scholarly journals How Shall We Start? The Importance of General Indices for Circular Cities in Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11168
Author(s):  
Juli Nurdiana ◽  
Maria Laura Franco-Garcia ◽  
Michiel Adriaan Heldeweg
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Systemic Process ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Key Indicators

The role of the circular economy has attracted increased attention amongst practitioners and policymakers in recent years. It has been broadly developed and applied at different levels (micro, meso and macro) in developed countries. However, to date, the possibility of a circular economy in Indonesia has not been widely explored or discussed by city actors. This gap in research represents an opportunity to investigate options that may foster the adoption of circular economy principles and practices. Which aspects of the circular economy should be of primary concern, considering Indonesia’s current situation? In response to this question, this paper offers a systemic process of lessons learnt as developed from the literature, identifying certain key aspects that could benefit Indonesia. This study mapped important factors and key indicators that have been claimed to have beneficial effects in the application of circular economy principles in cities. The authors developed a protocol to systematize the literature review process to illustrate gaps and to provide and recommend indicators for circular cities. These are equally applicable to the local situation in North Kalimantan, which we selected as a showcase medium-sized city. Empirical data was collected by interviewing different stakeholders to enrich the theoretical set of circular economy indicators. This case study offered the opportunity to gain a more realistic understanding of what circular cities might look like in the Indonesian situation. The findings allowed us to explore and describe the current circular economy city-level discussion. They also provide insight and information for decision-makers and city actors on how to collaborate to develop a framework to advance circular city initiatives.

Size does matter – span of control in hospitals

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Holm-Petersen ◽  
Sussanne Østergaard ◽  
Per Bo Noergaard Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Leadership Capacity ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Span Of Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Frontline Leaders ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Centralization, mergers and cost reductions have generally led to increasing levels of span of control (SOC), and thus potentially to lower leadership capacity. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a large SOC impacts hospital staff and their leaders. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a qualitative explorative case study of three large inpatient wards. Findings The study finds that the nursing staff and their frontline leaders experience challenges in regard to visibility and role of the leader, e.g., in creating overview, coordination, setting-up clear goals, following up and being in touch. However, large wards also provide flexibility and development possibilities. Practical implications The authors discuss the implications of these findings for decision makers in deciding future SOC and for future SOC research. Originality/value Only few studies have qualitatively explored the consequences of large SOC in hospitals.

Countries Progress in Solar PV in Support of NDC Implementation and Contribution to Achieving SDG7

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Dereje Azemraw Senshaw ◽  
Alexander Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Developing Nations ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Current Policy ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Solar Photovoltaics ◽  
Taking Action

This case study examines the progress being made by 12 least developed countries (LDCs) in their effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – access to clean and sustainable energy for all. Focusing on solar photovoltaics (PV), the authors look at what can be done to further the spread of renewable energy, and the role various actors have to playing in helping these countries to meet SDG7. Furthermore, with countries on the cusp of submitting their revised contributions under the Paris Agreement, they look at the role solar PV can play in helping LDCs to participate in taking action against climate change. After outlining the current policy landscape, and efforts being made within these countries, they look at the obstacles, opportunities, and the role of solar PV going forward. They also look at the steps that policymakers, both national and international, can take to encourage the rapid uptake of renewable energy in developing nations.

Role of Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Retinopathy and the Beneficial Effects of Flavonoids

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (19) ◽  
pp. 2180-2187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Shamsul Ola ◽  
Dalia Al-Dosari ◽  
Abdullah S. Alhomida
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Retinal Damage ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Diabetic Retina ◽  
Retinal Pathology ◽  
Dietary Flavonoids

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of decreased vision and blindness in developed countries. Diabetes-induced metabolic disorder is believed to increase oxidative stress in the retina. This results in deleterious change through dysregulation of cellular physiology that damages both neuronal and vascular cells. In this review, we first highlight the evidence of potential metabolic sources and pathways which increase oxidative stress that contribute to retinal pathology in diabetes. As oxidative stress is a central factor in the pathophysiology of DR, antioxidants therapy would be beneficial towards preventing the retinal damage. A number of experimental studies by our group and others showed that dietary flavonoids cause reduction in increased oxidative stress and other beneficial effects in diabetic retina. We then discuss the beneficial effects of the six major flavonoid families, such as flavanones, flavanols, flavonols, isoflavones, flavones and anthocyanins, which have been studied to improve retinal damage. Flavanoids, being known antioxidants, may ameliorate the retinal degenerative factors including apoptosis, inflammation and neurodegeneration in diabetes. Therefore, intake of potential dietary flavonoids would limit oxidative stress and thereby prevent the retinal damage, and subsequently the development of DR.

