WORLDPub Date : 2024-03-24DOI: 10.3390/world5020009
R. Anholon, T. Sigahi, G. T. Cazeri, Patricia F. S. Siltori, W. Lourenzani, E. Satolo, A. Caldana, G. H. S. M. Moraes, V. Martins, I. Rampasso
{"title":"Training Future Managers to Address the Challenges of Sustainable Development: An Innovative, Interdisciplinary, and Multiregional Experience on Corporate Sustainability Education","authors":"R. Anholon, T. Sigahi, G. T. Cazeri, Patricia F. S. Siltori, W. Lourenzani, E. Satolo, A. Caldana, G. H. S. M. Moraes, V. Martins, I. Rampasso","doi":"10.3390/world5020009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world5020009","url":null,"abstract":"This paper presents an innovative experience involving students and professors from diverse backgrounds and regions that was designed to integrate corporate sustainability (CS) knowledge into undergraduate programs. An action research approach was adopted, with the course running over one semester. The course involved 146 students with diverse academic backgrounds from universities across Brazil along with eight professors from Brazil, Chile, and South Africa. The proposed approach provides actionable insights into the integration of sustainability concepts in the higher educational setting, thereby contributing to the development of a more environmentally and socially conscious generation of professionals. The learning outcomes are discussed in the light of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Agenda, particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and SDG 13 (climate action). In addition, it is important to highlight that the dissemination of the course’s key features can be useful for universities, professors, and researchers engaged in training future professionals capable of addressing real-world problems of innovation and sustainability. By employing an action research methodology and fostering collaboration among students and professors with diverse academic backgrounds and from different countries, including Brazil, Chile, and South Africa, this paper presents a multiregional and interdisciplinary perspective that sets it apart from conventional practices. The emphasis on providing actionable insights and its potential applicability for universities, professors, and researchers involved in training future professionals further underscore its distinctive contribution to education for sustainable development.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":" 36","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140385683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2024-03-15DOI: 10.3390/world5010008
Deus R. Rutehenda, Christopher Adaku, Timothy Omara, C. Angiro, E. Ntambi
{"title":"Enrichment, Bioaccumulation and Health Risks of Trace Metals in Soils and Leafy Vegetables Grown on the Banks of the Ugandan Lifeline River, River Rwizi","authors":"Deus R. Rutehenda, Christopher Adaku, Timothy Omara, C. Angiro, E. Ntambi","doi":"10.3390/world5010008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world5010008","url":null,"abstract":"Urban vegetable farming in wetlands and riverbanks are common features of Ugandan cities. However, urbanization has led to various anthropogenic activities that can lead to the pollution of water resources, enrichment of pollutants in soils and, consequently, pollutant bioaccumulation in edible tissues of plants cultivated on such soils. In this study, we report on the levels of six trace metals (TMTs) in 75 samples of leafy vegetables (Brassica oleracea L., Spinacia oleracea L., Amaranthus hybridus L., Cucurbita pepo L. and Solanum nigrum L.) and soils (n = 75) grown on the banks of River Rwizi, the second longest river in Uganda only after the Nile River. The concentrations of TMTs (Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr and Cu) in edible vegetable tissues and soils were quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean concentrations (in mg kg−1) of the TMTs in the soil samples were 205–373.84 (Mn), 12.72–65.04 (Zn), 0.26–0.42 (Cd), 3.36–16.80 (Pb), 5.96–25.06 (Cr) and 2.83–35.27 (Cu). In vegetable samples, the concentrations ranged from 43.25 to 110.00 (Mn), 1.08 to 1.83 (Cd), 41.06 to 71.20 (Zn), 4.31 to 6.16 (Pb), 0.65 to 0.81 (Cr) and 5.70 to 14.35 (Cu). With the exception of Mn and Cr, the rest of the TMTs were bioaccumulated in the edible vegetable tissues (bioconcentration factors = 1.03 to 10.71). Considering chronic daily intake through ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation of the TMTs in soils from the banks of River Rwizi, there are no potential non-cancer and carcinogenic health effects that could be experienced in both adults and children. Consumption of leafy vegetables could pose both non-cancer health risks (from ingestion of Zn, Pb, Cr, Mn and Cd) and cancer health risks (due to intake of Cd) in both children and adults. There is therefore a need to enforce regulations to mitigate the pollution of River Rwizi for a more sustainable economic development.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":"41 169","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140237019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2024-02-02DOI: 10.3390/world5010006
N. Alfirević, Igor Jerković, Petra Jelić, Damir Piplica, Darko Rendulić
