No abstract

Electrochemistry and cell signaling are widely involved in the operation of biochemical systems. This article discusses the relationship of the two, as well as interconnection with a variety of other aspects, such as free radicals, receptors, and stereochemistry. Both endogenous and exogenous agents are involved. The electrochemistry deals with electrostatics, electron transfer, reduction potentials, as well as involvement in membranes, proteins, and neurotransmission. Application of electrostatics is made to cell signaling involving receptor-ligand action, phosphates, sulfates, metal cations, and miscellaneous others. Apparently, energetics play a significant part. Practical and experimental aspects are also addressed.

The intense tourism initiatives currently being implemented at the national level in Romania have the potential to rejuvenate the country's rural economies. Although the national goal to utilize tourism as an economic development strategy in rural areas is both viable and timely, it is crucial for the Romanian government to adopt sustainable rural tourism practices incorporating local community-identified needs and viewpoints relating to tourism development. This article elucidates one such attempt at identifying the needs and concerns of a cross-section of community stakeholders, from the Orastie region of Romania, regarding appropriate forms of tourism development in their community and surrounding areas. In early 2004, a series of community meetings and focus groups was held in Orastie, as part of an NGO-facilitated rural tourism consultation project for the region. Although the local governments and community members of the area were highly enthusiastic regarding Orastie's tourism potential, no clear guidance for sustainable tourism development was available until a tourism planning framework was developed by the consultation team. From this study, it may be inferred that, for successful sustainable rural tourism development to occur, it is vital for local governments to enhance local empowerment through involvement of community members in the tourism planning and decision-making process.