Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-03-07"
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- The impact of Flavonoid-Loaded nanoparticles in the UV protection and safety profile of topical sunscreensPublication . Fonseca, Magda; Rehman, Mubashar; Soares, Raquel; Fonte, PedroExcessive UV radiation exposure is harmful to skin cells since sunburn is accompanied by oxidative burst, leading to a rapid increase in skin cancer. However, the insufficient UV photoprotection of approved sunscreens and the negative impact of their compositions on ecosystems and human health makes the utility of sunscreen a questionable recommendation. Therefore, discovering UV filters with significant antioxidant activity and improved topical performance and photostability is an urgent need. Recently, the use of nanosized natural molecules incorporated in sunscreens has been a scientific hot topic, as it has been suggested that they provide a synergistic effect with synthetic UV filters, improving overall SPF and antioxidant activity, higher retention on the epidermis, and less toxicity. The aim of this review was to verify the usefulness of sunscreens incorporating flavonoid-loaded nanoparticles. A literature review was performed, where original and review articles published in the last 6 years were analyzed. Formulations containing nanosized flavonoids with improved UVA photoprotection and safer toxicological profiles, associated or not with synthetic filters, are promising sunscreens and more clinical investigation must be performed to validate these findings.
- Development of a maturity assessment model for sustainable tourismPublication . Franz, Hannah Carolin; Cruz, Ana Rita Pereira Marques daSustainability has become one of the most pressing concerns for the tourism sector worldwide. Destination managers are called to develop strategies and actions to follow, measure and monitor their success in following a sustainable path of development. However, the vagueness of the concept of sustainability, the complexity of existing measurement frameworks and insufficient inclusion of relevant concepts, such as digitalization, pose a challenge for tourism practitioners to operationalize appropriate the measures. Following a design science research approach, this dissertation aims to develop a conceptual solution for the assessment of sustainability in tourism destinations and the provision of directions for destinations’ future priorities and fields of action. Objectives for this conceptual solution are developed based on a critical review of relevant literature and existing assessment models for sustainable tourism. Through a synthesis of sustainability dimensions and sub-domains, these objectives are operationalized by the development of a maturity assessment model for sustainable tourism. This model is then validated by means of semi-structured interviews with tourism experts and stakeholders and implications for the model implementation are outlined. The dissertation ends with a view on limitations and directions for further research as well as implications for policy-making and tourism authorities.