Abstract: Abstract Numerous high-tech advancements have established a healthy environment, reduced consumer consumption of non-renewable resources, and reduced the total ecological impact on the environment. Despite this technology, many people still do not have sustainable behavior ingrained in them. Environmental sustainability is threatened by human behaviors, and environmental choices made by individuals are correlated with pro-environmental behaviors. This research focuses on the relationship between people and the environment, the difficulties that have arisen as a result, and the factors that influence university students' pro-environmental behaviors. It explores the factors influencing university students in the United Arab Emirates to have positive environmental attitudes and behaviors using the Q methodology. The results elucidate several discourses, including connections between knowledge and attitude, the importance of formal and informal education, and necessary economic policies and incentives. The results of this research are consistent with those of other recent studies that place more emphasis on attitude than motivation when it comes to changing behavior towards the environment. PubDate: 2023-09-14
Abstract: Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent global action to address the challenges that impact society and nations, are inclusive, equitable, integrated, interdependent and people-centric. Some of the key SDG targets address societal issues, that include education, economic and health lags, particularly in low- and middle-income and African countries. The nexus of society, education, the economy and health, is therefore discussed and interrelated to provide perspectives on advancing development and sustainability. Being socioeconomically disadvantaged impacts access to quality education and health, limits economic activity and diminishes sustainability. Many people live in impoverished countries due to ailing economies with high unemployment. These global and pervasive challenges persist and limit the potential of people and nations. Sustainable advancement requires empowered well-educated people who contribute to economic growth and have access to quality healthcare who can contribute to greater development and sustainability. Therefore a social-education-economy-health nexus is contextualized that aligns with the SDGs and converges to support growth and sustainability, and realize social, education, economic and health value. Education, training and skilling that are relevant to address socioeconomic and health challenges are critical for development and sustainability. Strengthening the social-education-economy-health nexus will advance development and sustainability. Investment in low- and middle-income and African countries, through public–private-philanthropy partnerships to fund social, economic, education and health initiatives, will foster development and sustainability. PubDate: 2023-09-04
Abstract: Abstract The acronym ESG, environmental, social and governance, emerges as a strong trend in the era of the circular economy and stands out as a need for companies to respond to the segment in which they operate. Although most studies have been done in the past, they did not address ESG criteria to ensure operator exemption for logistics providers. Further research on the application of realistic circular economy techniques is recommended. Therefore, strategic sourcing, based on multicriteria decision analysis (MDA), considering parameters such as economic, technical, and environmental factors, has created a perfect methodology that considers all these essential requirements, revealing an excellent way to outsource logistics service providers (LSPs). The article aims to prove MDA’s effectiveness awarding the best LSP through predefined dimensions involving human resources, risk management, environmental and other social aspects, indicating dedication and commitment to social environmental issues and corporate governance during a procurement’s strategic sourcing in a Brazilian pharmaceutical company process. A Literature review supported by a real case study where a multifunctional team from Pharmaceutical and Consultants proved the objective was valid. A secondary objective was demonstrated on how current sustainability challenges can be overcome by the organization and generate value for its stakeholders and society, showing responsibility and commitment to environmental, social, and corporate governance issues. After reviewing all the concepts involved using the literature review, the results were achieved indicating that sourcing process’ case study through MDA validated the effectiveness choosing the 3PL with the best results in ESG. The article deals with a current, relevant, and not very explored topic and may contribute to enhancing the investments of logistics service providers (LSPs) in ESG, mainly those that weren’t awarded at end of the project. PubDate: 2023-08-24
