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Purpose: This two-part publication aims to outline the issues related to risks and risk management in non-profit organisations, making references to activities carried out by a foundation. More specifically, part one constitutes an attempt to explain what the nature and the mechanism of risk are. In science risk is seen as a separate research category, while in practical terms it is an inherent element of operations conducted by virtually every foundation in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The main research method employed here has been participant observation carried out in a foundation. In addition, when doing the research on risk, a questionnaire has been used as a research tool, based on a prior review of the literature in the field. Apart from that, the authors have used a case study, synthesis and deduction. Findings: The research findings presented in the paper amount to an empirical verification of the theoretical content found in the scientific literature. Research limitations/implications: The publication identifies the category of risk only in relation to the selected foundation which operates locally in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. The authors’ deliberations concern also the way in which a risk management process is carried out in organisations of this type and refer to the selected methodological aspects of risk management, taking into account the specific nature of activities conducted by such organisations. To gain a broad understanding of these issues, a reader is encouraged to get acquainted with the contents offered in both parts of the publication, due to a broad scope they cover. Practical implications: The publication presents the theoretical knowledge (theory-cognitive dimension of knowledge), which has been verified empirically by conducting research into risk. In addition, the paper indicates the utilitarian value of the knowledge, which is referred to – both in scholarly literature and in practice – as Non-profit Risk Management (NRM). Originality/value: The discussions contained herein are intended to cast some more light onto the unique character and the mechanism of risk in non-profit organisations and, to be more specific, in foundations. A benefit they may be seen to offer is the fact that the authors look at how foundations operate in today’s volatile environment, with multiple uncertainties to face. The authors’ deliberations may also be seen as an encouragement to carry out a wider scope of studies in this field in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This two-part publication aims to outline the issues related to risks and risk management in non-profit organisations, making references to activities carried out by a foundation. More specifically, part two constitutes an attempt to present the framework of a risk management process and the selected methodical aspects in this respect. Risk management in non-profit organisations in Poland, including foundations, should be analysed not only in the context of theoretical knowledge but also from the practical point of view. Design/methodology/approach: The main research method employed here has been participant observation carried out in a foundation. In addition, when doing the research on risk, a questionnaire has been used as a research tool, based on a prior review of the literature in the field. Apart from that, the authors have used a case study, synthesis and deduction. Findings: The research findings presented in the paper amount to an empirical verification of the theoretical content found in the scientific literature. Research limitations/implications: The publication identifies the category of risk only in relation to the selected foundation which operates locally in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. The authors’ deliberations concern also the way in which a risk management process is carried out in organisations of this type. The fact that the paper presents only the selected methodical aspects of risk management which is specific for such organisations is due to a very broad scope of the issues researched herein. To gain a broad understanding of these issues, a reader is encouraged to get acquainted with the contents offered in both parts of the publication. Practical implications: The publication presents the theoretical knowledge (theory-cognitive dimension of knowledge), which has been verified empirically by conducting research into risk management. In addition, the paper indicates the utilitarian value and the applicability of the knowledge, which is referred to – both in scholarly literature and in practice – as Non-profit Risk Management (NRM). It also contains some recommendations on how to implement an integrated risk management formula in practical operations of a foundation in Poland. Originality/value: The discussions contained herein are intended to cast some more light onto the unique character and the mechanism of risk in non-profit organisations and, to be more specific, in foundations, but also onto the methodical and process-related aspects of risk management. A benefit they may be seen to offer is the fact that the authors look at how foundations operate in today’s uncertain and volatile environment. The authors’ deliberations may also be seen as an encouragement to carry out a wider scope of studies in this field in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to show the effects of actions focused on supporting the development of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Conducted with an eclectic approach, these actions sought techniques tailored to the individual person and their problems. Children aged 5–7 years underwent a two-stage diagnostic procedure (preliminary and final) using Schopler's Psychoeducational Profile (the PEP-R test). Between these two measurement points, they participated in a year long development support program using sensory integration stimulation techniques, fine motor skills stimulation, and dog therapy/animal-assisted therapy. The results obtained in each case attest to the applied proposals' effectiveness yet do not allow for general conclusions to be reached. However, they can be a prerequisite for conducting a broader research project and developing personalised early intervention programs