Ambiente e Sustentabilidade | Artigos em revistas internacionais / Papers in international journals
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- Students' perspectives on sustainability competences and pedagogical approaches: groupings and interrelations results from 17 international case studiesPublication . Lozano, R.; Barreiro‐Gen, M.; Ortiz‐Martínez, G.; Mendoza, A.; Segalàs, J.; Caeiro, Sandra; Simão, João; Favi, C.; Gładysz, B.; Alló, M.; Gago-Cortés, C.; Tortato, U.; Mónus, F.; Pietikäinen, J.; Södervik, I.; Ratvio, R.; Bostanci, S.; Dobróné Tóth, M.; Benayas, J.; Hales, R.; Munguía, M.; Cervantes, D.; Díaz, R.; Corona, N.; Desha, C.; Boddy, J.; Djekic, I.; Caldera, S.; Sáenz, O.; Azizi, L.; Sassen, R.Higher education institutions (HEIs) have been incorporating sustainability into their curricula, which is crucial for providing students with the skills and knowledge to help societies become more sustainable. During the last 15 years, there has been increasing research on sustainability competences and the pedagogical approaches to develop them. There have been proposals on lists of competences, pedagogical approaches, their groups and their links. However, most research has focused on the perspective of educators, with limited research from the students' perspective. This paper aims to provide the students' perspective of the groups of sustainability competences, groups of pedagogical approaches, and how these connect. A survey was developed for this purpose, which was applied to participants from 17 HEIs worldwide. The responses obtained were analysed in a five-step process: Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, Principal Component analysis (PCA) to detect the competence and pedagogical approaches groups, correlations between the groups and regressions between the groups. The PCA analysis resulted in three competences' groups and confirmed the three pedagogical approach groups. The analyses showed differences in the competences' groups between the students' and educators' perspectives. The regression analysis groups shows how the pedagogical approach groups develop the competences' groups from the students' perspective. Developing sustainability competences requires a change in the higher educational system, where the educators' and students' perspectives need to converge so that the sustainability competence–based education model is more efficient and effective in educating the future leaders, decision-makers, educators, management and professionals.
- Awareness and skills at a distance: the contribution of distance learning higher education institutions to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development GoalsPublication . Leal Filho, Walter; Mapar, Mahsa; Trevisan, Laís Vieira; Caeiro, Sandra; Pretorius, Rudi W.; Nicolau, Melanie D.; Nicolau, Paula Bacelar; Lambrechts, WimDistance Learning Higher Education Institutions (DL-HEIs) can advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by expanding access to education, fostering research and innovation, and promoting collaboration on a global scale. This study aims to identify the strategies conducted by DL-HEIs to increase learners’ awareness, knowledge, and skills related to the SDGs and explore how DL-HEIs around the world incorporate the SDGs into their activities. More specifically, it uses a mix of case studies and a global survey that covers six continents and 52 countries to identify important strategies, drivers, and barriers in this field. The case study findings reveal that technology in distance education fosters innovative teaching, boosting engagement and comprehension of complex sustainability topics. The survey results show that DL-HEIs mainly incorporate sustainability through their curriculum and research, with teaching staff and researchers as the main contributors. They often use a mix of live and recorded learning to teach skills like critical thinking, focusing on SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 13 (Climate Action). While commitment from institutions and sustainability policies are significant drivers, limited financial resources and awareness create obstacles. The study concludes that technology-based distance education offers a strong and inventive platform for promoting global sustainability education.
- Rede de sustentabilidade das instituições do ensino superior nos países e regiões de língua portuguesa: consolidação e perspectivasPublication . Bizerril, Marcelo; Margarida Mano; Caeiro, Sandra; Martins, António GomesPara que a sustentabilidade seja um conceito e uma prática assumidos globalmente, o conhecimento sobre o tema precisa ser compartilhado e, para isso, a cooperação internacional é essencial. No caso dos países de língua portuguesa (PLP), as similaridades culturais, dentre as quais a própria língua, e outras aproximações sociais e ambientais indicam um grande potencial para que tal cooperação ocorra satisfatoriamente. É nesse sentido que o Fórum da Gestão do Ensino Superior em Países e Regiões de Língua Portuguesa (FORGES) vem atuando desde 2020 por meio da Academia FORGES – Sustentabilidade no Ensino Superior. As ações visam a promoção da sustentabilidade socioambiental, sensibilizando gestores para o tema e visando a sua institucionalização nas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES), o que culminou na articulação de uma Rede de Sustentabilidade no Ensino Superior nos Países e Regiões de Língua Portuguesa. Esse artigo descreve as principais ações desenvolvidas e as perspectivas da Rede como contribuições para que sejam atingidas as metas da Agenda 2030 nessas regiões, através do ensino superior.
