Research
A lot of interesting research on sustainability and sustainable development is going on in the Baltic Sea region. Take this chance to showcase your research for an interested audience.
Research and Innovation for a Sustainable Baltic Sea Region
A lot of interesting research on sustainable development is going on in the Baltic Sea region. From spring 2018 we will publish Research Notes – “Research and Innovation for a Sustainable Baltic Sea Region” on this webpage on a regular basis. Please, see the first ones below. The aim with the Research Notes is to spread research findings and to get the knowledge on researchers and research groups in the Baltic Sea region as a service to BUP Member universities, participating universities and different stakeholders in society.
We welcome scientific publications from year 2016 and forward: peer review articles, book chapters, proceedings, and dissertations regarding the following Themes: Climate Change, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Circular Economy and Urban-Rural Development, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Food Production & Consumption, Sustainable Transport, Sustainable Water Resources.
We encourage you to contribute with your research findings to the BUP Research Notes.This is an opportunity to both contribute to the development of BUP research efforts and co-operations, as well as a way for You to spread your research findings and information on you as a researcher/your research group. Submit your contribution using the Research Notes Form.
You may also add your research profile to the Researcher Presentations in the Themes section.
The Research Notes are collected in a Research Notes Letter that is disseminated to member universities, participating universities and other stakeholders in society. The aim is to spread research findings and knowledge on researchers and research groups in the Baltic Sea Region.
Research Notes Letter 2/2019
Research Notes Letter 1/2019
All previous issues are found on this link: Research Notes Letter.
Learn more on the BUP Support for Research Cooperation
Subscribe to the Research Notes Letter through the moderated BUP mailing-list. Join the mailing-list by sending an email to sympa@lists.uu.se with an empty body. In the subject line you write: SUBSCRIBE balticuniversity.
A fragility approach to sustainability – researching effects of education
Authors: Joost (Johannes) Platje , Markus Will and Ynte K. Van Dam.
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract:
Purpose
Management education trainers are increasingly called upon to train students to devise interventions for sustainable development in business settings. Due to the dominant reductionist paradigm, these interventions may lead to unwanted side effects. Teaching students about unacknowledged feedback loops in complex systems should prevent them fro
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract:
Purpose
Management education trainers are increasingly called upon to train students to devise interventions for sustainable development in business settings. Due to the dominant reductionist paradigm, these interventions may lead to unwanted side effects. Teaching students about unacknowledged feedback loops in complex systems should prevent them fro
Process framework for identifying sustainability aspects in university curricula and integrating education for sustainable development
Authors: Tove Holm, Kaisu Sammalisto, Thomas S. Grindsted, Timo Vuorisalo
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Sustainability aspects in higher education must be enhanced with more concrete actions. Universities are globally required to have quality assurance to secure and improve teaching and learning, and they use management systems to this aim. Integrating education for sustainable development and management systems are alike in that they are based on continuo
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Sustainability aspects in higher education must be enhanced with more concrete actions. Universities are globally required to have quality assurance to secure and improve teaching and learning, and they use management systems to this aim. Integrating education for sustainable development and management systems are alike in that they are based on continuo
Teaching Sustainability in European Higher Education Institutions: Assessing the Connections between Competences and Pedagogical Approaches
Authors: Rodrigo Lozano, Maria Barreiro-Gen, Francisco J. Lozano and Kaisu Sammalisto
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
There has been considerable progress in the incorporation of sustainable development (SD) into higher education institutions’ curricula. This has included research on competences for SD and pedagogical approaches used; however, there has been limited research on the connection between how pedagogical approaches are used and how they may devel
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
There has been considerable progress in the incorporation of sustainable development (SD) into higher education institutions’ curricula. This has included research on competences for SD and pedagogical approaches used; however, there has been limited research on the connection between how pedagogical approaches are used and how they may devel
Analysis of the perception of engineering students regarding sustainability
Authors: I.S. Rampasso, R. Anholon, D. Silva, R.E. Cooper Ordoñez, L.A. Santa-Eulalia, O.L.G. Quelhas, W. Leal Filho, L.F. Granada Aguirre
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
This research aims to evaluate the engineering students' perception regarding sustainability. For this, a survey was developed based on sustainability parameters from a detailed analysis of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance (BICG). The
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
This research aims to evaluate the engineering students' perception regarding sustainability. For this, a survey was developed based on sustainability parameters from a detailed analysis of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance (BICG). The