for children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines whether and how the European Semester has influenced structural reforms in member states. It does so by analysing the interaction between the Commission and the national bureaucratic and political levels. The paper presents two process‐tracing exercises with a focus on those actors that directly worked with the CSRs to assess the political dynamics underpinning the CSR implementation process. First, it examines the more nuanced and indirect effects the Semester had on the liberalization of professions in Italy. Second, it shows how the debate on wage indexation in Belgium turned around over the years and how the Semester was an important factor in introducing reform. The analysis shows the influence of the Semester in terms of issue salience and agenda setting, but it also shows how the Commission can exert real pressure. This pressure may in turn affect the EU's perceived legitimacy, which holds lessons for the Semester's post‐pandemic transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the big model represented by ChatGPT has brought opportunities and challenges to the teaching of computer practice courses. The correct application of these tools can enhance the learning effect and the development of students' abilities, realizing the 'human-computer co-enhancement'. However, students may also utilize these models to complete programming assignments, which may lead to cheating, violate the principle of academic honesty, weaken students' motivation to learn and master skills, and may lead to 'innovation inertia syndrome', which is not conducive to the enhancement of independent design ability. The paper firstly comprehends the pattern of computer practice teaching, analyzes the positive, negative and uncertain impacts of ChatGPT on teaching and learning, and proposes targeted solutions, and then illustrates the specific implementation process of these measures through two practice cases, with a view to providing references to meet the challenges posed by the technology and to promote the harmonious development of education and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire management influences the global carbon balance. This systematic literature review of proactive fire management programs as nature-based climate solutions synthesizes findings into four case studies to bring insight to these programs and their additional benefits. We review 136 papers, mostly from Australia, Brazil, Southern Africa, and the USA, reflecting the relevance of proactive fire management to savanna ecosystems. Four themes emerged: governance and policies; methodologies; reduced wildfire and GHG emissions; and co-benefits. Australia provides most literature on methodologies to account for greenhouse gas emissions abated. Australia and the USA focus on the social co-benefits, typically among Indigenous peoples. Biodiversity outcomes are largely discussed in Brazilian and African studies. Evidence of a shift to proactive fire management is documented in the case studies analyzed, but political, technical, and cultural barriers prevent further implementation at broader scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social life-cycle assessment (S-LCA) provides a framework to evaluate the social impacts of decisions made during the design phases of a product. Rooftop solar panels are considered an environmentally friendly renewable energy technology due to their ability to generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases while generating electricity. This study presents the application of a challenge-derived S-LCA framework to assess the social impacts of rooftop solar panels in the southeast region of the United States (U.S.) during the use and end-of-life phases. Methods: The challenge-derived S-LCA framework was developed based on a set of challenges to performing social assessments. The challenges were identified through a systematic mapping process and verified using expert feedback. Additional feedback is gathered through users from mechanical engineering capstone design students. The case study application shown in this paper aims to identify the potential social impacts at a pre-implementation stage of the rooftop solar panel in residential applications. The framework follows the ISO 14040 LCA structure, and the analysis was performed based on impact indicators (Type-I framework) and performance reference points (PRP). Results: The framework implements existing social impact assessment methodologies, and guides each of the assessment stages based on the type of analysis performed. The results highlight the workers as the stakeholder group with the highest social impacts. The results also highlight the need for regulation to make rooftop solar panels accessible to low-income community members. Conclusions: An S-LCA framework to assess the social impacts of product systems and technologies is implemented to evaluate the potential social impacts of residential rooftop solar panels. The framework presented applies to product systems and technologies at a pre- or post-implementation state, and it aims to guide novice and expert users alike. Nonetheless, further research is still needed to improve the methodology presented, and additional case studies should be performed to test the applicability of the framework across a broad set of fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a case study analysis, this paper examines how scientific testing was involved in both the triggering and the resolution of the largest food safety scare ever to hit New Zealand. The paper examines the practical applications for communicators dealing with food safety-based risks and discusses how when dealing with crises, they need to take into account lay publics' biases towards assurances of zero risk. This should be part of determining audiences' information needs and of calibrating the provision of scientific information, including information about necessary testing, in ways that meet these needs. Doing so will help build trust, including about the scientific method and the organisations applying it to determine not only the nature of a given risk but also to assess how best it might be mitigated. While distrust might surface in a risk-based crisis, communicators should focus on messaging that addresses