Abstract: Abstract Achieving quality education by providing equitable resources and promoting lifelong learning has attracted scholarly attention since the United Nations proposed Education for Sustainable Development (SDG4) in 2015. The transformation of information technologies has dramatically advanced the fulfillment of SDG4 by revolutionizing communication and learning processes. Updated research to trace the evolution of the relevant field will boost researchers executing ground-breaking research for improving the domain. By utilizing the bibliometric analysis with CiteSpace, this research investigated knowledge structures and frontier trends regarding information technology in sustainable higher education, which included 5370 documents primarily retrieved from the Web of Science between January 2010 and December 2022. The findings indicated that web-based online learning, transparent and unified sustainability reporting criteria, and sustainable campus administration with the assistance of information technologies had drawn significant attention. The most promising topics include: utilizing information technology to improve students’ cross-cultural competencies; adjusting curriculum content for the dynamic changing environment; collaborating between different participants to obtain a circular economy; and the priority of enhancing pedagogy competence of teachers. The results provide crucial insight to researchers via graphical expression, thus facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the field, shedding light on topics not thoroughly explored in this knowledge discipline, and providing valuable direction for future research. PubDate: 2023-08-11
Abstract: Abstract Underdevelopment and poverty are causes for concern, towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the Global South. In most developing countries donor-funded projects through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) accompany governments’ quest to achieve development through poverty reduction initiatives. However, the sustainability of these donor-funded projects in developing minority communities remains questionable. As such, this research evaluates the sustainability of donor-funded projects in developing remote-minority Tonga communities of Zimbabwe in pursuit of the SDGs. The research adopted a descriptive survey design triangulating quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Ten percent (805) of the total households (8053) in four wards of Binga District (Siabuwa Ward 23, Pashu Ward 19, Kabuba Ward 17, and Kani Ward 24) were selected to participate in this study. Findings indicated that there are various projects (food aid, water and sanitation, monetary aid, and climate change resilience) undertaken by NGOs in Binga District. There was a slight change in household socio-economic development since the operation of NGOs in the district and challenges were witnessed after donor-assistance withdrawal. This resulted in the stagnancy or collapse of some projects which affected the development of the Tonga minority community. There is an inadequate understanding of the livelihoods of the poor in Binga District due to a lack of adequate needs assessments, hence the need for participatory grassroots development approaches. Lack of development in Binga District, despite the various donor-funded projects operating in the area, is an indicator that the projects are insufficient and ineffective to deal with underdevelopment in this district. The paper recommends a shift in approaches used by both NGOs and the government to ensure sustainability in donor-funded projects to develop minority communities and help the government in its efforts to attain Vision 2030 and the SDGs. PubDate: 2023-08-09
Abstract: Abstract Natural ingredients (NIs) from plant biodiversity represent a value creation strategy in the transition to a sustainable biobased economy, especially in biodiversity rich countries. A necessary action to achieve this purpose is to orientate research and strengthen the knowledge base of NIs following a value chain (VC) approach. Although the promotion of NIVCs has gained increasing attention in the bioeconomy, a description of the scientific progress, research advances and gaps towards their development is necessary. This review aimed to scrutinize the existing literature on NIVCs to determine its state of progress. Firstly, we explored the global diffusion of research on natural plant ingredients. Secondly, we examined the research landscape in Colombia, focusing on the cooperation between countries, economic sectors impacted, and plant species reported. Lastly, we selected the most reported plant species as a promising NI source in Colombia to assess the literature that constitute the knowledge base of this plant in relation to the VC building blocks: biomass production, biomass processing, product development, and transversal aspects such as sustainability and governance. We show that research on NIs has risen worldwide, with notable scientific output from China, India, and the United States. In Colombia, the interest in NIs from plant biodiversity has also gained importance in the research agenda. Its progress is based on extensive collaboration between institutions, mainly from Spain, the United States, and Brazil. Its research prospects include diverse applications in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. We identify Lippia origanoides as the most reported native plant in scientific literature in Colombia. Using this plant as case study, we provide an overview of the knowledge base of L. origanoides in relation to the VC. Our results indicate that most publications focus on product development, suggesting a lack of comprehensive coverage of the VC and potentially neglected aspects. Based on this, we describe the current and desired scenario of L. origanoides VCs, as well as needs and opportunities for their sustainable implementation in Colombia. This contributes to build research and development roadmaps of sustainable NIVCs from plant diversity supported by multi-stakeholder collaboration. PubDate: 2023-08-03