The role of green and Sustainability Offices in fostering sustainability efforts at higher education institutions
Authors: Walter Leal Filho, Markus Will, Amanda Lange Salvia, Mai Adomßent, Anselm Grahl, Felix Spira
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Green and Sustainability Offices are special settings which assist initiatives within higher education institutions to coordinate their efforts and work in the field of sustainable development. The set-up of such offices is known to be an effective tool in supporting the implementation of sustainability initiatives on campuses
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Green and Sustainability Offices are special settings which assist initiatives within higher education institutions to coordinate their efforts and work in the field of sustainable development. The set-up of such offices is known to be an effective tool in supporting the implementation of sustainability initiatives on campuses
Plastic debris on Pacific Islands: Ecological and health implications
Authors: Walter Leal Filho, Peni Hausia Havea, Abdul-Lateef Balogun, Juliane Boenecke, Anish Anit Maharaj, Michael Ha'apio, Sarah L. Hemstock
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Plastic debris is a worldwide problem. This is particularly acute in the Pacific region, where its scale is a reason for serious concerns. There is an obvious need for studies to assess the extent to which plastic debris affects the Pacific. Therefore, this research aims to address this
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Plastic debris is a worldwide problem. This is particularly acute in the Pacific region, where its scale is a reason for serious concerns. There is an obvious need for studies to assess the extent to which plastic debris affects the Pacific. Therefore, this research aims to address this
Towards sustainability by aligning operational programmes and sustainable performance measures
Authors: Rodrigo Goyannes Gusmão Caiado, Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas, Daniel Luiz de Mattos Nascimento, Rosley Anholon & Walter Leal Filho
Type of article: Article peer review
Abstract
In the last decades, sustainable concerns have increasingly gained importance to organizational survival, and Lean/Six Sigma approaches are becoming more and more outstanding in order to improve sustainability performance. This article aims to evaluate the degree of importance of sustainable
Type of article: Article peer review
Abstract
In the last decades, sustainable concerns have increasingly gained importance to organizational survival, and Lean/Six Sigma approaches are becoming more and more outstanding in order to improve sustainability performance. This article aims to evaluate the degree of importance of sustainable
‘Successful’ low-carbon energy transitions at the community level? An energy justice perspective
Authors: Luis Mundaca, Henner Busch and Sophie Schwer
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to critically analyse so-called ‘successful’ low-carbon energy transitions under the energy justice magnifying glass. We focus on two case studies that have been arguably referred to as successful local energy transitions in the literature: Samsø (Denmark) and Feldheim (Germany). The study examines community perspectives and causal inferences about
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to critically analyse so-called ‘successful’ low-carbon energy transitions under the energy justice magnifying glass. We focus on two case studies that have been arguably referred to as successful local energy transitions in the literature: Samsø (Denmark) and Feldheim (Germany). The study examines community perspectives and causal inferences about
Responsible Research and Innovation in Industry: From Ethical Acceptability to Social Desirability
Author: Lukasz Nazarko
Type of publication: Book chapter
Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a synthesis of the current body of knowledge on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) as an emerging paradigm and a novel approach to governing science and innovation with the aim of making them ethically acceptable and socially desirable. The text focuses on RRI relevance not only as a new framework research and innovation policy but also as a novel expression of C
Type of publication: Book chapter
Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a synthesis of the current body of knowledge on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) as an emerging paradigm and a novel approach to governing science and innovation with the aim of making them ethically acceptable and socially desirable. The text focuses on RRI relevance not only as a new framework research and innovation policy but also as a novel expression of C
Assessment of modern hydro-meteorological hazards in a big city – identification for Warsaw
Authors: Elwira Żmudzka, Kinga Kulesza, Maciej Lenartowicz, Kamil Leziak and Artur Magnuszewski
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Continuous urban development significantly transforms the ecosystem in a big city. The increasing frequency of heat waves and their influence on the rise in mortality in big cities suggest that the thermal hazard (long-term occurrence of high air temperature) is one of the key climatic hazards of present times. The global temperatur
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Continuous urban development significantly transforms the ecosystem in a big city. The increasing frequency of heat waves and their influence on the rise in mortality in big cities suggest that the thermal hazard (long-term occurrence of high air temperature) is one of the key climatic hazards of present times. The global temperatur
Psychology & Democracy through Art and Journalism: Experimental Directions
Author: Yuliia Pochynok
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
The psychological aspects of democracy are extremely important today. Creating the actual interaction of the experiment culture with the correspondence to the formation of external interconnections transforms the actualization of the text-creation of discourse into the practical concept of creating a school of modern time within the higher school.