uncertainty through providing consistent and credible information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Organizacija is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper discusses the underlying characteristics of Macedonian illiberal politics during the 11-year rule of the centre-right party VMRO-DPMNE (2006–2017) focusing on two aspects: institutional and symbolic. We argue that the unfair political competition was enabled by the weakness of pre-existing institutions and the population's clientelist preferences, which were systematically exploited and expanded by VMRO-DPMNE. We also argue that the multi-ethnic character of the country, the disputed Macedonian national identity and the lack of viable international prospects allowed VMRO-DPMNE to construct a strong nationalist narrative that appealed to voters and further isolated the opposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal cities are increasingly suffering from flooding events. At the same time, these cities are experiencing a process of rapid urbanisation. This paper introduces "flood‐resilient urban parks" as a strategy to address both challenges. It presents a working definition and proposes a conceptual framework to start developing such parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Proceedings of the Faculty of Economics & Business in Zagreb / Zbornik Ekonomskog Fakulteta u Zagrebu is the property of Ekonomski Fakultet u Zagrebu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper publishes the results from a major five year International Energy Agency research project which investigated the reduction of embodied energy and greenhouse gas emissions over the whole life ('cradle to grave') of buildings. Annex 57 collated and analysed over 80 detailed quantitative and qualitative building case studies from the participating nations. For many years the multiple variations in methodological approach of case studies to assess the whole life embodied impacts of buildings have presented a major challenge for politicians and other decision makers. Any real change in design and construction practice has also proved elusive. This paper describes a modified research synthesis and meta analysis as a novel and valid method for drawing meaningful conclusions from large sets of significantly diverse studies. The quantitative analyses consider embodied impacts of the product stage, replacement, and end of life stages, of new and refurbished buildings, and of different building assemblies and construction materials. The product stage is shown to dominate in most cases, with the median value around two thirds of the whole life embodied impacts, with replacements the next highest with a median figure of around 25%; however replacements in five studies were over 50% of the whole life impacts. It should be noted that several life cycle stages are still missing from these studies. The case studies included eleven refurbishment projects, in which energy efficient measures and low carbon technologies were retrofitted to existing buildings; for these projects the median product stage impact was found to be just under half that for the new build projects. While further research is required to compare the operational energy use in the new and refurbished buildings, this suggests that such energy refurbishments have a significantly lower impact than new buildings. Several other studies considered the impacts from technical equipment and internal fixtures and fittings, both frequently excluded, and demonstrated that they can be responsible for up to 45% of the whole life embodied greenhouse gases and up to 48% of the whole life embodied energy. Finally, the paper combines the analysis of the quantitative case studies with that of qualitative studies, to explore the impact of contextual factors at both policy and project level in significantly reducing the embodied environmental impacts of buildings. The case studies have shown that planning authorities, major clients, developers, and individual designers, can all play an important role in reducing embodied impacts through encouraging innovation. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy makers, designers and LCA modelers which will support and effect real reductions in the whole life embodied impacts of buildings. • A novel research synthesis and meta analysis of 80 case studies is described. • Product stage usually highest but replacements can be 50% of embodied impacts. • Refurbishment projects have only half the embodied impacts of new build. • Qualitative studies show the effects of context on decisions. • Policy and design recommendations are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is increasingly used as an early-stage design-decision tool to support choices of structural system. However LCA modellers must first make numerous methodological decisions, and the resultant wide variations in approach are often inadequately described by the modellers. This paper identifies, and quantifies, the three major areas of methodological variation. These are: temporal differences in the stages considered; spatial differences in the material boundaries; and physical disparities in the data coefficients. The effects are then demonstrated through a case study of a student residential building in Cambridge. The cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure is compared with concrete frame, steel frame and load-bearing masonry, considering the influence that varying the temporal boundaries, the data coefficients, and the spatial boundaries has on the choice. While for this building CLT is confirmed as the lowest impact material, the paper demonstrates that varying the methodological choices can change the results by an alarming factor of 10 or even more. The findings confirm the need for the utmost clarity and transparency with all LCA calculations. Making wider industry or policy decisions based on LCA results should be undertaken with extreme caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current society is characterised by increasing number of complex situations which require the prompt and efficient decisions. It has repeatedly been proved that humans confronted with complex situations fail to perform decision making at the desired level of quality. This study searches for understanding how the current information