Abstract: Abstract South Africa’s urban population is increasing, and in parallel, urban green infrastructure has shown an increase in alien tree species, e.g., mulberry (Morus sp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and plane trees (Platanus spp.) to name a few. This causes ecological problems since alien trees are often more water-demanding and competitive than indigenous trees, but they also increase the abundance of respiratory diseases often triggered by an allergic reaction towards the pollen of those alien taxa. In the current study, utilizing 7-day volumetric spore traps, we illustrate that the most abundant tree pollen in the two largest cities of South Africa, Cape Town and Johannesburg, is produced by alien trees with a high risk of allergenicity. This adds another aspect related to public health when evaluating plant species composition in urban forestry and urban ecology, which underlines the urgency of more intense monitoring. More importantly, this—for South Africa—newly emphasized risk for public health underlines the applicability of current directives [i.e., Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), localized Precinct Plans, Land Use Schemes (LUSs)] and implementation options in urban planning. Here, we present ideas that may be implemented in such a framework. From both a public health and an ecological perspective, it is recommended to plant indigenous trees like Combretum erythrophyllum, Vachellia and Senegalia spp. that have fewer ecosystem disservices, like a lower impact on public health due to lower allergenicity/lower pollen occurrence and providing more ecosystem services such as lower water needs. PubDate: 2023-08-03
Abstract: Abstract Residents living adjacent to forests commonly gather non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for income, nourishment, ailment treatment, firewood, religious reasons, and artefacts. This study investigates local perceptions of the commercialisation and value addition of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in forest-adjacent communities in Ghana. NTFPs are integral to food security and cultural practices. However, more is needed to know about local perceptions of these products' commercialisation and value addition. In this study, we collected data using a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members involved in NTFP collection and sales. To determine which NTFPs are collected, we interviewed 732 residents about their perception of value addition to the NTFPs collected and if value addition has impacted the commercialisation and quality of the products obtained from the forest. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data for the study. From the survey, frequencies and percentages of responses were analysed for each indicator related to value addition and commercialisation of NTFPs. The study found that 97.5% of those surveyed frequently visited the forest to gather different NTFPs. For example, mushrooms, snails, honey, and others were the most collected. Also, most interviewees do not process or add value to the NTFPs collected from the forest; thus, adding value to these NTFPs could increase incomes in the future. The findings indicate that locals have a variety of perceptions and understandings about commercialisation and value-addition processes. The study emphasises the importance of understanding local perceptions to develop effective strategies for the commercialisation and value addition of NTFPs. By incorporating the perceptions and insights of locals, interventions can be tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of forest-adjacent communities and promote sustainable resource management and equitable distribution of benefits. Future research should focus on educating locals about the value addition to NTFPs, and processes for increasing the price of NTFPs by adding value and commercialising these products. Proper commercialising of NTFPs may well help improve the lives of the locals. PubDate: 2023-07-03 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00146-6
Abstract: Abstract It is widely assumed that transformative societal action is required to address the world's many sustainability challenges of today. This is especially true in an urban context, since urban sustainability may assist in improving the conditions of the urban environment and the quality of life of humans. Nevertheless, and despite the many advantages that urban sustainability may bring about, there is a need for studies that look at the role that transformative learning may play in influencing it. This study will address this need. It provides an analysis of the subject matter of transformative learning and how it may be practised and experienced in an urban context, thus contributing to urban sustainability in practical terms. It reports on a survey specifically directed to the teaching staff, on the extent to which transformative learning is being deployed in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in supporting urban sustainability efforts. In addition, the study ends by listing and presenting examples of approaches, methods, and initiatives in transformative learning within an urban sustainability context, and provides an analysis of its main features and learned lessons. It concludes with some best practices for transformative learning that could assist in designing and implementing urban sustainability teaching at HEIs, on a broader scale. It can be stated that not only can sustainability thought improve the urban conditions, but as the developing world gets further urbanised, sustainability in the urban context specifically becomes a matter of particular relevance. PubDate: 2023-07-03 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00145-7