Reference:
Pochynok, Y. 2018. Psychology & D
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
The psychological aspects of democracy are extremely important today. Creating the actual interaction of the experiment culture with the correspondence to the formation of external interconnections transforms the actualization of the text-creation of discourse into the practical concept of creating a school of modern time within the higher school.
Reference:
Pochynok, Y. 2018. Psychology & D
The integration of social responsibility and sustainability in practice: Exploring attitudes and practices in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Walter Leal Filho, Federica Doni, Valeria Ruiz Vargas, Tony Wall, Ann Hindley, Lez Rayman-Bacchus, Kay Emblen-Perry, Jennifer Boddy and Lucas Viega Avila.
Type of publication: Article peer review.
Abstract
The demands placed on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to deliver sustainability initiatives alongside their long-standing social responsibility commitments has been recognised in literature. However, how these interrelate in practice continues to be relatively
Type of publication: Article peer review.
Abstract
The demands placed on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to deliver sustainability initiatives alongside their long-standing social responsibility commitments has been recognised in literature. However, how these interrelate in practice continues to be relatively
Application of satellite sentinel-1 radar images for description of ice phenomena on Dębe reservoir
Author: Artur Magnuszewski
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Winter conditions of low air temperature cause development of ice phenomena at rivers and reservoirs, creating often problems in their exploitation. There is a need to continuously monitor the spatial extension of ice phenomena and their different forms. Local water authority (RZGW Warszawa) prepares for rivers under their administration a daily reports on ice conditions in winter. Ice reports are pr
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Winter conditions of low air temperature cause development of ice phenomena at rivers and reservoirs, creating often problems in their exploitation. There is a need to continuously monitor the spatial extension of ice phenomena and their different forms. Local water authority (RZGW Warszawa) prepares for rivers under their administration a daily reports on ice conditions in winter. Ice reports are pr
Method of Calculation of the Maximum Rainwater Flow in Central Latvia
Author: Sergejs Jakovlevs
Type of publication: Conference proceeding
Abstract:
Altogether, the assumption (hypothesis) that the maximum intensity of rain (imax) is revealed within the first 20÷30 minutes proved to be false (Jakovlevs S., Gusta S. & Tilgalis E., 2017). The actual rain intensity (5÷6÷7 mm . min-1) for certain 3-hour periods is 30 to 115 minutes, and it can occur with a 3÷4÷5 multiple repetitions of the maximum intensity peaks, see Figure 1 (1; 2; 3; 4). The period of rain, where the maximum intensity peaks of precipitation can recur several times, usually leads to the flooding of the territories. The author believes that the existing method of calculation given in LBN 22
Type of publication: Conference proceeding
Abstract:
Altogether, the assumption (hypothesis) that the maximum intensity of rain (imax) is revealed within the first 20÷30 minutes proved to be false (Jakovlevs S., Gusta S. & Tilgalis E., 2017). The actual rain intensity (5÷6÷7 mm . min-1) for certain 3-hour periods is 30 to 115 minutes, and it can occur with a 3÷4÷5 multiple repetitions of the maximum intensity peaks, see Figure 1 (1; 2; 3; 4). The period of rain, where the maximum intensity peaks of precipitation can recur several times, usually leads to the flooding of the territories. The author believes that the existing method of calculation given in LBN 22
An overview of the problems posed by plastic products and the role of extended producer responsibility in Europe
Authors: Walter Leal Filho, Ulla Saari, Mariia Fedoruk, Arvo Iital, Harri Moora, Marija Klöga,Viktoria Voronova.
Type: Peer review article
Abstract
Plastic products are easy and convenient for our everyday use, but their negative impacts on human health and the environment cannot be overlooked. The negative impacts and effects of plastic waste are now widely known and have been subject of much recent media coverage, both in Europe and on a global level.
Faced with inc
Type: Peer review article
Abstract
Plastic products are easy and convenient for our everyday use, but their negative impacts on human health and the environment cannot be overlooked. The negative impacts and effects of plastic waste are now widely known and have been subject of much recent media coverage, both in Europe and on a global level.
