Banana macropropagation in a thermal chamber is an economical technology, effective as a phytosanitary cleaning method, and efficient to enhance seedling production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of corm size (CS) and benzylaminopurine (BAP) on plantain cv. Barraganete seedling proliferation in two propagation environments (PE). The treatments consisted of two levels of BAP (with and without BAP), three CS (2 ± 0.5, 4 ± 0.5 and 6 ± 0.5 kg) and two PE (thermal chamber and raised bed). The variables evaluated were sprouting time (days), multiplication rate (MT) per unit (seedlings per corm) and area (seedlings per m²). Sprouting time was significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by the PE, where the thermal chamber advanced shoot emergence by 12 days, with respect to the raised bed. MT of seedlings per corm and m², were significantly influenced (p < 0.05) by BAP × AP and TC × AP interactions, where the highest seedling production per corm occurred inside thermal chamber with BAP and 6 ± 0.5 kg corms, while seedling production per m² was higher with 2 ± 0.5 kg corms under the same thermal chamber conditions and with BAP. The main effects results reported that with BAP there were 30 and 31% increases in MT per corm and per m², respectively, relative to the treatment without BAP. Within the thermal chamber the MT per corm and per m² increased by 44% relative to the raised bed. Regarding the effect of CS, larger corms achieved higher individual MT, while smaller corms achieved higher MT per area. The use of a thermal chamber and BAP is recommended for mass production of banana seedlings through macropropagation.

This research examines the intricate connection between tourism and environmental destruction in 28 Asian countries, concentrating on the non-linear impacts of tourism. Moreover, this study contemplates how tourism can mitigate the effects of economic growth on environmental decline. Westerlund, Johansen-Fisher, and Pedronico-integration tests are necessary to detect the co-integration connection between the proposed factors. The research also uses the Augmented Mean Group; the dynamic system generalized method of moments, and fully changed Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). These tools help address econometric and economic problems such as co-integration, dynamism, variation, inter-sectional dependence, and endogeneity. The results demonstrate a U-shaped non-linear connection between ecological footprint and Tourism in Asian nations. Primarily, the tourism industry can initially decrease environmental damage. However, as it increases in size, it can worsen the harm. Additionally, the study suggests that tourism negatively influences how economic growth affects ecological footprint. This research contributes to the existing literature on tourism’s effects on the environment. The research suggests that tourism significantly impacts the environment; therefore, initiatives to reduce damage should be aimed at tourism.

Edible cutlery is a safe alternative that, if adopted, can act as a panacea to plastic pollution. Consumers who believe in a lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) can motivate others by taking the lead in this direction. This study has explored the psychological variables associated with LOHAS consumers in conjunction with the product attributes of edible cutlery to check whether these variables can influence lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) consumers to adopt edible cutlery. An empirical study on 210 LOHAS consumers using Partial Least Squares Structure Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Importance Performance Matrix Analyses (IPMA) showed that social consciousness and subjective norms motivate them to adopt edible cutlery in restaurants. This finding has an implication for hospitality businesses using edible cutlery that can target LOHAS consumers with strategies that affect their social consciousness and subjective norm belief for better adoption intentions.

This paper examines the effect of governance in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Specifically, this study investigates (i) the interacting impact of government efficiency, regulatory quality, and the rule of law alongside other socioeconomic variables to determine foreign capital inflow (FCI) based on each economic SSA bloc; and (ii) the characteristic drivers of FCI, impacting economic growth in the SSA countries. Descriptive statistics, static models, least square dummy variables (LSDVs) and the dynamic system general method of moment (GMM) were employed as the study’s estimating techniques. Based on the result of the LSDV, food security and the rule of law significantly impact FCI in the sub-economic blocs in the region. Only six countries across the four economic blocs responded to food security and the rule of law in the model. The dynamic system-GMM provided evidence of five socioeconomic variables and three governance variables contributing to FCI. The findings revealed (i) regulatory quality and the rule of law are governance variables that significantly impacted FCI; and (ii) food security failed to significantly impact FCI in the SSA region. However, inflation, life expectancy, the human capital index, exchange rate and gross domestic product (GDP) growth impacted FCI significantly. In the aggregate, inflation, regulatory quality, exchange rate and the human capital index exhibited positive relationships, while other variables such as life expectancy, government effectiveness and the rule of law appeared significant but inversely impacted FCI in the SSA region. The key policy implication recommendation from this study is that a good legal framework could moderate the flow of foreign capital in favour of growth as it creates a strong foundation for sustainable economic development in the region.

The study examines the acceptance and sustainability of vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets, focusing on the health and environmental benefits of reducing animal-derived proteins. Our objective was to investigate the level of acceptance of these dietary trends across different age groups and health statuses and understand how sustainability awareness and health consciousness impact dietary decisions. We used a mixed-method approach to achieve this, conducting eight in-depth interviews and a survey with 329 participants from various demographic backgrounds. Our qualitative analysis revealed that individual and family health consciousness, along with sustainability considerations, play a significant role in dietary choices, particularly among younger generations who are more open to sustainable eating. Quantitative results show that access to information and educational resources strongly influences dietary decisions, further supporting the spread of environmentally conscious eating habits. The practical significance of our research lies in highlighting the importance of educational campaigns and public health policies that can foster broader societal acceptance of sustainable diets. Educational institutions and community organizations can help facilitate the transfer of knowledge necessary for adopting such diets. Our findings emphasize the role of targeted communication strategies in increasing awareness of the benefits of plant-based diets. Furthermore, these insights underline the potential of policy interventions to make sustainable food choices more accessible and appealing to a wider population. Future research could focus on exploring economic incentives and examining long-term health and environmental outcomes associated with these diets.

This study examines the relationship between Russian FDI carried out by large MNCs and investment development path (IDP). Although statistical analysis does not establish a significant relationship between outward FDI and GDP, the behavior of Russian outward FDI contradicts traditional models. Two primary factors contribute to this paradox. First, the complex business environment in Russia, characterized by a combination of both improvements and contradictions, has a significant impact on outward FDI behavior. Secondly, the duality of the Russian economy and society plays a decisive role. This segment resembles a high-income country with ample resources, while most face lower income levels, raising concerns about wealth distribution. Historical factors, including Russia’s transition from a state-controlled to a market-oriented economy, contribute to the internationalization of Russian MNCs. Both state-owned enterprises and privatized firms are influenced by the state, although to varying degrees. Government involvement in international business strategies increases the knowledge and experience of Russian MNCs, but also raises concerns about political influence.