Search Results (132)

Sustainable development, with its three pillars (environmental, social, and governance, ESG), is crucial for human well-being. Climate change is occurring faster than expected. In 2015, 193 countries signed the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, which must be achieved by 2030 along with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) cycle, the Check phase is crucial—sustainability reporting (SR) is essential. This article provides an overview of existing SR standards (SRSs) and their future development but does not conduct a systematic review of the relevant scientific literature on the application of SRSs. The information review methodology shows that SRSs are already well-developed in large companies. The different standards are described, including voluntary ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the mandatory European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). National SRSs are often aligned with the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. Besides the corporate SRSs, public SRSs covering governmental and non-governmental institutions, universities, and associations are described. Public SRSs should be adapted to the needs of public institutions. Finally, the SRSs for individuals and communities is discussed to cover these important parts of humanity. The social and governance sustainability reports could be extended with annual personal or community Carbon or Ecological Footprint reports. Full article

In the context of strategies for the promotion of a sustainable wine industry, the utilization of production regulations under the European Geographical Indications system is seldom contemplated. Furthermore, when such texts are considered, the focus is typically on rules for viticulture or winemaking, rather than on articles governing the boundaries of a PDO or PGI. The present study examines the manner in which regulatory innovation, when viewed from a strictly geographical perspective, can promote the sustainable growth of the sparkling wine districts of Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese, which are located in the Italian Lombardy region. Through a comparative analysis of Franciacorta and Oltrepò Pavese, we explore how regulatory frameworks, land-use constraints, and production capacities interact to shape environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Franciacorta’s premium positioning and global reputation are constrained by its limited geographic area, making expansion environmentally and socially challenging. In contrast, Oltrepò Pavese has substantial production potential, particularly for Pinot Noir-based classic-method sparkling wines but suffers from a fragmented identity and weak market recognition. Benchmarking the Prosecco PDO evolution, we propose a sustainability-oriented growth model integrating multiple territories under harmonized rules, termed “Grande Franciacorta”. This framework would enable controlled growth, reduce land pressure in high-density areas, enhance regional competitiveness, and support long-term ecological stewardship. This study outlines managerial implications for producers, emphasizing multi-tier product architectures, dynamic capabilities, and coordinated governance mechanisms. Policy recommendations highlight the need for regulatory frameworks that embed sustainability criteria, optimize land use, and consolidate regional reputation to ensure the long-term viability of high-quality sparkling wine production. Full article

Medical deserts have become an increasingly prominent expression of unequal access to healthcare, yet the literature addressing this phenomenon remains fragmented, with heterogeneous definitions, indicators, and analytical approaches. This narrative review aims to systematize existing evidence by developing and applying a multidimensional typology based on four analytical axes: medical specialty, geography, population vulnerability to threats, and systemic barriers. A narrative review of English-language studies retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted and interpreted through this framework. The analysis shows that medical deserts are described across a wide range of clinical fields and territorial contexts, with research concentrating primarily on specialty- and geography-based dimensions. In contrast, population vulnerability and systemic barriers are addressed less consistently and are often treated implicitly rather than as core analytical dimensions. Vulnerable groups and structural determinants of access, including organizational, regulatory, and digital factors, remain underexplored despite their growing relevance. By organizing fragmented evidence into a coherent multidimensional framework, this review clarifies how medical deserts emerge as systemic phenomena and highlights the need for integrated policy responses that move beyond workforce redistribution to address social vulnerability and health system design. Full article