- Um estudo sobre teorias organizacionais e fatores para avaliar riscos de sustentabilidade em cadeias de suprimentosPublication . Romano, André Luis; Ferreira, Luis Miguel; Caeiro, SandraA gestão dos riscos de sustentabilidade nas cadeias de suprimentos é um elemento fundamental para as organizações atualmente, sendo decisiva para o sucesso empresarial. O objetivo desta pesquisa é contribuir para o aprimoramento do conhecimento sobre os riscos de sustentabilidade nas cadeias de suprimentos por meio de uma revisão da literatura e, com base em teorias organizacionais, identificar lentes para apoiar a análise dos aspectos contextuais desses riscos. O estudo revisou a literatura sobre gestão de riscos de sustentabilidade na cadeia de suprimentos, identificando fatores e práticas-chave. Destacou-se a importância de estudar gestão e sustentabilidade em países em desenvolvimento, como a América Latina, para compreender os desafios e oportunidades em diferentes contextos. As empresas geralmente não têm a capacidade de gerenciar todos os pontos em sua cadeia de suprimentos. Nesse sentido, um estudo sobre teorias organizacionais permitirá a discussão de lentes teóricas para compreender aspectos dos riscos de sustentabilidade nas cadeias de suprimentos, envolvendo aspectos institucionais, culturais e éticos, entre outras teorias organizacionais. As teorias organizacionais fornecem uma fonte valiosa de pesquisa sobre sustentabilidade. Existem oportunidades para pesquisas com teorias já aplicadas ou a serem desenvolvidas. O estudo ofereceu uma visão da gestão dos riscos de sustentabilidade na cadeia de suprimentos, com facilitadores e obstáculos para um gerenciamento adequado de ameaças no contexto dessas cadeias, bem como possíveis teorias que podem ajudar na implementação da sustentabilidade em organizações e suas cadeias. Este estudo contribui para a literatura, em temas menos explorados, apresentando conhecimentos sobre riscos de sustentabilidade na cadeia de suprimentos por meio de lentes de algumas das teorias organizacionais disponíveis.
- Fast growing informal peri-urbanization in Africa: the role of local practices in assessing sustainability and planningPublication . Carrilho, João; Balas, Marisa; Dgedge, Gustavo; Trindade, JorgePeri-urbanization occurs differently across world regions, through urban sprawl, local development, and rural exodus. The latter is typical in primarily rural, fast urbanizing underdeveloped regions in an African context. In those regions, semi-urban settlements develop informally from local practices. For their large numbers, undertaking formal assessments and land use planning to any significant extent is impractical. The study applied a flexible framework to assess the role of local practices on sustainability in rapidly expanding settlements in peri-urban areas and how technical resources and narratives can influence and take advantage of such practices. The work reports a mixed-methods case study conducted in settlements North of Maputo, Mozambique using territorial and social cohesion as proxies for sustainability and as a guide for planning interventions priorities. The study used publicly available and participatory geographic information, limited expert opinion surveys, focus group discussions, and individual satisfaction surveys. We show that, while facing limitations, informal practices are conscious of the local suitability of risks in settlements land use planning and favor social cohesion. The framework supports existing theories and reveals that local microscale traditional physical planning brings marginal gains. The research suggests priority to interventions with a higher impact on territorial and social cohesion, such as narrative-based local institutional innovations, enhancing knowledge exchange on standards and risk management solutions, enforcing regulations, and improving regional networking infrastructure and practices, in face of limited resources and city and regional planners. Research is needed to improve the frameworks' replicability as a new tool to assist in peri-urbanization governance.