society influences decision making, which is not always as successful as we expect. The main research question of this paper aims at the identification of the factors limiting the outcomes of decision- making processes based on three case studies. The methodology includes the repetitive semi-structured interviews with domain experts and the consequent creation of three scenarios. The main finding, the set of characteristics of decision-making processes, is provided to consider more issues related to those situations and to eliminate their threats and bottlenecks. In addition to this, mutual relationships among characteristics are outlined with the help of the causal- loop diagram. Altogether, twelve characteristics of complex decision making typical for information society are identified in this study. This study reveals that due to growing complexity the decision-makers in the current information society have to deal with issues that are associated with the Law of Requisite Variety. This confirms that growing complexity of information flows represents an inevitable trait of the information society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reparations policies that seek to make amends for a harm incurred face exigent challenges. In this article we focus on what makes reparations successful and what policy components are necessary, if not sufficient, for success. To study the success of reparations policy design we employ a case study approach. Our analysis investigates the motivation, design, implementation, and impact of past policies to understand what has been successful or unsuccessful within each component of the policy in each historical case. Ultimately, our discussion identifies patterns in the creation and execution of reparations policy that offer important considerations for policies that would provide reparations to Black Americans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rassegna Italiana di Valutazione is the property of FrancoAngeli srl and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A rapid increase in the level of market concentration in the supply chain management industries has created firms that enjoy the economies of scale and scope necessary to offer multinational clients integrated services on a worldwide basis. This paper examines how changes in the structure of the freight forwarding industry have affected the nature of the services the industry offers across several Southeast Asian economies. The paper focuses on the role that large global forwarders have played in bringing advanced logistics services, especially those linked to the air freight industry, to this industrialising region. Data is used from interviews with over 100 freight forwarders in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines to examine both the geographic variation in the provision of air cargo services and the manner in which the types of services a forwarder offers vary with firm size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite an increasing number of third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) regard environmental sustainability as a key area of management, there is still great uncertainty on how 3PLs implement environmental strategies and on how they translate green efforts into practice. Through a multiple case study analysis, this paper explores the environmental strategies of a sample of medium-sized 3PLs operating in Italy and the UK, in terms of environmental organizational culture, initiatives, and influencing factors. Our analysis shows that, notwithstanding environmental sustainability is generally recognised as a strategic priority, a certain degree of diversity in the deployment of environmental strategies still exists. This paper is original since the extant literature on green strategies of 3PLs provides findings predominantly from a single country perspective and mainly investigates large/multinational organizations. It also provides indications to help managers of medium-sized 3PLs in positioning their business. This is particularly meaningful in the 3PL industry, where medium-sized organizations significantly contribute to the generated turnover and market value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While peripheral rural regions in Lebanon face typical problems of lagging development and economic marginalisation, they have not been regarded as a priority for policy-makers. Local extensionists have encouraged technological innovation as a means of improving farmers' livelihoods, and this has led to increasing input use and an intensification of agricultural production. This paper applies contrasting quantitative and qualitative methodologies to analyse the effects of such changes at the level of the overall economy of Lebanon and also to explore the impacts on rural households. A computable general equilibrium ( CGE) model simulates shocks in which agricultural output increases due to different types of intensification. The results are contrasted at local level through the use of qualitative case study analysis carried out in the Hermel district of northeast Lebanon. Quantitative simulations indicate that, while agricultural intensification has a positive effect overall on the Lebanese economy, the effects on rural households and the income of farmers are negative. The case-study interviews demonstrate that, at local level, agricultural trade liberalisation, increased agricultural output and greater volatility of commodity prices have resulted in farmers opting for lower input use and more secure market forms of production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As demand for advanced logistics services grows, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are being requested to provide more environmentally sustainable services. This development presents 3PLs with opportunities but also challenges and concerns about how to translate green efforts into practice. The purpose of this paper is to analyse environmental sustainability initiatives undertaken by 3PLs and the factors influencing them, both positively and negatively. The research methodology used in this paper is based on two-phase approach. In the first phase, a systematic literature review on the adoption of green initiatives by 3PLs has been carried out and two research questions have been identified. In