{"title":"Sustainability Reporting and International Rankings in Higher Education: A Case of the University of Split, Croatia","authors":"N. Alfirević, Igor Jerković, Petra Jelić, Damir Piplica, Darko Rendulić","doi":"10.3390/world5010006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world5010006","url":null,"abstract":"We offer practical, case-based experiences on sustainability reporting in higher education institutions (HEIs), with a focus on the integration of sustainability activities into strategic planning and quality management. A proposed approach is based on the experience of the University of Split, Croatia, and the lessons learned from the SEA-EU University Alliance. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our model emphasizes the active engagement of stakeholders and the continuous collection and review of sustainability data. In addition, we propose to automate the collection and dissemination of sustainability research findings through the implementation of a Current Research Information System (CRIS). Our case study provides a roadmap for improving sustainability performance and reporting. The experience of the University of Split (Croatia) could be helpful and generalizable to a number of universities with an intermediate level of maturity in sustainability management and reporting, trying to improve their university rankings.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139871366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2024-02-02DOI: 10.3390/world5010006
N. Alfirević, Igor Jerković, Petra Jelić, Damir Piplica, Darko Rendulić
{"title":"Sustainability Reporting and International Rankings in Higher Education: A Case of the University of Split, Croatia","authors":"N. Alfirević, Igor Jerković, Petra Jelić, Damir Piplica, Darko Rendulić","doi":"10.3390/world5010006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world5010006","url":null,"abstract":"We offer practical, case-based experiences on sustainability reporting in higher education institutions (HEIs), with a focus on the integration of sustainability activities into strategic planning and quality management. A proposed approach is based on the experience of the University of Split, Croatia, and the lessons learned from the SEA-EU University Alliance. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our model emphasizes the active engagement of stakeholders and the continuous collection and review of sustainability data. In addition, we propose to automate the collection and dissemination of sustainability research findings through the implementation of a Current Research Information System (CRIS). Our case study provides a roadmap for improving sustainability performance and reporting. The experience of the University of Split (Croatia) could be helpful and generalizable to a number of universities with an intermediate level of maturity in sustainability management and reporting, trying to improve their university rankings.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":"9 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139811106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2024-01-30DOI: 10.3390/world5010005
Sumya Naz, Tasin Islam Himel, Taufiqur Rafi, Sazzadul Islam, Saleha Bushra Neha, Syeda Tabassum Islam, Mahmud Hasan, N. M. Ha-Mim, Md. Zakir Hossain, K. R. Rahaman
{"title":"Investigating Loss and Damage in Coastal Region of Bangladesh from Migration as Adaptation Perspective: A Qualitative Study from Khulna and Satkhira District","authors":"Sumya Naz, Tasin Islam Himel, Taufiqur Rafi, Sazzadul Islam, Saleha Bushra Neha, Syeda Tabassum Islam, Mahmud Hasan, N. M. Ha-Mim, Md. Zakir Hossain, K. R. Rahaman","doi":"10.3390/world5010005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world5010005","url":null,"abstract":"This study aims to examine the loss and damage experienced by coastal regions from the perspective of adaptation. It also seeks to evaluate the adaptation techniques employed when migration is utilized as a significant approach to mitigate the effects of loss and damage on coastal communities. This study evaluates the extent of loss and damage caused by constraints on adaptation. Two districts, Khulna and Satkhira, in the Khulna division of Bangladesh, were chosen for the study. In these districts, a total of twenty-four detailed interviews and one focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted with individuals living in rural areas whom climate-related effects and disasters have impacted. Additionally, seven interviews were conducted with climate migrants residing in informal settlements within the words of Khulna City Corporation. The process of identifying appropriate interview candidates involves utilizing a combination of specific criteria and snowball sampling techniques. The study employed NVivo 14 software to conduct theme analysis on textual data obtained from interviews. In the coding procedure, we sequentially employed semantic coding, latent coding, categorization, pattern exploration, and theme creation, all of which were in line with the research aim. The study indicates that most affected persons utilize seasonal and temporary movement as an adaptive strategy to deal with the slow effects of climate change, such as increasing temperatures and salinity in rural regions, and when they encounter limitations in their ability to adapt. Conversely, they opted for permanent migration in response to stringent constraints imposed by severe climate events like cyclones and river erosion, leaving them with no alternative but to move to urban