scholarly journals Modelling the Outcomes of International Crises Using Confrontation Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Curry ◽  
Dana Ruggiero ◽  
Phil Sabin ◽  
Michael Young
Keyword(s):  
Significant Contribution ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
International Crises ◽  
Policy Positions ◽  
Political Conflicts ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Potential Development ◽  
Key Aspects

Aim. To explore the professional application of Professor Nigel Howard’s 1998 Confrontation Analysis method of modelling political conflicts. Case Study. The Confrontation Analysis methodology was applied to the design of a political-military (pol-mil) game held at the UK’s Defence Academy in 2011 to examine the future course of the then current Libyan Civil War. Methodology. Confrontation Analysis provides a structured schema to help identify the parties involved in a dispute, highlight the differences in their narratives, find the subsequent dilemmas and attempt to resolve them to move the situation on. This helps provide rigour to analysis, negotiation and decision making as it clearly documents initial policy positions and subsequent changes through the use of cards which summarise each stakeholder’s position at each stage. Value. The methodology, used in conjunction with role-play and multi-player teams, was found to have some utility, not in forecasting detailed outcomes, but in highlighting key aspects of the potential development of the situation. This research concluded that Confrontation Analysis can make a significant contribution to understanding and analyzing international crises as well as assisting in formulating successful national policy. Confrontation Analysis can be also be an invaluable part of a learning process for analysts and key decision makers facing real crises.

scholarly journals The role of location in the functioning of a local currency: La Gonette case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 335-351
Author(s):  
Csaba Lakócai
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Future Development ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Expansion Strategy ◽  
Business Partners ◽  
Local Currency ◽  
Complementary Currencies

The beginning of the 21st century was a proliferation of complementary currencies worldwide. Among them, a number of newly created local currencies were notable. France proved to be especially fertile in this regard from the early 2010s. La Gonette, operating in the metropolitan area of Lyon, is one of the biggest French local complementary currencies in terms of its users, providers (business partners), and money supply. For every scheme, the most important issue, which is also a challenge, is to provide enough spending options to be attractive for users, while also retaining their particular sociocultural identity. Besides a variety of spending options, their location features are also important in regards to future development, so decision-makers of a scheme can diversify the business expansion strategy accordingly in order to better achieve the desired socio-economic goals. Using la Gonette as a case study, the research objective of this paper is to uncover the implications of the providers’ location on the functioning of the scheme. To address this objective, I applied statistical tests for correspondence on the providers’ categorical and locational breakdowns. The results have shown heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of the types of providers in accordance with broader location characteristics, a fact which supports the need for territorial diversification of future development concepts.

scholarly journals 4D visualization to bridge the knowing-doing gap in megaprojects: an Australian case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhijnan Datta ◽  
Johan Ninan ◽  
Shankar Sankaran
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Project Team ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Critical Part ◽  
Safety Program ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Australian Case

The literature on megaprojects are oriented towards ‘knowing’ the problems and ‘knowing’ the solutions, and there is a dearth in literature aimed at explaining strategies adopted in ‘doing’ or implementing that knowledge. Particularly, the literature highlights communication as important as part of the ‘knowing,’ while there is a gap in ‘doing,’ as performance improvements are still not evident. This research aims to explore how this knowing-doing gap in the communication of risk information was addressed by using 4D visualization. This article discusses the vent facility of a megaproject in Australia as a case study to illustrate the innovation. The 4D model developed for the facility helped the project team to visualize the construction of a critical part of the project, discuss the construction methodology, identify the risks in the construction process and persuade the non-technical decision-makers of the project to take appropriate action. The risks identified through the visualization covered safety, program, and interface risks. This study offers insights into the role of visualization in bridging the knowing-doing gap in the construction industry in the context of a megaproject.