Faced with inc
Defining Terms for Integrated (Multi-Inter-Trans-Disciplinary) Sustainability Research
Authors: Paul Stock and Rob J.F. Burton
Type: Peer review article
Abstract
Our contemporary social and ecological problems, including climate change, peak oil and food security, necessitate solutions informed by multiple backgrounds that singular disciplines seem unable to provide, and possibly, are even incapable of providing. The increasing occurrence of multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary (MIT) research projects speak to the recognition of that necessity. But as the liter
Type: Peer review article
Abstract
Our contemporary social and ecological problems, including climate change, peak oil and food security, necessitate solutions informed by multiple backgrounds that singular disciplines seem unable to provide, and possibly, are even incapable of providing. The increasing occurrence of multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary (MIT) research projects speak to the recognition of that necessity. But as the liter
A review of the socio-economic advantages of textile recycling
Authors: Walter Leal Filho, Dawn Ellams, Sara Han, David Tyler, Valérie Julie Boiten, Arminda Paco, Harri Moora, Abdul-Lateef Balogun
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
The textile/apparel industry is of great importance to the economy in terms of trade, employment, investment and revenue all over the world. This sector is however characterised by substantial losses, due to production excesses on the one hand, and the “throw away” culture on the other. This sta
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
The textile/apparel industry is of great importance to the economy in terms of trade, employment, investment and revenue all over the world. This sector is however characterised by substantial losses, due to production excesses on the one hand, and the “throw away” culture on the other. This sta
Subjective perception of noise exposure in relation to urban green space availability
Authors: Karolina Koprowska, Edyta Łaszkiewicz, Jakub Kronenberg, Szymon Marcińczak
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
Noise pollution has been recognized as one of major threats to the health of urban residents. Increasing green space availability can create a natural buffer to the adverse effects of living in an urban environment. These positive effects of urban green space can be directly related to an objective reduction of noise levels and – indirectly – to the subjectiv
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
Noise pollution has been recognized as one of major threats to the health of urban residents. Increasing green space availability can create a natural buffer to the adverse effects of living in an urban environment. These positive effects of urban green space can be directly related to an objective reduction of noise levels and – indirectly – to the subjectiv
Challenges of urban green space management in the face of using inadequate data
Authors: Marcin Feltynowski, Jakub Kronenberg, Tomasz Bergier, Nadja Kabisch, Edyta Łaszkiewicz, Michael Strohbach
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
Effective urban planning, and urban green space management in particular, require proper data on urban green spaces. The potential of urban green spaces to provide benefits to urban inhabitants (ecosystem services) depends on whether they are managed as a comprehensive system of urban green infrastructure, or as isolated islands
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
Effective urban planning, and urban green space management in particular, require proper data on urban green spaces. The potential of urban green spaces to provide benefits to urban inhabitants (ecosystem services) depends on whether they are managed as a comprehensive system of urban green infrastructure, or as isolated islands
Down the black hole: sustaining national socio-technical imaginaries of coal in Poland
Authors: Magdalena Kuchler and Gavin Bridge
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
This paper explores the socio-technical imaginaries surrounding infrastructures of coal mining and coal combustion in Poland. Contemporary policy makers in Poland mobilise a national imaginary inherited from communist times – encapsulated in the slogan ‘Poland stands on coal’ – that fuses infrastructures of coal extraction and combustion with the fate of the nation. This socio-technical imaginary p
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
This paper explores the socio-technical imaginaries surrounding infrastructures of coal mining and coal combustion in Poland. Contemporary policy makers in Poland mobilise a national imaginary inherited from communist times – encapsulated in the slogan ‘Poland stands on coal’ – that fuses infrastructures of coal extraction and combustion with the fate of the nation. This socio-technical imaginary p
Geopolitics and religion – a mutual and conflictual relationship. Spatial regulation of creed in the Baltic Sea Region
Author: Thomas Lundén
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The geopolitical history of religion in the Baltic Sea area shows a development from the time of the Lutheran Reformation of a mosaic of states with very different jurisdictions of creed, from the tolerance under local containment of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to the strict Evangelical mono-religion of the Scandinavian countries. With seventeenth-century mercantilism, groups of skilled people of ‘foreign’ religi
