Standards, Volume 5, Issue 1 (March 2025) – 9 articles

This study investigates the optimization of tree detection in static images using YOLOv5, YOLOv8, and YOLOv11 models, leveraging a custom non-standard image bank created exclusively for this research. Objectives: To enhance tree detection in static images by comparing the performance of YOLOv5, YOLOv8, and YOLOv11 models. The comparison involved hyperparameter tuning and the application of various optimizers, aiming to improve model performance in terms of precision, recall, F1, and mean average precision (mAP). Design/Methodology/Approach: A custom image bank was utilized to train YOLOv5, YOLOv8, and YOLOv11 models. During training, the hyperparameters’ learning rate and momentum were tuned in combination with the optimizers SGD, Adam, and AdamW. Performance metrics, including precision, recall, F1, and mAP, were analyzed for each configuration. Key Results: The optimization process achieved precision values of 100% with Adam for YOLOv8 and SGD for YOLOv11, and recall of 91.5% with AdamW on YOLOv8. Additionally, mAP values reached 95.6% for AdamW on YOLOv8 and 95.2% for SGD on YOLOv11. Convergence times for mAP were also significantly reduced, demonstrating faster training and enhanced overall model performance. Originality/Research gap: This study addresses a gap in tree detection using YOLO models trained on non-standard image banks, a topic that is less commonly explored in the literature. The exclusive development of a custom image bank further adds novelty to the research. Practical Implications: The findings underscore the effectiveness of model optimization in tree detection tasks using custom datasets. This methodology could be extended to other applications requiring object detection in non-standard image banks. Limitations of the investigation: This study is limited to tree detection within a single custom dataset and does not evaluate the generalizability of these optimizations to other datasets or object detection tasks. Full article

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is widely recognized for promoting environmental sustainability in the built environment, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, resource management, and ecological impact. However, as sustainability entails environmental and economic dimensions but also social dimensions, the current BREEAM New Construction standards do not fully address social sustainability targets. This article explores the potential for expanding BREEAM New Construction standards to more comprehensively incorporate social sustainability, ensuring that certified projects contribute to the well-being of their occupants and surrounding communities. Through a review of existing BREEAM categories, technical manuals, standards, and an analysis of gaps related to social sustainability, this paper identifies key areas for potential improvement, including user satisfaction, protecting workers’ and human rights, legacy planning, education and skills, and emergency response planning. These gaps are mapped against existing BREEAM categories and credits, with recommendations to introduce additional credits across the categories of management, materials, energy, waste, land use and ecology, health and well-being, and water. Additionally, this paper highlights the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together architects, urban planners, social scientists, and public health experts—to effectively address the complexity of social sustainability in building design and certification. The proposed additions to BREEAM New Construction standards, alongside recommendations for industry and policymakers, offer guidelines for the evolution of green building certifications toward a more holistic approach to sustainability. This shift ensures that future certified buildings reduce environmental impact and promote social equity, health, and community well-being simultaneously. Full article

This study investigated the asymmetric impact of natural resource exploitation on climate change in resource-rich African countries, based on panel data from 1980 to 2022. The dynamic common correlated effect (DCCE) and dynamic seemingly unrelated regression (DSUR) econometric techniques were employed to evaluate the long-term effects of positive shocks and negative shocks to natural resource exploitation. The findings revealed a positive relationship between both positive and negative shocks to natural resource exploitation and temperature, with increases in natural resource exploitation exerting a more intensified impact on temperature than decreases. In contrast, both positive and negative changes in natural resource exploitation are negatively related to precipitation, with an increased exploitation intensity having a more pronounced effect on rainfall patterns. The study also highlights the critical role of control variables such as GDP per capita, urban population, and total energy consumption in altering temperature and precipitation patterns. The findings underscore the importance of adopting sustainable natural resource extraction practices, integrating green technologies, and promoting collaboration across natural resource exploitation and renewable energy value chains to mitigate the negative impacts of natural resource exploitation. Full article

Quality control circles (QCCs) are a proven method for fostering continuous improvement through employee involvement. However, the implementation process and organizational impact of QCCs in the food industry remain underexplored. This case study evaluates the implementation of QCCs by examining the benefits and challenges perceived by employees and managers, assessing QCC alignment with ISO standards, and providing actionable recommendations to optimize QCC implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the employee findings indicate that QCCs promote continuous improvement, enhance productivity, foster a positive culture of quality, and strengthen engagement and responsibility for product and process quality. Employees felt that their ideas were valued and that they received constructive feedback from leadership. However, they also identified challenges related to training and resource availability. From a managerial perspective, the ISO diagnostic tool revealed a 78.28% compliance rate with the QCC program planning, quality procedures, action plans, quality management system alignment, and documentation. Non-conformities included insufficient monitoring solutions, absence of effectiveness indicators, lack of risk assessments, and insufficient resources. Although managers acknowledged benefits such as improved engagement and communication, challenges such as limited human resources, high demand, and resistance to change were also noted. This paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing future QCC cycles and for creating a structured implementation process. Full article

