of Trichinella found in meat for human consumption should be subject to a determination of the Trichinella species (due to the risk of transmission of infection with T. britovi to domestic pigs and humans). This is why we examined using PCR the Trichinella larvae found in pig meat that caused a human outbreak (Trichinella infection) in Grocka (Belgrade district) during February 2011. The isolated larvae belonged to T. spiralis.


Author(s):  
Laura Suarsana

AbstractThis chapter presents empirical results on the German LandFrauen clubs and associations as contemporary elements of German civil society from the conceptual perspective of social innovation, as an approach which is expected to hold high potential particularly for rural areas. The analysis shows that the German LandFrauen clubs and associations are highly engaged in initiating change and development in rural Germany by uniquely addressing women’s needs through social, cultural, and educational offers. Here, the members’ social interactions function as a basis and starting point for further activities providing impulses in local development.As prerequisites that enable the LandFrauen to pursue their activities, two key characteristics were identified: (1) Their practices are integrated into specific local fields and highly adaptive to local needs and interests through the deep integration of the large and diverse base of members in their local villages and rural society, which allows for functions as local initiators, catalysts, and multipliers in regional development. (2) The institutional frame of clubs and associations allows for support, cooperation, and exchange across the vertical and horizontal structure, and provides access to resources and a broad network to external partners.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (32) ◽  
pp. 833-847
Author(s):  
M. S. MEDEIROS ◽  
A. C. GOULART ◽  
I. S. PACHECO ◽  
F. A. AMARAL ◽  
S. C. CANOBRE

The decrease of the water available for human consumption is directly related to the unregulated and unconscious action from the man himself. In rural areas, this depreciation is related to inappropriate conditions of artesian wells that capture the water (old wells and poorly sealed) and which are usually close to sources of pollution, such as septic tanks and animal grazing. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of underground water samples made available for consumption in three schools in the field next to the municipality of Uberlândia-MG. Methodologically, the data were statistically processed by means of descriptive and multivariate analysis (Pearson correlation coefficient). All schools are supplied by an artesian well, being carried out simplified treatment (chlorination mechanism of chemical treatment). In only one of the schools was identified the presence of a septic tank sewage collection system. Of samples evaluated, all were at odds with the standards laid down in annex XX of the Consolidation Ordinance No. 5 of the Ministry of health (old law 2,914/2011) in at least one of the parameters evaluated. Therefore, the results reflect the possibility of biological contamination of the water by grazing areas located in the region close to the wells, as well as the need for emerging measures, such as regular cleaning and maintenance of storage systems and distribution of the water consumed in the institutions.


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