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The geopolitical history of religion in the Baltic Sea area shows a development from the time of the Lutheran Reformation of a mosaic of states with very different jurisdictions of creed, from the tolerance under local containment of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to the strict Evangelical mono-religion of the Scandinavian countries. With seventeenth-century mercantilism, groups of skilled people of ‘foreign’ religi
Experimentalist Governance to Foster Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region: A Focus on the Turku Process
Author: Savitri Jetoo
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The Baltic Sea is one of the most severely polluted water bodies on earth, with stressors resulting from anthropogenic pressures of 85 million inhabitants in nine coastal countries. All are members of the European Union (EU) with the exception of Russia. This exception poses challenges for governing the Sea, as Russia is excluded as a member country from EU Baltic Sea governing policies, such as the EU Strategy for the
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The Baltic Sea is one of the most severely polluted water bodies on earth, with stressors resulting from anthropogenic pressures of 85 million inhabitants in nine coastal countries. All are members of the European Union (EU) with the exception of Russia. This exception poses challenges for governing the Sea, as Russia is excluded as a member country from EU Baltic Sea governing policies, such as the EU Strategy for the
Classification of institutional barriers affecting the availability, accessibility and attractiveness of urban green spaces
Authors: Magdalena Biernacka and Jakub Kronenberg
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The main goal of this article is to identify and classify institutional barriers which prevent the use of urban green spaces (UGS) at three levels: availability (whether a UGS exists), accessibility (whether it is physically and psychologically accessible, e.g., not fenced off), and attractiveness (whether it is attractive enough for potential users to visit). We reviewed the impacts on UGS p
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The main goal of this article is to identify and classify institutional barriers which prevent the use of urban green spaces (UGS) at three levels: availability (whether a UGS exists), accessibility (whether it is physically and psychologically accessible, e.g., not fenced off), and attractiveness (whether it is attractive enough for potential users to visit). We reviewed the impacts on UGS p
Contamination of wild-grown edible mushrooms by heavy metals in a former mercury-mining area
Authors: Július Árvay, Ján Tomáš, Martin Hauptvogl, Miriama Kopernická, Anton Kováčik, Daniel Bajčan & Peter Massányi
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of six edible wild species of mushrooms (Boletus pulverulentus, Cantharellus cibarius, Lactarius quietus, Macrolepiota procera, Russula xerampelina and Suillus grevillei) by heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn and Fe). Mushroom samples were collected from sites contaminated by emissions from mining and processing of polymetallic ores in operation during the period 1969–1993 in Rudňany, southeast Slovakia. The four study sites spanned up to a 5-km distance from the emission source. The collected mushroom samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and/or Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry with graphite furnace. Mercury, Cd and, in some samples, also Pb present the highest risks in terms of contamination of the food chain following subsequent consumption. The content of two metals in the dry matter (dm) of the mushrooms exceeded the limits set by the European Union (EU; Cd: 0.5 mg/kg dm, Pb: 1.0 mg/kg dm). The highest mean contents of the eight metals recorded for S. grevillei were 52.2, 2.15, 107, 104, 2.27, 2.49, 81.6 and 434 mg/kg dm for Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe, respectively. The highest content of Cd was recorded in M. procera (3.05 mg/kg dm) and that of Co in L. quietus (0.90 mg/kg dm). The calculated weekly intake for Hg, Pb and Cd shows that r
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of six edible wild species of mushrooms (Boletus pulverulentus, Cantharellus cibarius, Lactarius quietus, Macrolepiota procera, Russula xerampelina and Suillus grevillei) by heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn and Fe). Mushroom samples were collected from sites contaminated by emissions from mining and processing of polymetallic ores in operation during the period 1969–1993 in Rudňany, southeast Slovakia. The four study sites spanned up to a 5-km distance from the emission source. The collected mushroom samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and/or Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry with graphite furnace. Mercury, Cd and, in some samples, also Pb present the highest risks in terms of contamination of the food chain following subsequent consumption. The content of two metals in the dry matter (dm) of the mushrooms exceeded the limits set by the European Union (EU; Cd: 0.5 mg/kg dm, Pb: 1.0 mg/kg dm). The highest mean contents of the eight metals recorded for S. grevillei were 52.2, 2.15, 107, 104, 2.27, 2.49, 81.6 and 434 mg/kg dm for Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe, respectively. The highest content of Cd was recorded in M. procera (3.05 mg/kg dm) and that of Co in L. quietus (0.90 mg/kg dm). The calculated weekly intake for Hg, Pb and Cd shows that r
Human exposure to heavy metals and possible public health risks via consumption of wild edible mushrooms from Slovak Paradise National Park, Slovakia