regions. Social networks are crucial in influencing migration choices, as several families depend on information provided by urban relatives and rural neighbors to inform their relocation decisions. Nevertheless, not all individuals impacted by the situation express a desire to relocate; others opt to remain in rural areas due to their sentimental attachment to their birthplaces and a sense of dedication to their ancestral territory. Due to the exorbitant cost of urban life, they believe that opting not to migrate is a more practical option for addressing the repercussions of climate-induced loss and damage. The study’s findings aid policymakers in determining migration strategies and policies to address the adverse effects of coastal population displacement in Bangladesh. Additionally, it aids in determining strategies to address the challenges faced by climate migrants in both urban and rural environments.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":"125 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140483609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2024-01-16DOI: 10.3390/world5010004
Eleftheria Fytopoulou, Evangelia Karasmanaki, G. Tsantopoulos
{"title":"Comparing the Effect of Scientific Background on University Students’ Environmental Views","authors":"Eleftheria Fytopoulou, Evangelia Karasmanaki, G. Tsantopoulos","doi":"10.3390/world5010004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world5010004","url":null,"abstract":"Creating an environmentally aware society is not an easy task and requires knowledge about what affects the formation of environmental views. At the same time, to contribute to environmental protection, individuals with different educational backgrounds need to have environmental awareness, because their decisions as future professionals may affect the environment. The problem, however, is that there is not adequate research on the association between educational background and environmental views. To address this gap, the aim of this study is to investigate whether scientific background affects environmental views and attitudes. Specific objectives are to examine whether scientific background affects university students’ views on environmental issues as well as their attitudes towards the solution to environmental problems. To achieve this aim, a comparative study was performed on two student groups: students attending environmental studies and students attending classical studies. The results showed that non-environmental students were less willing to change their habits to protect the environment and to participate in environmental actions compared to environmental students who expressed a pronounced willingness to do so. However, both student groups did not acknowledge their personal environmental responsibility. Categorical regression revealed that students’ certain sociodemographic variables affected their willingness to change habits. However, other additional variables are recommended to be analyzed in future studies. The results from this study provide support for making changes in the curricula of non-environmental departments and for carrying out actions to reinforce the participation of students in initiatives aimed at raising environmental awareness.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":"46 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139527900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2024-01-11DOI: 10.3390/world5010003
Abdul Hameed, Sadiq Hussain, A. Rasheed, Muhammad Zaheer Ahmed, Sahar Abbas
{"title":"Exploring the Potentials of Halophytes in Addressing Climate Change-Related Issues: A Synthesis of Their Biological, Environmental, and Socioeconomic Aspects","authors":"Abdul Hameed, Sadiq Hussain, A. Rasheed, Muhammad Zaheer Ahmed, Sahar Abbas","doi":"10.3390/world5010003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world5010003","url":null,"abstract":"Halophytes are naturally salt-tolerant plants with immense potential to become alternate crops for saline lands. While their economic benefits have gained increasing attention, often, the roles of halophytes in addressing different climate change-related issues are overlooked. Halophytes can be a renewable resource for clean ‘carbon-neutral’ energy by serving as biofuel or biogas feedstock, help in the sequestration of rising CO2 as well as the phytoremediation of various pollutants, can be a good source of food and fodder thereby help in achieving food security in arid/saline areas, can help in protection and biodiversity conservation in various ecosystems, and can provide livelihood to poor local communities inhabiting barren lands. This review also attempts to highlight various usages of halophytes in connection with a global change perspective. However, there are still many challenges such as economic viability, customer preferences, environmental impacts, and scale-up challenges, which need further research, innovation, effective policies, and collaboration. In general, this review provides a synthesis of various biological, environmental, and socioeconomic aspects of halophytes to fully exploit the potential of halophytes for human welfare and combating global climate changes.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":" 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139627047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2023-12-01DOI: 10.3390/world4040051