the second phase, the research questions have been addressed by a case study analysis conducted on 13 Italian transport and logistics service providers. The research has distinguished three groups of companies with slightly different environmental profiles in terms of the green initiatives implemented and the main drivers and inhibitors. The surveyed companies show a differing degree of involvement in green initiatives due to variations in the breadth of service offered and the importance attributed to environmental issues. The paper concludes with a discussion of the managerial implications of the research, particularly for the development of 3PL's green strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research examined the interplay between institutional logics in a multi-sectoral initiative. Taking a longitudinal approach, we tracked the first three years of an initiative that aimed to reduce social inequality by promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Israel. We observed how the paradoxical dynamics between multiple logics unfolded over time, following the alternating dominance of business, civil and state actors. Results showed the initiative oscillated between a civil society logic, seeing STEM as a 'springboard' for equal opportunities and social change, and a market logic, seeing STEM as a 'pipeline' towards a technological workforce and economic profit. The state logic influenced this oscillation by converging with one of the two other logics, affecting both the working processes and the social impact of the initiative. We contribute to paradox theory by developing a process model of the paradoxical dynamics between multiple institutional logics in multi-sectoral initiatives. We identify three main mechanisms that drive this process: power shifts, logic divergence/convergence and turning points. We suggest implications for the management of complex organizational environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an essential product in the automotive industry, the smart car industry has attracted widespread attention from scholars. However, there are few studies on the evolution of innovation ecosystems under different modes for the smart car industry. Thus, we construct evolution equations based on the symbiosis theory and Lotka–Volterra. Specifically, MATLAB simulations are utilized to comprehensively analyze the specific conditions for different symbiotic modes. The results indicate that (1) the smart car digital innovation ecosystem includes four symbiotic units. They are vehicle manufacturers, internet enterprises, supporting enterprises, and application groups. The symbiotic relationship among units depends on the symbiosis coefficient. (2) According to the symbiosis coefficient, the system is mainly divided into five symbiotic models: independent symbiosis, competitive symbiosis, parasitic symbiosis, partial symbiosis, and mutually beneficial symbiosis. Moreover, the mutually beneficial symbiosis is the optimal evolution model, and it is also a model that can enable the sustainable development of the smart car industry, which has been verified through case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the development of an approach to characterize the as-built heat loss coefficient (HLC) of buildings based on a combination of on-board monitoring (OBM) and data-driven modeling. OBM is hereby defined as the monitoring of the energy consumption and interior climate of in-use buildings via non-intrusive sensors. The main challenge faced by researchers is the identification of the required input data and the appropriate data analysis techniques to assess the HLC of specific building types, with a certain degree of accuracy and/or within a budget constraint. A wide range of characterization techniques can be imagined, going from simplified steady-state models applied to smart energy meter data, to advanced dynamic analysis models identified on full OBM data sets that are further enriched with geometric info, survey results, or on-site inspections. This paper evaluates the extent to which these techniques result in different HLC estimates. To this end, it performs a sensitivity analysis of the characterization outcome for a case study dwelling. Thirty-five unique input data packages are defined using a tree structure. Subsequently, four different data analysis methods are applied on these sets: the steady-state average, Linear Regression and Energy Signature method, and the dynamic AutoRegressive with eXogenous input model (ARX). In addition to the sensitivity analysis, the paper compares the HLC values determined via OBM characterization to the theoretically calculated value, and explores the factors contributing to the observed discrepancies. The results demonstrate that deviations up to 26.9% can occur on the characterized as-built HLC, depending on the amount of monitoring data and prior information used to establish the interior temperature of the dwelling. The approach used to represent the internal and solar heat gains also proves to have a significant influence on the HLC estimate. The impact of the selected input data is higher than that of the applied data analysis method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current access policies and funding schemes of computing e-infrastructures represent a huge challenge for the sustainable growth of computing e-infrastructures and a serious jeopardy for investments made into these e-infrastructures. In order to be able to address these issues, the economics of computing e-infrastructures has to be understood thoroughly. As a first step in this direction, this paper conducts a set of computing e-infrastructure case studies and discusses the economic issues of different global computing e-infrastructure efforts. The analyses results show that the major shortcomings that need to be resolved are the insufficient involvement of the private sector in the development of computing e-infrastructures, the restricted user access to e-infrastructure resources, and the lack of sustainable funding. As a solution to these shortcomings, we propose a new funding and governing model for computing e-infrastructures. It follows a token-based market mechanism that allows a business-oriented operation of the computing e-infrastructure. We argue that this new model fosters the transition