- Solid-liquid phase diagram of the dimethyl + dipropyl adipates system: application to low-temperature thermal energy storagePublication . Sequeira, Maria Carolina; Nikitin, Timur; Caetano, Fernando J. P.; Diogo, Herminio; Fareleira, João; Fausto, RuiThe present study is the continuation of our research work on di-n-alkyl adipates and their potential as phase change materials (PCM) for low-temperature thermal energy storage (TES). The solid–liquid phase diagram for the binary system composed of dimethyl adipate (DMA) and dipropyl adipate (DPA) is presented and analysed. In a previous study, we explored a particular binary system of n-alkyl adipates, namely diethyl and dibutyl adipates, and demonstrated that these compounds possess underappreciated potential as PCMs at sub-zero temperatures. The goal of the current work is to expand on this research by contributing new phase equilibrium data and deepening our understanding of the fundamental thermodynamics governing low-temperature phase behaviour in di-n-alkyl-adipates. The phase diagram for the DMA + DPA binary system was obtained using three complementary techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), hot-stage microscopy (HSM), and Raman spectroscopy. DSC analysis of sixteen compositions, including the two pure compounds, provided both the temperature and enthalpy values for the solid–liquid and solid–solid phase transitions. The binary system displays eutectic behaviour at low temperatures, with the eutectic point found at 252.83 K and a composition of approximately xDPA = 0.77. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the system is characterized by a non-isomorphic eutectic phase diagram, indicating differences in the crystal structures of the solid phases. The liquidus line of the binary phase diagram was successfully described using a suitable fitting equation, yielding a root mean square deviation of 0.65 K, indicating excellent agreement between the experimental data and the theoretical model. This fitting also allowed an accurate prediction of the eutectic composition and temperature. A Tammann diagram is also presented, further confirming the eutectic composition and associated enthalpy. This work addresses a gap in the literature by presenting, for the first time, the solid–liquid phase equilibrium behaviour of the DMA + DPA binary system (including the detailed solid–liquid phase diagram of the system). The findings provide valuable insight into the potential use of this system as PCM for sub-zero TES applications, supporting their consideration in future thermal energy storage technologies.
- Phase equilibrium of n-Nonane + n-Decane for low-temperature thermal energy storage: insights into odd–even effectsPublication . Sequeira, Maria Carolina; Nikitin, Timur; Caetano, Fernando J. P.; Diogo, Herminio; Fareleira, João; Fausto, RuiThe present article presents the solid–liquid phase diagram of a binary system composed of an n-alkane with an odd number of carbon atoms, namely, n-nonane (n-C9), with an even-numbered one, namely n-decane (n-C10). This work is part of a series of phase equilibrium studies on n-alkanes for low-temperature thermal energy storage (TES) applications. The ultimate purpose of this work is to investigate the adequacy of this binary system to be used as a Phase Change Material (PCM) at low temperatures. Additionally, along the equilibrium studies on linear alkanes, an interesting feature has emerged: the solid–liquid phase diagrams of binary n-alkane systems apparently show a striking dependence on the odd or even number of carbon atoms in their chains. The phase diagram for the system n-C9 + n-C10 has primarily been obtained using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), whose results have been complemented by Hot-Stage Microscopy (HSM) and low-temperature Raman Spectroscopy results. The DSC analysis provided both the temperature and enthalpy values for the observed solid–liquid and solid–solid phase transitions. The n-C9 + n-C10 binary system seems to display a peritectic solid–liquid phase diagram at low temperatures. The peritectic temperature found was 222.41 K, with a peritectic composition around xnonane = 0.60. Those results confirmed the initial suggestions that this would be a peritectic system, based on previously observed odd–even effects on phase equilibrium behavior of alkane mixtures. The goal of this work is to extend new insights into the solid–liquid phase equilibrium behavior of the binary system n-C9 + n-C10, a topic not yet covered in the literature. This information, consequently, provides practical and essential information on the potential use of this system as PCM for low-temperature TES applications. Additionally, it contributes to support the important discussion on the effect of odd–even number of carbons of the individual n-alkanes in the solid–liquid phase equilibrium behavior of their binary mixtures. The solid–liquid diagram of this system is being published for the first time, as far as the authors are aware.