Leadership in an organizational environment is responsible for enabling team members to achieve their daily objectives. Leadership has evolved continuously over time, demonstrating flexibility as a core aspect of its essence. In an organizational setting, the feedback between leaders and led has great significance, particularly for teams with shared goals. This study aims to analyze the leader’s behavior using the Johari Window tool from the subordinates’ perspective in a food company, providing feedback on the leader’s behavior to foster a more harmonious relationship. This study adopts an applied methodology with a descriptive objective and qualitative approach, utilizing the Johari Window framework to conduct a case study. Data collection involved administering questionnaires to gather insights into the behavior of both the sector leader and those being led. The results indicate that 60% of employees have different perceptions from the sector manager, concentrated in the “Blind” area, suggesting infrequent feedback exchanges. This could occur in situations in which behaviors are visible to others, but unnoticed by the leader. Therefore, communication is a critical element in the management of an organization. When practiced clearly and objectively, managers can follow paths that lead to effective and efficient decision-making. Full article

Water resources are increasingly vulnerable due to the effects of climate change, which influences both their availability and quality. It is crucial to incorporate climate change adaptation strategies into water resource management to address these challenges and support sustainable practices. This article provides a critical overview of recent advancements in this integration, addressing both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. The discussion highlights the importance of distinguishing between mitigation and adaptation strategies, emphasizing their unique characteristics and interdependencies. Climate change alters water quality through increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, necessitating adaptive strategies to maintain water quality. Immediate coping strategies, such as alternative water sources and filtration systems, address pressing issues but must be complemented by incremental and transformational strategies for long-term resilience. Incremental strategies include upgrading infrastructure and enhancing agricultural practices, while transformational strategies involve comprehensive changes like redesigning urban water systems and revising water governance frameworks. This article identifies socio-economic constraints, awareness gaps, and data deficiencies as significant challenges to effective adaptation. It advocates for integrating climate and water policies, enhancing international co-operation, and investing in innovation and technology. Case studies from India and Vietnam illustrate successful integration of climate adaptation into water management, providing valuable insights for other regions. Overall, a holistic, multi-faceted approach is essential to secure a sustainable water future in the face of climate change. Full article

The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive expanded its Non-Financial Reporting Directive requirements to companies with over 250 employees, mandating their sustainability reporting from 2025. This expansion will quadruple the number of companies subject to mandatory reporting, presenting new challenges for their managers and responsible employees. Companies will have to report according to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards. This article addresses gaps in vocational education and training (VET) programs related to sustainability knowledge and reporting. It aims to establish a unified approach for VET teachers and learners across the EU, preparing them for the evolving job market demands. The methodology ADDIE (Analysis/Design/Development/Implementation/Evaluation) was used to develop the curriculum and training. The research began by creating a knowledge repository and a questionnaire, focusing on current reporting practices and job requirements, and continued with preparing materials for the training course. The course encompassed six learning units: (1) European legislation and sustainability standards, (2) sustainability management, (3–5) environmental, social, and corporate dimensions, and (6) sustainability reporting. The initiative included multiplier (dissemination) events, pilot applications, and online course tests. To deliver the course effectively, an interactive e-learning platform was developed; gamification elements and other engaging activities were included to enhance learning outcomes. Full article

This study proposes a risk analysis model based on the principles of ISO 31000 and decision theory for biological agents with potential for offensive use in Brazil. Bibliographic research was conducted on the main models already published on the subject. The German risk classification system was adopted as the main reference because it is adjustable and adopts a semiquantitative approach. After translating and adapting this model to the Brazilian context, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to generate a hierarchical tree with criteria and subcriteria to be considered in the risk assessment. A questionnaire was administered to a group of experts to evaluate the relevant criteria and subcriteria and the risks related to three biological agents (Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, and Francisella tularensis), which were selected in an exploratory manner to exemplify the application of the model. According to the results, the criterion of impact of a biological attack was given greater importance when compared with the probability of occurrence of this event. According to the subcriteria, the greatest weight was attributed to human health when compared with agriculture, the environment, or the economy. Finally, in the evaluation of the three pathogens, B. anthracis was identified as having the highest risk for offensive use in Brazil. This research is focused on a practical approach and can be implemented by competent agencies to foster their capacity for biological defense by determining which pathogens represent the greatest risk to society. Full article

The wetting of compacted clays and their subsequent swelling often result in damage to structures and infrastructures. Estimations of the swell that is expected to develop during wetting are usually based on standard laboratory tests. The standard procedure requires inundating the test specimens; this procedure represents an extreme wetting condition and provides an upper limit to the swell. However, wetting may result from less extreme conditions, for example by the absorption of water due to suction forces, which may result in a smaller swell. This paper describes a laboratory investigation of the swell difference in high-plasticity clay that may result from different wetting conditions. Swell tests were carried out on specimens prepared at different initial conditions and wetted under different wetting conditions of inundation or absorption. The results indicate that as the initial void ratio decreases and the degree of saturation increases, it is more likely that different wetting conditions will result in different swell magnitudes, where inundation may create a larger swell than absorption. The soil at a low initial void ratio and high degree of saturation seems to be characterized by mono-modal pore size distributions in the micropore range. This unique pore size distribution may be the explanation of the different swell magnitudes. Full article