Countries Progress in Solar PV in Support of NDC Implementation and Contribution to Achieving SDG7

2021 ◽  
pp. 1817-1840
Author(s):  
Dereje Azemraw Senshaw ◽  
Alexander Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Developing Nations ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Current Policy ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Solar Photovoltaics ◽  
Taking Action

This case study examines the progress being made by 12 least developed countries (LDCs) in their effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) – access to clean and sustainable energy for all. Focusing on solar photovoltaics (PV), the authors look at what can be done to further the spread of renewable energy, and the role various actors have to playing in helping these countries to meet SDG7. Furthermore, with countries on the cusp of submitting their revised contributions under the Paris Agreement, they look at the role solar PV can play in helping LDCs to participate in taking action against climate change. After outlining the current policy landscape, and efforts being made within these countries, they look at the obstacles, opportunities, and the role of solar PV going forward. They also look at the steps that policymakers, both national and international, can take to encourage the rapid uptake of renewable energy in developing nations.

scholarly journals (Smart) Citizens from Data Providers to Decision-Makers? The Case Study of Barcelona

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 3252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Calzada
Keyword(s):  
Smart City ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
The European Union ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
General Data Protection Regulation ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
General Data ◽  
Digital Plan

Against the backdrop of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) taking effect in the European Union (EU), a debate emerged about the role of citizens and their relationship with data. European city authorities claim that (smart) citizens are as important to a successful smart city program as data and technology are, and that those citizens must be convinced of the benefits and security of such initiatives. This paper examines how the city of Barcelona is marking a transition from the conventional, hegemonic smart city approach to a new paradigm—the experimental city. Through (i) a literature review, (ii) carrying out twenty in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, and (iii) actively participating in three symposiums in Barcelona from September 2017 to March 2018, this paper elucidates how (smart) citizens are increasingly considered decision-makers rather than data providers. This paper considers (i) the implications of the technopolitics of data ownership and, as a result, (ii) the ongoing implementation of the Digital Plan 2017–2020, its three experimental strategies, and the related seven strategic initiatives. This paper concludes that, from the policy perspective, smartness may not be appealing in Barcelona, although the experimental approach has yet to be entirely established as a paradigm.

scholarly journals Perspective of Teaching in University Professors: Case Study in A Chilean University

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Francisca Muñoz-Oyarce ◽  
Eugenio Merellano-Navarro ◽  
Marta Rios Chandia ◽  
Manuel Monzalve Macaya
Keyword(s):  
Personal Relationships ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
University Professors ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Adequate Theory ◽  
Interpretive Paradigm

The present study aims to critically analyse university teaching from the perspective of the actors themselves, since the exercise of teaching allows the teacher to look at their pedagogical practice, interpret it, and recreate it, also turning it into a source of learning from a perspective of change and innovation. In methodological terms, the study is based on the interpretive paradigm which is intended to understand how teachers mean the teaching process, therefore, the methodology option is qualitative through the case study. The data have been obtained through focus groups, with the participation of 16 university professors, a question that allowed the emergence of the discourse of the investigated subjects referring to their experience in the exercise of university teaching. The results point to the importance of didactics in the learning process, the establishment of good personal relationships with their students, the deep mastery of the content of the discipline taught by the teacher, the adequate theory-practice relationship, and the primary concern for the learning in their classrooms, as factors that stand out in those teachers who transcend in the lives of their students. They also open up the opportunity for a series of questions, many of them about the role of university teachers in their capacity as trainers of trainers.

Eating money

2000 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Parker Pearson
Keyword(s):  
Social Changes ◽  
Subsistence Economies ◽  
Depositional Processes ◽  
Animal Bones ◽  
The Social ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Minimum Numbers ◽  
Exchange Patterns

AbstractThis paper develops a case study of animal exploitation in Androy, in southern Madagascar, to demonstrate the exchange and depositional processes by which animal bones can eventually end up in the ground. It examines the central role of cattle as symbol, currency and foodstuff in Tandroy life and explores some of the contexts and complexities of livestock exchange and slaughter. The results of this case study are used to suggest that standard archaeological calculations of minimum numbers (MNI) from individual sites may not always provide reliable information about livestock numbers in subsistence economies, and that the nutritional value of certain species might be the least important of their attributes. The complex exchange patterns of animals at Tandroy funerals, and the ways that their gifting and sacrifice define and reinforce social roles, identity and position, are key aspects of the social changes by which the powerful can become poor and the enslaved wealthy.

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