Abstract: Abstract Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 underpins the other SDGs and emphasizes the importance of increasing access to inclusive, equitable, quality education. Equitable and inclusive access to education remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world, especially in the Global South. Developments and challenges experienced in the Global South have increased awareness of the potential of open distance e-learning to increase access to higher education. This potential has to be considered from the perspective of the digital divide. Analyzing student data can play an important role in obtaining insights into students' lives to improve the quality of the educational services provided. This paper aims to reflect on the use of spatial statistics in compiling a profile of the students registered for a Geography module at the University of South Africa. This paper has two objectives. The first is to specify the broad student profile in terms of the geographical location of students. The second objective is to reflect on the lifeworlds of the students in the different clusters and the challenges they may face in successfully completing their studies. Four representative student profiles could be compiled using lifestyle data. Marked differences in lifestyle factors between the four identified profile types were observed. These may directly impact students' ability to progress with their studies. PubDate: 2023-06-26 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00143-9
Abstract: Abstract In response to the increasing impacts of climatic stressors on human populations, climatic scholars have emphasized the need for alternative approaches to adapt food crop production to climate change and sustain the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Inspired by agro-ecological intensification (AEI) practices of smallholder farmers, this study contributes to climate change adaptation debates in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing a context-specific exploration of everyday traditional soil and water management practices employed by smallholder farmers in adapting food crop production to climate change. The study employed a qualitative research design, conducted household case studies, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a review of secondary data. We show that smallholder farmers employ diverse range of agronomic practices, with a particular emphasis on traditional soil and water management techniques. Such as the preparation and application of organic manure and compost, ridges formation, crop rotation, and cover cropping. These agronomic practices were complemented by the application of limited inorganic fertilizers and applied across different types of farms; compound and bush farms, valley fields, and gardens to adapt production to climate change. We argue that smallholder farmers are more inclined towards adopting AEI as a means of climate change adaptation due to their strong reliance on traditional farming methods, that draws heavily on local resources, indigenous knowledge as relatively affordable practices. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of incorporating an Endogenous Development (ED) approach in promoting AEI as part of climate change adaptation planning, particularly in rural Ghana and other Sub-Saharan African regions facing similar conditions. PubDate: 2023-06-15 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00142-w
Abstract: Abstract Degradation exacerbates food and water insecurity, economic hardship, biodiversity loss, and the devastating effects of climate change. Given that ecosystem restoration is a global challenge, the United Nations declared 2021 to 2030 as the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Many ecological restoration projects overlook social perspectives, resulting in unsuccessful restoration outcomes within Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR). Against this background, we review social-ecological restoration frameworks and summarize seven key balanced drivers that could help enhance the adoption of ecosystem restoration in a dynamic social context. The drivers relate to including the most affected communities, privileging local knowledge and practices, empowering local representatives and opinion leaders, ensuring social and environmental justice and equity, targeting deep leverage points, aligning restoration practices with local needs and aspirations, and connecting neighboring communities. We argue that ecosystem restoration will be most effective if approached from a social-ecological perspective. In developing countries, establishing social groups that share savings and credit structures within neighboring households can be a sustainable approach. With increasing global initiatives, taking a social-ecological perspective on ecosystem restoration as a social-ecological restoration approach offers new opportunities for both research and practice. Social-ecological restoration is a key strategy that can support the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and deliver net positive gains environmentally, socially, and economically. Further studies should focus on two new cross-cutting aspects: the ecological and social effects of restoration at small to large scales and social ecological restoration and peace building within a restorative landscape. PubDate: 2023-06-08 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00141-x