Large outcrops of ophiolites from exposed land surfaces can potentially impact the geochemistry of much greater areas through transport and weathering. Derived soil and sediments contain significant concentrations of heavy metals, including chromium and nickel. In the context of environmental risk analysis, there is a necessity to obtain more information about the distribution of Cr and Ni in serpentine rocks and their derived associated geological matrices, and about how easily Cr could be released and then oxidized in the environment, causing pollution of groundwater. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of Cr and Ni in the geochemical fractions containing Fe and Mn and the role of Fe and Mn oxides (crystalline and non-crystalline) in redox processes leading to the formation of Cr(VI) during serpentine soil weathering. Through the combination of chemical selective sequential extraction (SSE) and X-ray diffraction, solid samples belonging to ophiolitic rocks and their derived soils and sediments in southern Tuscany were investigated. The applied SSE method followed the established extraction scheme commonly used in sequential selective extraction procedures. The extraction was accomplished in seven successive steps, using appropriate reagents to destroy the binding agents between the target metal and the specific soil fraction to release the heavy metals selectively from their structural context. The results indicated significant differences in the availability and mobility of Cr and Ni in soils, with Cr concentrations ranging from 200 to 950 μg/g and Ni from 274 to 665 μg/g in reactive fractions. Cr is tightly bound to well-crystallized Fe-oxides and primary rock-derived phases, whereas Ni is substantially more mobile, being mainly controlled by Mn-oxides and amorphous Fe-oxides. Weakly acidic solutions or systems with high redox potential increase Cr and Ni mobility in the environment due to Fe/Mn hydroxides produced by the weathering of serpentinites. An ORP higher than 1000 mV leads to the formation of Cr(VI) by oxidation of Cr(III), increasing the mobility of Cr in groundwater and the hazard for human health. The analytical activity carried out in this research can be used to identify the potential risk of Cr(VI) release in groundwater from serpentine and derived geomaterials. Full article

With globalization rising, much scholarship has presented “a race to the bottom” regarding standards posing serious environmental concerns. This paper considers the debate of globalization leading to a “race to the bottom” or, contrastingly, a “race to the top.” With the growth of information technology and communication, the paper explores existing frameworks to advance green computing in the globalized context. Given a notable void in policy-driven frameworks in the current green computing literature, the paper proposes a comprehensive five-component policy framework to advance green computing, relying on norms and mandates for success. The framework includes the following: 1. Public policy involvement to drive private corporate sustainability. 2. Investment in green technology via government intervention. 3. Industrywide organizations promoting sustainable computing. 4. Proper disposal of computing equipment. 5. Comprehensive industry standards. Ultimately, this framework passionately advocates for the advancement of green computing and encourages further empirical research and evaluation of its respective elements. Full article

Retrofitting the UK building stock is a key priority due to the importance of achieving sustainability goals, preferably before 2050. This goal will not be achieved without reducing energy consumption and making houses more comfortable, healthier, and cheaper to heat. One of the key challenges of building retrofit is skill shortage. The retrofit industry will need a number of professionals under the roles of retrofit assessors, coordinators, and designers. However, the existing university programmes do not directly produce retrofit professionals. Most construction-related university programmes do not emphasise or introduce retrofits. To address this skill shortage, this paper proposes a master’s programme in retrofit, which is directly aimed at producing retrofit professionals. Two specialisations are recommended under the master’s programme, namely architectural design and project management, with accreditations from relevant professional bodies. The objective is to produce a market-ready graduate who can be directly employed as a retrofit assessor, coordinator, or designer. Ten syllabuses related to retrofit professional courses were analysed to design the syllabus of the proposed master’s programme. The master’s programme will help to produce industry-ready retrofit professionals through either physical or online delivery methods. Full article

Cloud-based machine learning systems are increasingly used in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and public services, where they influence decisions with significant social consequences. While these technologies offer scalability and efficiency, they raise significant concerns regarding security, privacy, and compliance. One of the central issues is algorithmic bias, which can emerge from data, design choices, or system interactions, and is often amplified when deployed at scale through cloud infrastructures. This study examines the relationship between algorithmic bias, social equity, and cloud-based innovation. Drawing on a survey of public perceptions, we find strong recognition of the risks posed by biased systems, including diminished trust, harm to vulnerable populations, and erosion of fairness. Participants overwhelmingly supported regulatory oversight, developer accountability, and greater transparency in algorithmic decision-making. Building on these findings, this paper proposes measures to integrate fairness auditing, representative datasets, and bias mitigation techniques into cloud security and compliance frameworks. We argue that addressing bias is not only an ethical responsibility but also an essential requirement for safeguarding public trust and meeting evolving legal and regulatory standards. Full article

