This research conducts a comparative urban analysis of two coastal cities with analogous tourism models situated in distinct geographical regions: Balneário Camboriú in Brazil and Benidorm in Spain. The study delves into two critical urban phenomena impacting the sustainability of tourist cities, utilising social network data to gather insights into economic and urban activities (Google Places) and spatio-temporal patterns of citizen presence (Twitter). The spatial analysis explores the municipal and, to a more detailed extent, the coastal strip extending 500 m inland from the coastline, spanning the entire length of each city to their municipal boundaries. The analysis uncovers both similarities and differences between the two destinations, offering insights that could inform future development strategies aimed at fostering sustainable urban environments in these well-established coastal tourist areas.
The main long-term goal of international communities is to achieve sustainable development. This issue is currently highly topical in most European Union (EU) countries due to the ongoing energy crisis. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), which can be integrated into the building surface (roof or facade), thereby replacing conventional building materials, contributes significantly to achieving zero net energy buildings. However, fire safety is important when using BIPV as a structural system in buildings, and it is essential that the application of BIPV as building facades and roofs does not adversely affect the safety of the buildings, their occupants, or the responding firefighters. As multifunctional products, BIPV modules must meet fire safety requirements in the field of electrical engineering as well as in the construction industry. In terms of building regulations, the fire safety requirements of the BIPV must comply with national building regulations. Within this article, aspects and fire hazards associated with BIPV system installations will be defined, including proposals for installation and material requirements that can help meet fire safety.
Objective/Aim: In the context of a constantly changing legislative environment and the necessity for professionals to develop their skills, the research focuses on identifying effective methods and tools that facilitate efficient learning and professional development in the field of labour law. This study aimed to propose a pedagogical technology for the preparation and training of specialists in the field of labour law and to assess the effectiveness of the training based on the specified technology. Method: The study involved 124 participants, with 63 in the experimental group and 61 in the control group. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. The student’s t-test indicated significant improvements in the experimental group’s training effectiveness, confirming the proposed pedagogical technology’s efficacy. Results: Consequently, implementing training and education technology for specialists in the labour law field was proposed to enhance the indicators. The criteria for the preparation of specialists in the field of labour law were delineated, including knowledge of labour legislation, consulting and support skills, analytical skills, communication skills, and continuous learning. According to the criteria above, levels of preparation for specialists in the field of labour law were established, namely high, medium, and essential. The proposed training and education technology for specialists in the field of labour encompasses the following tools: The utilisation of online platforms and educational resources, virtual classes and simulations, the incorporation of multimedia materials, the integration of adaptive learning technologies, the implementation of project- and problem-oriented teaching methodologies, the incorporation of interactive methodologies, the incorporation of cloud technologies and mobile applications, and the provision of assessment and feedback. Conclusion: The proposed pedagogical technology effectively enhances the training and education of labour law specialists. The experimental group’s significant improvement in learning outcomes confirms the technology’s efficacy. Implication: The findings of this research hold significant social implications. Improved training and education of labour law specialists leads to a more competent and effective legal workforce. This, in turn, ensures better protection of workers’ rights and fairer employer-employee relations, contributing to overall social stability.
This paper highlights the complex relationship between entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and economic growth in 41 European countries, using a reliable K-Means cluster analysis. The research thoroughly evaluates three key factors: the SDG Index for sustainable development, GDP per capita for economic well-being, and the New Business Density Rate for entrepreneurial activity. Our methodology reveals three distinct narratives that embody varying degrees of economic vitality and sustainability. Cluster 1 comprises the financially stable and sustainability-oriented countries of Western and Northern Europe. Cluster 2 showcases the variegated economic and sustainability initiatives in Central and Southern Europe. Cluster 3 envelopes the economic titans with noteworthy business expansion but with the potential for better sustainable practices. The analysis reveals a favourable association between economic prosperity and sustainable development within clusters, although with nonlinear intricacies. The research concludes with a series of strategic imperatives specifically crafted for each cluster, promoting economic variation, increased sustainability, invention, and worldwide collaboration. The resulting findings highlight the crucial need for policy-making that considers the specific context and the potential for combined European resilience and sustainability.
Edible cutlery is a safe alternative that, if adopted, can act as a panacea to plastic pollution. Consumers who believe in a lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) can motivate others by taking the lead in this direction. This study has explored the psychological variables associated with LOHAS consumers in conjunction with the product attributes of edible cutlery to check whether these variables can influence lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) consumers to adopt edible cutlery. An empirical study on 210 LOHAS consumers using Partial Least Squares Structure Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Importance Performance Matrix Analyses (IPMA) showed that social consciousness and subjective norms motivate them to adopt edible cutlery in restaurants. This finding has an implication for hospitality businesses using edible cutlery that can target LOHAS consumers with strategies that affect their social consciousness and subjective norm belief for better adoption intentions.
Rapid global warming and continuous climate change threaten the construction industry and human existence, especially in developing countries. Many developed countries are engaging their professional stakeholders on innovation and technology to mitigate climate change on humanity. Studies concerning inclusive efforts by developing countries’ stakeholders, including Nigeria, are scarce. Thus, this study investigates the construction industry’s practitioners’ preparedness to mitigate climate change through pre- and post-planning. Also, the study appraises climate change’s impact on construction activities and proffered measures to mitigate them. The research employed face-to-face data collection via a qualitative approach. The researchers engaged 33 knowledgeable participants. The study covered Abuja, Benin City, Owerri, and Lagos and achieved saturation at the 30th participant. The research employed a thematic approach to analyse the collected data. Findings reveal that Nigerian construction practitioners cannot cope with climate change impacts because of lax planning and inadequate technology to mitigate the issues. Also, the government’s attitude towards climate change has not helped matters. Also, the study suggested measures to mitigate the impact of climate change on construction activities in Nigeria. Therefore, as part of the research contributions, all-inclusive and integrated regulatory policies and programmes should be tailored toward mitigating climate change. This includes integrated stakeholder sensitisation, investment in infrastructure that supports anti-climate change, prioritising practices in the industry to achieve sustainable project transformation, and integration of climate change interventions into pre- and post-contract administration.
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