Abstract: Abstract This study examines the convergence club in industrialisation by using an algorithm developed by Phillips and Sul. We used 183 countries for the period between 2000 and 2018. We also investigated the dynamics of the determinants possibly driving the convergence/divergence clubs of the countries. The convergence algorithm results reveal that there is divergence in industrialisation for the overall sample, which implies that less industrialised economies are not catching up with the industrialised economies within the sample period. The club merging algorithm results identified six final clubs of which economic, demographic, governance and geographic variables play a significant role in the likelihood of a country belonging to a particular final club. This study found that globally, the process of convergence in the industrialisation process is yet to echo desirable emanations of industrial/manufacturing policies sharing similar features, but the narrative seems to be different when the algorithm forms clubs. PubDate: 2023-05-30 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00136-8
Abstract: Abstract Most countries strive to reach effective sustainable development policies, given the repercussions of this policy on many aspects, such as the economic growth of countries. The adoption of policies of sustainability by developing countries may lead to their development faster than expected. This research aims to study the strategies applied in one of the universities of developing countries and the sustainability policies adopted at that university which is Damascus University. The study focuses on the time during last four years of the Syrian crisis through several factors, with a focus on the analysis based on the SciVal and Scopus databases and the strategies applied by the university itself. In this research, we use the method of extracting and analysing the data of the sixteen sustainable development goals (SDGs) of Damascus University within Scopus and SciVal. We also analyse the strategies used in the university in order to reach some of the determinants of SDGs. By analysing Scopus and SciVal data, we find that the third goal of SDGs is the most widespread in terms of scientific research in Damascus University. We find that the application of such policies led to an important goal in the environment, which is the ratio of green space in Damascus University reaching to more than 63 percent of the total flat area of the university. In addition, we find that the application of sustainable development policies led to the generation of energy from renewable sources by 11% of the total electrical energy consumed at the university. The university has been able to reach lots of indicators of the sustainable development goals and it remains apply others. PubDate: 2023-05-22 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00140-y
Abstract: Abstract Living Labs, which are urban sites that include households and workplaces and are used to study the real-time use of technological innovations and devices, have become increasingly popular among environmental scientists to gain insights into energy consumption in peoples’ everyday life. However, recruiting a viable number of participants for such studies can pose a challenge to researchers: Factors like month-long study durations and the requirements to handle smart technology proficiently or frequently exchange information with researchers and other users do not necessarily make participation attractive for everyone. To identify relevant factors for participation, we conducted three large preregistered surveys (total N = 1479) in Austria: two conjoint studies and one experimental study. We found that advertising a Living Lab with a shorter duration (less than a month), providing the option to participate from home, and—a crucial point—offering financial incentives should be considered when considering promotion strategies and conducting thorough study planning. However, we discuss the fact that there might be a risk of selection bias for technic-savvy and future-oriented people. PubDate: 2023-05-18 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00138-6
Abstract: Abstract Medical surveillance for alcohol abuse and dependency at work is mandatory for a list of high-risk occupations. The occupational physician is the only figure entitled to perform alcohol and laboratory tests on employees. This study aims to investigate alcohol-induced injuries in healthcare workers, by using Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin (CDT) as a marker during medical surveillance visits. A retrospective study was carried out in an Italian healthcare unit. The sample consisted in 75 healthcare workers who sustained an occupational injury. To assess alcohol consumption, CDT levels were tested as well as serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV). No worker had positive CDT levels (cut-off 2%); 12% of cases (5 male and 4 female workers) had γ-GT level higher than normal range (cut-off: 36 U/L). Most injuries (53.33%) occurred during morning shifts, 33.33% during afternoon shifts and 13.33% during night shifts. Female workers had a higher injury rate (73%); biological injuries were the most frequent (36%), followed by slipping and falling 33%. This study seems to indicate that alcohol does not represent an important cause of occupational injuries, as no cases of workplace injury were found positive for CDT. CDT as a biomarker in health surveillance programs could be used to assess alcohol consumption when used alongside other biochemical parameters, and its routine use during medical surveillance could act as a deterrent. PubDate: 2023-05-10 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00137-7