- Geospatial modelling for sinkhole hazard in the coastal area of Safi, MoroccoPublication . Bchari, Fatima El; Trindade, Jorge; Charif, Abdessamad; Chaibi, Mohamed; Khouz, Abdellah; Malek, Halima AitCollapse sinkholes represent a geological hazard that is particularly associated with karst regions, characterized by the dissolution of soluble rocks leading to the formation of voids. This phenomenon is significantly more prevalent in areas with evaporate terrains, wherein the rapid dissolution of soluble rocks facilitates the swift alteration of gap locations and sizes. The ensuing discussion explores the distinctive nature of collapse sinkholes, emphasizing their occurrence in karst and evaporate terrains, shedding light on the factors contributing to their formation and frequency. The coastal region of Safi is characterized by abundant karst features overlying evaporitic rocks, along with historical and recent sinkhole collapse events. Our current investigation aims to develop a susceptibility map for sinkhole collapse in the Safi region. Initially, a comprehensive inventory map of collapse occurrences was created through meticulous fieldwork and the integration of remote sensing data. Nine predisposing factors were identified and incorporated into a Geographic Information System (GIS), including elevation, lithology, curvature, slope, aspect, drainage density, lineament density, topographic wetness index, and land use. To assess the relationship between these factors and sinkhole collapse, statistical analyses were conducted using spatial analysis based on the Frequency Ratio (FR) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The FR analysis revealed that high and very high susceptibility zones constitute 14.19% and 6.89% of the region, respectively, while moderate, low, and very low susceptibility zones occupy 23.07%, 26.12%, and 29.74%, respectively. Utilizing the AHP method, it was determined that high and very high susceptibility zones cover 20.32% and 12.01% of the region, respectively, with moderate, low, and very low susceptibility zones encompassing 19.38%, 27.55%, and 20.74%, respectively. To compare and evaluate the outcomes of the AHP and FR methods, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) approach was employed. The success rates, as indicated by AUC, demonstrated that FR (90.5%) exhibited higher accuracy than AHP (73.5%). The validation of the landslide susceptibility map confirmed the acceptability of the methodologies employed. These results can be effectively utilized for hazard mitigation and land use planning in the coastal area of Safi.
- Unveiling the plurality of visions for the ecological transition in EuropePublication . Alves, Fátima; Vidal, Diogo Guedes; Freitas, Helenaemphasising how differing values, economic interests, cultural models, and social positions influence perceptions of transition. The widespread dissemination of this concept without considering different viewpoints and limitations may undermine collective efforts to achieve it. For this purpose, we conducted 45 interviews with politicians, scientists, non-governmental organisations, representatives from economic groups, and citizens in the context of the H2020 European project "PHOENIX". The results demonstrate the diversity of perspectives on ecological transition and show that pro-ecological actions are heavily influenced by institutional, political, and financial frameworks rather than being solely personal preferences. The lack of support from institutions that serve as role models in this ecological transition undermined community attempts to achieve it, as well as the apparent contradiction between comfort and living a more frugal lifestyle. To successfully engage people in this transition, it is vital to push for legislation that prioritises environmental goals over corporate profit, promotes engagement with nature from a young age, and overcomes financial barriers by offering incentives and support for sustainable choices. We argue that in order to move beyond a technocratic approach and towards an inclusive and socio-politically engaging transition, future policies must recognise and overcome these structural constraints.
- Recognising and valuing the cultural significance of biodiversity in coastal marine territories through plural knowledges systems: advancing the mission of the intercultural University of the PeoplesPublication . Alves, Fátima; Vidal, Diogo Guedes; Rosa, Rosário; Freitas, Helena; Castro, HermanoContemporary societies are rich in social, cultural, epistemological, and biophysical diversity, occupying territories that call for recognition and a voice. This recognition is crucial for understanding the social, cultural, and political factors that drive environmental degradation and exacerbate climate change impacts. The Intercultural University of Peoples (IUP) is in the process of being established in Brazil to address this need, leading to the development of the action research project "Promoting the Cultural Value of Biodiversity and Sustainability in Coastal Marine Territories". This project emphasises the value of socio-biodiversity through local knowledges, especially that of traditional communities. Our goal is to develop tailored policies and programmes that support sustainability, health, and the rights of traditional communities, while aligning with IUP’s mission. A key part of our approach is fostering a participatory ethos in coastal communities to drive sociobiodiversity conservation and climate action. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to sustainable development grounded in the values and knowledges of local populations and to further the mission of IUP.