Logistics involves planning and managing resources to meet customer demands. Its effectiveness depends not only on time and process coordination but also on the performance of logistics operators, whose actions directly affect customer satisfaction. Although operational risks are inherent to logistics, customer-oriented service failures are often overlooked in traditional risk assessment. To address this gap, this study proposes an integrated approach that combines a Pareto Diagram and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) within the ISO 31000 risk assessment framework. This structured method enables the identification and prioritization of logistics failures based on customer complaints, thereby supporting data-driven decision-making and continuous service improvement. Applied to a real-world case in a ceramic production line specializing in tableware manufacturing, the method identified and evaluated key logistics failures; particularly those related to late deliveries and damaged goods. Based on these findings, improvement actions were proposed to reduce the recurrence of these issues. This study contributes a structured, practical, and replicable approach for organizations to introduce risk assessment practices and enhance the service quality of logistics management. This study advances the literature by shifting the focus from internal production failures to customer-driven service risks, offering strategic insights for improving reliability and operational performance. Full article

Innovation is the engine of today’s knowledge economy, providing the primary means by which organizations achieve competitive advantage, adapt to change, and deliver value to stakeholders. While the creative spark of invention is essential, sustainable innovation demands a disciplined process that guides ideas from conception to commercialization and adoption. The ISO 56000 family of standards provides a global framework for systematically managing innovation, culminating in the 2024 publication of ISO 56001, which sets certifiable requirements for innovation management systems. This article explores the evolution, principles, structure, and practical implications of the ISO 56000 family, with a particular focus on the interplay between culture, leadership, digital transformation, and the transformative rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Full article

This article presents a practical guide for developing a cybersecurity strategy that integrates COBIT 2019 with the ISO/IEC 27000 series of standards. Although COBIT 2019 provides strong frameworks for IT strategy and governance, it does not specifically prescribe a cybersecurity strategy. This article addresses this gap in the strategy literature by building upon the ISO/IEC 27000 series, which is designed to be adaptable for organizations of all types and sizes, as well as being suitable for various regulatory and technological environments. First, a synthesis of COBIT 2019 and the ISO/IEC standards (particularly 27014, 27001, 27036, and 27701) identifies six key themes for a cybersecurity strategy. A more specific qualitative content analysis of ISO/IEC 27014 (which focuses on board-level information security governance) and COBIT 2019 (which outlines execution mechanics) confirms the validity of these themes with traceability at the clause and objective levels. To operationalize these themes, a three-step method is put forward: setting alignment objectives and scope; translating these into IT strategy decisions using COBIT governance and management objectives and practices; and establishing a cybersecurity strategy through ISO/IEC 27001. Additionally, ISO/IEC 27701 for privacy and ISO/IEC 27036 for supplier governance are incorporated where relevant. An illustrative example is provided using anonymized data from public sources, and the applicability and limitations of the research findings are discussed. Full article

This paper addresses the ambiguity between the terms representing the result document of a conformity assessment. Among several other terms, such a document is often referred to as a certificate of conformity in the expert communities of standardization and in legislation. This ambiguity has been identified while reviewing various textual sources within a project focusing on the digitization of such a document for legal metrology used in the European Union. This digitization is going to be realized using a unified data structure. This will allow us to semantically describe the complete content of the result document and to make it readable and interpretable for any technical application. In order to bring the data structure in line with the professional language, an appropriate term representing such a result document has to be found from a variety of similar standardized terms. A semantic analysis has been carried out for this purpose. The following publication provides an overview and the results of this analysis, with the aim of making the expert community aware of the existing ambiguity as being a possible cause for the slowing down of digitization processes. Full article