Abstract: Abstract Bee's honey is one of the greatest natural gifts to humankind, and Indian Ayurveda emphasises the various applications of honey, viz. obesity, burns, cuts, wounds, dermatitis etc. However, all the applications of honey are based on their chemical composition, but they vary depending upon the botanical, geographical origins, and bee feed. With this background, the current study aimed to evaluate the quality of honey produced by the stimulative diets ingested by honey bees (Apis mellifera). At the onset, stimulative diets were served to honey bees for 1 year, and an adequate volume of honey samples was collected before and after the ingestion of stimulative diets. After that, the honey samples were used to study the antioxidant activity and antibacterial potential as per standard protocol. The results revealed that the antioxidant activity of post-feeding honey samples exhibited a higher rate, i.e., 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) (Pre-feeding: 88.06 ± 0.214 and post-feeding: 91.79 ± 0.609 μmol/litre), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (Pre-feeding: 20.55 ± 0.336 and post-feeding: 29.01 ± 1.114%), and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) (Pre-feeding: 0.296 ± 0.039 and post-feeding: 0.396 ± 0.001 mg TE/100 gm). Similarly, a high rate of antibacterial efficiency was shown in post-feeding honey samples against E. coli at a concentration of 800 µg/mL. It was shown with considerable antibacterial activity against Salmonella enterica as well. Overall, we have demonstrated honey's antioxidant and antibacterial effects and may have therapeutic potential as honey. PubDate: 2023-05-02 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00135-9
Abstract: Abstract The cost of renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar is falling significantly over the decade and this can have a large influence on the efforts to reach sustainability. With the shipping industry contributing to a whopping 3.3% in global CO2 emissions, the International Maritime Organization has adopted short-term measures to reduce the carbon intensity of all ships by 50% by 2050. One of the means to achieve this ambitious target is the utilisation of propulsion systems powered by sustainable energy. This review paper summarises the current state of the adoption of renewable energy and alternative fuels used for ship propulsion. Special focus is given to the means of these alternative energies in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). A state-of-the-art for various ships powered by renewable energy and alternative fuels is investigated and their technologies for mitigating carbon emissions are described. The cost for each technology found in the literature is summarised and the pros and cons of each technology are studied. PubDate: 2023-04-06 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00132-y
Abstract: Abstract A relatively broad consolidated consensus has emerged among experts regarding the competencies that should be fostered through an education for sustainable development at the higher education level. However, there is little empirical support to aid in answering the question of which competencies should be promoted from the perspective of students and graduates. This was the main purpose for analyzing the corresponding results of the evaluation of the study programs in sustainable development at the University of Bern. In a standardized survey, students (N = 124), graduates (N = 121), and the supervisors of internships (N = 37) were asked, among other questions, how important they consider the fostering of the respective 13 competencies during their studies and for their professional activities. Overall, the results confirm the view of experts: the study programs should be designed for a comprehensive empowerment with respect of responsible and self-motivated participation in meeting the challenges of sustainable development. Even the students are of the opinion that competency-oriented education is important and that not only the acquisition, respectively the imparting of knowledge is relevant. Regarding the estimation of the promotion of competencies in the study program, the three groups agree that the competencies “Interconnected, foresighted, and thinking approaches in system-dynamic contexts” and “Recognizing on one’s own perspective on a situation and problem, empathizing with other perspectives, and taking these into account when solving problems” are the most important. For the professional field, the competency “Communicating in a comprehensive and target group-oriented manner” is rated most important by all three groups. However, it must be noted that there are also differences between the varying perspectives of the students, graduates, and internship supervisors. The results indicate opportunities for improvement that can also be considered as recommendations in the further development of inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability-oriented study programs. Furthermore, lecturers should, especially regarding a multidisciplinary team, coordinate and communize the development of competencies across the different educational elements. Students should be well informed regarding how the various educational elements, i.e., teaching/learning arrangements and assessments, are intended to contribute to the overall development of competency. Finally, in order to ensure that lecturers align respective learning outcomes, as well as teaching/learning arrangements and assessments in their educational elements, there will need to be a greater focus on competency development across a program of study. PubDate: 2023-03-28 DOI: 10.1007/s43621-023-00134-w
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