towards a sustainable computing e-infrastructure, being another requirement for successfully implementing the cloud computing vision. Our arguments are supported by an analytical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This chapter introduces and describes the methodology used in a recent research program aimed at identifying useful lessons about what has made environmental policies successful in developing countries, particularly in Asia-Pacific. These lessons are intended mainly for policymakers. The study used qualitative research methods, including textual pattern matching, to analyze more than 100 good practices in the area of environmental policy that comprise the Good Practices database of the Research on Innovative and Strategic Policy Options (RISPO) project of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). This paper outlines how the original good practice case studies were gathered and documented and then the stages of research and analysis in the current study. It is intended as a part of the series of eight linked papers in this special issue of the International Review for Environmental Strategies (IRES). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The need to balance renewable energy supply with biodiversity conservation has become increasingly urgent in light of current climate, energy, and biodiversity crises. However, the development of wind and solar energy often presents trade-offs such as competing for land use and potentially impacting species and habitats. To address these concerns, 'priority zones' for bird and bat species have been proposed as spatial designations for early species protection in the regional planning process. However, there are concerns that the areas suitable for wind and solar energy may be limited further, making it difficult to meet state- and regional-specific spatial targets for renewable energy sites. Results: To help decision-makers deal with this challenge, a Multi-Criteria Scenario Framework has been developed and analyzed. It involves a habitat model of priority zones for species conservation and techniques from the intuitive logic scenario planning method. Through a regional case study, various planning criteria were analyzed according to scenarios, such as priority zones for species protection, settlement buffers, and forests. The framework indicates how criteria could be balanced to achieve wind energy spatial targets as well as targets for ground-mounted solar energy with the least possible impact. Results show that compared to other planning criteria, species priority zones had limited competition with spatial wind energy targets. Achieving these targets may require minimal adjustments, such as allowing wind energy in 1–3% of completely protected recreational landscapes. To reconcile land use demands in the energy transition, a balance between 'green' protected areas is necessary. Additionally, ground-mounted solar energy could replace some of the wind energy spatial targets while also meeting the overall solar development goals. Conclusions: The framework provides transparency in assessing trade-offs between multiple objectives and helps quantify the 'costs' and 'benefits' in renewable energy planning. Adapting more flexible planning methods could help resolve the conflict between wind energy and species protection. Joint analysis of the areas needed for wind and solar energy and determining the optimal energy mix are gaining in importance. However, how the benefits of multi-criteria scenarios can be achieved within the confines of preoccupied and siloed organizations remains an ongoing research topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A prominent Saharan Air Layer (SAL) was detected over the Northern Atlantic from the West African Coast to the Caribbean Sea in 2007. Data was collected from the Aerosols and Ocean Science Expedition (AEROSE), which encountered a major dust outflow on 13 and 14 May 2007. These observational measurements came from onboard instrumentation and radiosondes that captured the dust-front event from 13 to 14 May 2007. Aerosol backscatter was confined within the Marine Boundary Layer (MBL), with layers detected up to 3 km. Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) increased by one order of magnitude during the dust front, from 0.1 to 1. Downward solar radiation was also attenuated by 200 W/m2 and 100 W/m2 on the first and second days, respectively. A weaker gradient at and above 500 m from potential temperature profiles indicates a less-defined MBL, and an ambient air temperature of 26 °C on 14 May and 28 °C on 15 May were observed above 500 m, reinforcing the temperature inversion and static stability of the SAL. Subsequent days, clear and boundary-layer cloudy days were observed after the dust front. From 14 to 18 May, a Convective Inhibition (CIN) layer started to form at the top of the MBL, developing into a negative buoyancy from 17 to 23 May, and reinforcing the large-scale anticyclonic atmospheric conditions. These results show that the SAL acts as positive feedback on suppressing deep convection over the tropical Atlantic during this dust outflow and several days after its passage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the development of an approach to characterize the as-built heat loss coefficient (HLC) of buildings based on a combination of on-board monitoring (OBM) and data-driven modeling. OBM is hereby defined as the monitoring of the energy consumption and interior climate of in-use buildings via non-intrusive sensors. The main challenge faced by researchers is the identification of the required input data and the appropriate data analysis techniques to assess the HLC of specific building types, with a certain degree of accuracy and/or within a budget constraint. A wide range of characterization techniques can be imagined, going from simplified steady-state models applied to smart energy meter data, to advanced dynamic analysis models identified on full OBM data sets that are further enriched with geometric info, survey results, or on-site inspections. This paper evaluates the extent to which these techniques result in different HLC estimates. To this end, it performs a sensitivity analysis of the characterization outcome for a case study dwelling. Thirty-five unique input data packages are defined using a tree structure. Subsequently, four different data analysis methods are applied on these sets: the steady-state average, Linear Regression and Energy Signature method, and the dynamic AutoRegressive with eXogenous input model (ARX). In addition to the sensitivity analysis, the paper compares the HLC values determined via OBM characterization to the theoretically calculated value, and explores the factors contributing to the observed discrepancies. The results demonstrate that deviations up to 26.9% can occur on the characterized as-built HLC, depending on the amount of monitoring data and prior information used to establish the interior temperature of the dwelling. The approach used to represent the internal and solar heat gains also proves to have a significant influence on the HLC estimate. The impact of the selected input data is higher than that of the applied data analysis method.