The formulation of robust Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) is paramount in aviation manufacturing, where quality directly impacts structural integrity and flight safety. Current practices, however, often rely on experiential knowledge and lack a systematic methodology for balancing performance, reliability, and economy, leading to unstable product quality and limited forward-design capability. This study addresses these gaps by proposing a novel, three-layer structural model for aviation WPS based on trade-off design principles. The model integrates a comprehensive correlation matrix linking product requirements to process elements, a modular architecture for enhanced reusability, and a knowledge-driven validation workflow. A key feature of the validation method is the use of a scientifically designed process test matrix and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to quantitatively determine process margins and capability indices (Cv, Cpk), moving beyond traditional pass/fail criteria. The application of this methodology is demonstrated and validated through a case study on electron beam welding. The results indicate that the proposed framework provides a systematic approach for developing stable, economical, and digitally ready welding process specifications, thereby significantly improving the forward-design capability in aviation welding. Full article

Single joint isometric assessments of force production using force plates have become popular in research and practice; however, there are currently no standardization recommendations. The purpose of the present review was to explore and discuss the use of force plates to assess single joint isometric force production characteristics and provide suggestions on protocol standardization for both laboratory and applied settings. Frequently used single joint isometric assessments currently performed using force plates involve the knee flexors/hip extensors and plantar flexors. Currently there are a range of protocols applied to assessing isometric force production; therefore, we provide recommendations on key methodological features to be considered. We also discuss the potential shortcomings and future research directions for single joint isometric testing in both laboratory and applied settings. Full article

Environmental management systems (EMSs), such as ISO 14001, are commonplace across the architecture, engineering, construction, operations, and management (AECOM) sectors of advanced economies. However, their uptake remains limited across emerging markets and developing economies. This study explores stakeholders’ perceptions of the benefits and barriers to implementing EMSs within the AECOM sectors of Malaysia. Guided by a positivist stance, the study takes a quantitative approach using an online questionnaire to gather the opinions of AECOM professionals. The findings reveal that participants believe the most significant benefits of implementing EMSs in Malaysia are to improve corporate image and contribute to the environmental standards of the sector, whereas the most significant barriers to implementing EMSs are lack of client support and the difficulty in coordinating environmental performance among multi-tier subcontractors. Based on the evidence collected, the study recommends encouragement by the government of Malaysia to drive forward environmental management and further research into the reasons for the lack of reported support for ISO 14001 within the supply chain. Full article

The evaluation of bioavailable forms of heavy metals in zones of anthropogenic pollution is the basis of ecological risk assessment. The characterization of the consequences of the operation of the Pechenganikel smelting plant was carried out using AAS and two methods of soil bioavailable forms of heavy metal extraction (3% nitric acid and ammonium acetate buffer with pH 4.8) along three directions from the plant, corresponding to the wind prevalence. Buffer extraction provided more significant correlations between Ni, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn, compared to nitric acid application, indicating a negative correlation between soil Cu, Co, and the distance from the plant, while no significant correlations were recorded for nitric acid extracts. A higher significant correlation number arose between soil elements in buffer extracts along the N-E direction than the S-W one. In the former direction, the number of the mentioned correlations decreased according to the following sequence: Zn (6) > Cu (5) > Se and Co (4) > Ni and Fe (3); in nitric acid extract, only significant correlations of Cu, Zn, and Se with Co and Ni were recorded. Biocrust formation was revealed only along the N-E direction, characterized by unexpected high Se concentrations and intensive correlation between Zn and all the elements extracted by the buffer. Biocrust accumulated high levels of all the elements tested and showed antioxidant activity and polyphenol content significantly correlated with soil organic matter. The biocrust mineral content demonstrated a complex relationship with soil Fe, Cu (buffer extract), and Se, as well as Co and Zn (nitric acid extract). Application of linear mixed-effects modelling and transfer factor analysis indicate that biocrusts may serve as effective bioindicators of both absolute metal contamination and its bioavailable fractions. The results indicate the expediency of using both methods of soil extraction for assessing the ecological risk and soil–biocrust relationships. Full article