Authors: Július Árvay, Ján Tomáš, Martin Hauptvogl, Peter Massányi, ľuboš Harangozo, Tomáš Tóth, Radovan Stanovič, štefánia Bryndzová & Monika Bumbalová
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The contamination level of 92 samples (12 species) of wild edible mushrooms and underlying substrates with heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) in the Slovak Paradise National Park that borders with a region of historical mining and processing of polymetallic ores, were determined. The colle
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The contamination level of 92 samples (12 species) of wild edible mushrooms and underlying substrates with heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) in the Slovak Paradise National Park that borders with a region of historical mining and processing of polymetallic ores, were determined. The colle
Assessment of environmental and health risks in former polymetallic ore mining and smelting area, Slovakia: Spatial distribution and accumulation of mercury in four different ecosystems
Authors: Július Árvay, Lenka Demková, Martin Hauptvogl, Miloslav Michalko, Daniel Bajčan, Radovan Stanovič, Ján Tomáš, Miroslava Hrstková, Pavol Trebichalský
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
Former long-term mining and smelting of pollymetallic ores in the Middle Spiš area caused a serious contamination problem of the environment with heavy metals and metalloids, especially mercury (Hg). Several studies have reported concentration of Hg in the area but this paper provides f
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
Former long-term mining and smelting of pollymetallic ores in the Middle Spiš area caused a serious contamination problem of the environment with heavy metals and metalloids, especially mercury (Hg). Several studies have reported concentration of Hg in the area but this paper provides f
The Influence of Phosphogypsum Addition on Phosphorus Release in Biochemical Treatment of Sewage Sludge
Author: Y. Chernysh, M. Balintova, L. Plyatsuk, M. Holub, and S. Demcak
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The paper is focused on the research of biochemical treatment of sewage sludge and phosphogypsum under sulphate-reducing conditions with a phosphorus release process. The theoretical foundations of the work were based on the biochemical formalization using the principles of autocatalysis of natural systems. During the experimental research for the control of physicochem
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The paper is focused on the research of biochemical treatment of sewage sludge and phosphogypsum under sulphate-reducing conditions with a phosphorus release process. The theoretical foundations of the work were based on the biochemical formalization using the principles of autocatalysis of natural systems. During the experimental research for the control of physicochem
Heavy metals determination in edible wild mushrooms growing in former mining area-Slovakia: Health risk assessment
Authors: Zuzana Záhorcova, Július Árvay, Martin Hauptvogl, Ján Tomáš, Ľuboš Harangozo
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to assess a contamination level of forest substrates and aboveground parts of edible wild mushroom (M. procera (Scop.) Singer, B. recitulatus Schaeff., C. cibarius Fr., S. grevillei (Klotzsch) Singer, A. campestris L., R. xerampelina (Schaeff.) Fr., L. salmonicolor R. Heim & Leclair, C. gibba (Pers. Ex Fr.) Kumm., X. chrysenteron (Bull.) Quél., M. oreades (Bolton) Fr.; n = 70) by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn). The studied lo
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to assess a contamination level of forest substrates and aboveground parts of edible wild mushroom (M. procera (Scop.) Singer, B. recitulatus Schaeff., C. cibarius Fr., S. grevillei (Klotzsch) Singer, A. campestris L., R. xerampelina (Schaeff.) Fr., L. salmonicolor R. Heim & Leclair, C. gibba (Pers. Ex Fr.) Kumm., X. chrysenteron (Bull.) Quél., M. oreades (Bolton) Fr.; n = 70) by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn). The studied lo
Concentration of Micro- and Macro-Elements in Green and Roasted Coffee: Influence of Roasting Degree and Risk Assessment for the Consumers
Authors: Július Árvay, Marek Šnirc, Martin Hauptvogl, Jana Bilčíková, Alica Bobková, Lenka Demková, Marek Hudáček, Miroslava Hrstková, Tomáš Lošák, Martin Král, Anton Kováčik & Jana Štefániková
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine concentrations of 15 macro- and micro-elements in 10 commercially available plantation Arabica coffee brands. The elemental concentration was studied in 50 samples of green and roasted coffee beans of vari
Type: Article peer review
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine concentrations of 15 macro- and micro-elements in 10 commercially available plantation Arabica coffee brands. The elemental concentration was studied in 50 samples of green and roasted coffee beans of vari
Note on a working idea of crystal-clear innovation & technology space named after Jan Czochralski, as an aid for sustainable development, and its realization
Authors: Adam Gadomski and Jacek Siódmiak
Type of publication: Conference proceeding
Abstract
It has been my experience that access to good single crystals is the most important prerequisite of excellent basic research in condensed matter physics and that much more support and recognition should be given to crystal growers! The single-crystal growth concept may help a great deal to achieve progress in the ideas of sustainable development.