Abstract Background Social life-cycle assessment (S-LCA) provides a framework to evaluate the social impacts of decisions made during the design phases of a product. Rooftop solar panels are considered an environmentally friendly renewable energy technology due to their ability to generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases while generating electricity. This study presents the application of a challenge-derived S-LCA framework to assess the social impacts of rooftop solar panels in the southeast region of the United States (U.S.) during the use and end-of-life phases. Methods The challenge-derived S-LCA framework was developed based on a set of challenges to performing social assessments. The challenges were identified through a systematic mapping process and verified using expert feedback. Additional feedback is gathered through users from mechanical engineering capstone design students. The case study application shown in this paper aims to identify the potential social impacts at a pre-implementation stage of the rooftop solar panel in residential applications. The framework follows the ISO 14040 LCA structure, and the analysis was performed based on impact indicators (Type-I framework) and performance reference points (PRP). Results The framework implements existing social impact assessment methodologies, and guides each of the assessment stages based on the type of analysis performed. The results highlight the workers as the stakeholder group with the highest social impacts. The results also highlight the need for regulation to make rooftop solar panels accessible to low-income community members. Conclusions An S-LCA framework to assess the social impacts of product systems and technologies is implemented to evaluate the potential social impacts of residential rooftop solar panels. The framework presented applies to product systems and technologies at a pre- or post-implementation state, and it aims to guide novice and expert users alike. Nonetheless, further research is still needed to improve the methodology presented, and additional case studies should be performed to test the applicability of the framework across a broad set of fields.

Private sector participation (PSP) in stormwater drainage and management systems is desirable for two reasons: firstly, for its capacity to contribute resources, allowing existing public budgets to be used for other purposes, and secondly for its capacity to introduce management efficiency. Despite the apparent simplicity of this conceptualization, in practice, such participation does not occur simply out of a desire to improve service delivery. Private and public partners have their interests, which are, on the private side, the profit margins and deadlines for return on investments, and on the public side, representing society, the obligations of equity, universality, continuity, and the sustainability of service provision and infrastructure. Reconciling these often-contradictory aspects requires complex and sophisticated political, institutional, organizational and regulatory structures aligned to provide incentives, resources, and involves everyone. Without exhausting the subject, this article addresses several aspects related to the attractiveness and participation of private initiatives in urban stormwater management and discusses some international examples with a special focus on Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars continue to debate why states repay their debts to foreign creditors. The existing literature stresses the short-term economic and political costs that deter default, focusing on reputational damage, creditor reprisals, spillover costs and loss of office. International Relations scholars and economists have largely tested these explanations using quantitative methods, framing their analyses as a choice between default and non-default driven by the rational interests of states or actors within them. The three books considered here draw on qualitative methods to refine and sometimes challenge the prevailing wisdom, offering valuable insights concerning the many types and wider-ranging causes of sovereign default. These books reveal that default is not a binary outcome but instead a spectrum ranging from unilateral repudiation through to cooperative restructuring. Furthermore, governments sometimes default for economically irrational reasons, reflecting shifts in domestic-political interests or changes in state identity. This new literature also raises important questions for future researchers, especially about when default can be beneficial and how it can affect long-term relations between states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The awareness of simulation technologies within the UK is relatively small when compared with the USA. Subsequently several large US companies have been able to overcome the difficulties in adopting new technology into their business and introduce simulation. This paper investigates the problems encountered and the practices helping to successfully implement simulation into a company environment. Details of a major survey conducted to determine the approaches taken by large automotive and aerospace companies within these two countries are outlined. The survey highlighted differences in the development of simulation within 12 large companies, the extent of the difference and the reasons why these differences exist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]