Leah Feor, Amelia Clarke, Ilona Dougherty
{"title":"Social Impact Measurement: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions","authors":"Leah Feor, Amelia Clarke, Ilona Dougherty","doi":"10.3390/world4040051","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world4040051","url":null,"abstract":"This paper explores the current state of the social impact measurement (SIM) field to better understand common practices in measuring the post-intervention social impact of a program or project and to identify strategies to improve measurement in practice. This study employed a systematic literature review. Articles were manually coded deductively and inductively in NVivo to complete a descriptive and thematic analysis of the literature. The thematic analysis provided an in-depth understanding of the SIM field. We found that similarities existed across the definitions of social impact (e.g., environmental impact is part of social impact). Additionally, social return on investment (SROI) is the most common measurement model and theory of change was identified as a core concept across SIM literature. Strategies are presented for practitioners to consider when measuring social impact, including: (i) engage stakeholders throughout the process, (ii) mobilize existing operational data, (iii) increase measurement capacity, and (iv) use both qualitative and quantitative data. This study reveals the nuances of SIM based on academic literature published across the globe over the span of a decade. It places emphasis on the post-intervention stage and identifies strategies to improve the application of measurement models in practice. Lastly, it outlines future research directions.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":" 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138616481","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2023-11-10DOI: 10.3390/world4040047
Deasy Arisanty, Ismi Rajiani, Mutiani Mutiani, Karunia Puji Hastuti, Ersis Warmansyah Abbas, Dedi Rosadi, Muhammad Muhaimin
{"title":"Social Capital of Banjarese for Peatland Fire Mitigation: Combining of Local Wisdom and Environment","authors":"Deasy Arisanty, Ismi Rajiani, Mutiani Mutiani, Karunia Puji Hastuti, Ersis Warmansyah Abbas, Dedi Rosadi, Muhammad Muhaimin","doi":"10.3390/world4040047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world4040047","url":null,"abstract":"Repeated fires cause peatlands to degrade. Fire management has been carried out, but fires continue to occur, especially during the dry season. Through social capital that exists in the community based on the local wisdom of the Banjar people in environmental management, it is hoped that peatland fires can be overcome in this area. This research aims to analyze the social capital of the Banjar people in mitigating land fires based on local wisdom and the environment. The sample in this study was 250 people who live in an area prone to fires on peatlands in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. There are three variables in this study, namely Trust (T), Network (N), and Norm (N). There are 33 Likert scale questions (1–4, strongly agree-strongly disagree). We also conducted interviews with 20 members of the Fire Care Community (MPA) to obtain information about the social capital of the Banjar community in mitigating land fires. The analysis used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study results show norms have the greatest influence on disaster mitigation of peatland fires compared to trust and social networks. Norms in the community in the form of values from peatlands, rules, norms, and sanctions regulate the community more to deal with the problem of peatland fires than trust and social networks","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":" March","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135186654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
WORLDPub Date : 2023-11-07DOI: 10.3390/world4040046
Brian L. Ott, Carrisa S. Hoelscher
{"title":"The Digital Authoritarian: On the Evolution and Spread of Toxic Leadership","authors":"Brian L. Ott, Carrisa S. Hoelscher","doi":"10.3390/world4040046","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/world4040046","url":null,"abstract":"Employing a critical approach typical of humanities-based research, this article investigates the changing nature of toxic leadership in our digital world. Drawing on the perspective of media ecology, which asserts that the prevailing communication technologies at a given moment create the social conditions that, in turn, condition us, the authors illustrate how the digital logics of publicity, intransigence, impertinence, and impulsivity remake the contours of leadership. Based on a critical case study of Elon Musk’s public management of Twitter, which has subsequently been rebranded as “X”, it is argued that the four digital logics transform toxic leadership into digital authoritarianism, an unabashed form of authoritarian rule. A concluding section of the essay explores the implications of this evolution for traditional categories of leadership; the importance of attending to communication technologies in leadership research; and the individual, institutional, and social harms of digital authoritarianism.","PeriodicalId":23705,"journal":{"name":"WORLD","volume":"65 2","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135540121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}