Reference to the article:
Type of publication: Conference proceeding
Abstract
It has been my experience that access to good single crystals is the most important prerequisite of excellent basic research in condensed matter physics and that much more support and recognition should be given to crystal growers! The single-crystal growth concept may help a great deal to achieve progress in the ideas of sustainable development.
Reference to the article:
Editorial overview: How to promote transdisciplinary, evidence-based sustainability solutions?
Author: Rik Leemans
Type of publication: Editorial
Introduction
At the start of this century, research on global environmental change shifted gears from primarily understanding ‘System Earth’ to better managing the planet and its species. Simultaneously, the agreed UN Millennium Development Goals, which ranged from halving extreme poverty, providing universal education and reducing biodiversity loss, all by 2015, provided additional research incentives to define, monitor and
Type of publication: Editorial
Introduction
At the start of this century, research on global environmental change shifted gears from primarily understanding ‘System Earth’ to better managing the planet and its species. Simultaneously, the agreed UN Millennium Development Goals, which ranged from halving extreme poverty, providing universal education and reducing biodiversity loss, all by 2015, provided additional research incentives to define, monitor and
Influence of building shape and orientation on heating demand: simulations for student dormitories in temperate climate conditions
Author: Martyna Mokrzecka
Type of publication: Conference proceeding
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of preliminary design decisions such as building shape and orientation on its heating demand. After analysing plans of forty student dormitories located in heating dominated climate (Dfb and Cfb), eight typical plan layouts were identified and chosen for further analysis. Eight buildings were modelled using these plans and uploaded to dynamic simula
Type of publication: Conference proceeding
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of preliminary design decisions such as building shape and orientation on its heating demand. After analysing plans of forty student dormitories located in heating dominated climate (Dfb and Cfb), eight typical plan layouts were identified and chosen for further analysis. Eight buildings were modelled using these plans and uploaded to dynamic simula
Attached to or bound to a place? The impact of green space availability on residential duration: The environmental justice perspective
Authors: Edyta Łaszkiewicz, Jakub Kronenberg and Szymon Marcińczak
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Socioeconomic inequalities in residential duration may be a reflection of uneven opportunities to develop place attachment thanks to green space availability. This article evaluates the impact of urban green space availability on residential duration, and shows that this impact varies among socioeconomic groups. We used an econometric model to study relationshi
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Socioeconomic inequalities in residential duration may be a reflection of uneven opportunities to develop place attachment thanks to green space availability. This article evaluates the impact of urban green space availability on residential duration, and shows that this impact varies among socioeconomic groups. We used an econometric model to study relationshi
Challenges and realities of political participation and civic engagement in central and eastern Europe
Authors: Joakim Ekman, Sergiu Gherghina and Olena Podolian
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
The way in which citizens get involved in politics, as voters, activists or protesters, remains one of the most studied phenomena in social sciences. The actions and orientations of ordinary citizens generally define the acceptable boundaries of politics and demarcate the space within which political elites can resolve controversies. Research on the various forms of po
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
The way in which citizens get involved in politics, as voters, activists or protesters, remains one of the most studied phenomena in social sciences. The actions and orientations of ordinary citizens generally define the acceptable boundaries of politics and demarcate the space within which political elites can resolve controversies. Research on the various forms of po
Degrowth in business: An oxymoron or a viable business model for sustainability?
Authors: Yaryna Khmara and Jakub Kronenberg
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Based on a review of literature connecting degrowth and business, we attempt to operationalize degrowth in the context of business activity, and consider what degrowth can add to the business models for sustainability discussed so far. In most discussions on degrowth, economic activity has been reduced to relatively marginal activities. We see a need to connect degrowth to more typic
Type of publication: Article peer review
Abstract
Based on a review of literature connecting degrowth and business, we attempt to operationalize degrowth in the context of business activity, and consider what degrowth can add to the business models for sustainability discussed so far. In most discussions on degrowth, economic activity has been reduced to relatively marginal activities. We see a need to connect degrowth to more typic