Symbiotic linkage of sustainability, development and differentiation

Author(s):  
Salil K. Sen

Purpose – There is a global convergence on issues pertaining to sustainability, such as water sharing, energy security and waste management. Symbiosis focus the need to secure an enduring relationship satisfying the quality of life need for novelty aspirations of the customers and stakeholders. This is addressed as sustainable differentiation. This study aims: to understand the need to develop the symbiosis of sustainable development and sustainable differentiation, to analyze the research framework of sustainability symbiosis though the underlying attributes of: need to develop, need to innovate and need to differentiate. Design/methodology/approach – The research design conceptualizes sustainable development as a process or evolution where firms may be symbiotically configured on the attributes of sustainability, development and differentiation. The logit analysis methodology addresses competitiveness coupled with environmentally benign technology to sustain the customers' preference for products and services that satisfy their quality of life needs. The approach is to estimate the symbiotic index of a local, regional or globally scalable habitat. The competitiveness coupled with environmentally benign technology can be sustained when the customers' preference for products and services satisfies their quality of life needs. Findings – The output indicates the significance (0.037 at 95 percent confidence level) of the constant term representing “quality of life need for novelty” justifying symbiotic linkage of sustainability, development and differentiation. There is goodness of fit (α 0.5617, Wald statistic 0.093) to establish the significance of the three variables of GDP (representing intensity of eco-efficient technology), population (standing for intensity of competitiveness) and sustaining empathy (in response to climate change). Their statistical significance indicates the propensity to differentiation given sustainable development would substantively improve the overall construct. Research limitations/implications – There is need for further research with primary data. The assumption that sustainable differentiation may become an indicator variable that may assume binary form needs thorough justification. The key implication is that differentiation creates grassroots distinctiveness to development that transforms sustainability into opportunity. This cost to benefit gap is bridged through the symbiotic chain of sustainability, development and differentiation. Originality/value – This sustainable differentiation metric harnesses a dormant, yet fundamental key to the success of sustainable development, the emotive linkage. This explanatory variable adds robustness to sustainable development models by way of etching a long-term memory trace for the sustainability practices of the organization as well as innovation efforts to differentiate long term providing an essence of competitiveness.

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1907-1926
Author(s):  
Riadh Djafri ◽  
Mariana Mohamed Osman ◽  
Noor Suzilawati Rabe ◽  
Syafiee Shuid

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify, confirm and validate a model appropriate to capture the interrelationships between different variables to develop and improve social housing quality, adequacy, provision and residents’ quality of life (RQOL). Design/methodology/approach This research adopted a quantitative approach to examine the research objectives of this study. The proposed conceptual framework was tested using primary data collected from a survey of 418 residents of the new urban center of Hamla. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and exploratory factor analysis through SPSS. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis was performed using AMOS before validating the measurement model and testing the hypotheses through structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings The results of SEM indicated acceptable high goodness-of-fit indices. The results revealed that three out of six hypotheses were supported. Consequently, residential quality and housing adequacy appeared to have a vital role in the conceptual framework, as it influenced social housing provision and RQOL and was influenced by socio-economic characteristics. Practical implications The present study illustrates the interrelationships between the proposed variables using SEM analysis. In addition, by understanding the direct relationships between the selected variables, the findings would be useful for the concerned authorities to ameliorate and upgrade the social housing quality and adequacy along with surpassing the current shortage, which would enhance and contribute to the amelioration of the RQOL and throughout Algeria. Originality/value This paper aims to establish, examine, validate the relationships and develop a conceptual framework in the context of Algerian social housing that contributes to the assessment and amelioration of social housing.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 195-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Dade Lunsford ◽  
Ajay Niranjan ◽  
John C. Flickinger ◽  
Ann Maitz ◽  
Douglas Kondziolka

Object.Management options for vestibular schwannomas (VSs) have greatly expanded since the introduction of stereotactic radiosurgery. Optimal outcomes reflect long-term tumor control, preservation of cranial nerve function, and retention of quality of life. The authors review their 15-year experience.Methods.Between 1987 and 2002, some 829 patients with VSs underwent gamma knife surgery (GKS). Dose selection, imaging, and dose planning techniques evolved between 1987 and 1992 but thereafter remained stable for 10 years. The average tumor volume was 2.5 cm3. The median margin dose to the tumor was 13 Gy (range 10–20 Gy).No patient sustained significant perioperative morbidity. The average duration of hospital stay was less than 1 day. Unchanged hearing preservation was possible in 50 to 77% of patients (up to 90% in those with intracanalicular tumors). Facial neuropathy risks were reduced to less than 1%. Trigeminal symptoms were detected in less than 3% of patients whose tumors reached the level of the trigeminal nerve. Tumor control rates at 10 years were 97% (no additional treatment needed).Conclusions.Superior imaging, multiple isocenter volumetric conformal dose planning, and optimal precision and dose delivery contributed to the long-term success of GKS, including in those patients in whom initial microsurgery had failed. Gamma knife surgery provides a low risk, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed or residual VS. Cranial nerve preservation and quality of life maintenance are possible in long-term follow up.


2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly E. Lyons ◽  
Rajesh Pahwa

Object. The goals of this study were to evaluate long-term benefits in quality of life in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) after bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and to evaluate the relationship between improvements in motor function and quality of life. Methods. Seventy-one patients who received bilateral STN stimulation implants and participated in follow-up review for at least 12 months were included in the study. Fifty-nine patients participated in a 12-month follow-up review and 43 patients in a follow-up review lasting at least 24 months. Patients' symptoms were assessed preoperatively by using the Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) in the “medication-on” and “medication-off” conditions and quality of life was examined using the 39-item PD Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Patient evaluations were repeated postoperatively during periods of stimulation. The UPDRS activities of daily living (ADL) and motor scores as well as the PDQ-39 total, mobility, ADL, emotional well-being, stigma, and bodily discomfort scores were significantly improved at 12 months compared with baseline scores; the UPDRS ADL and motor scores as well as the PDQ-39 total, mobility, ADL, stigma, and bodily discomfort scores were significantly improved at the longest follow-up examination compared with baseline scores. There was a strong correlation between UPDRS motor and ADL scores and the PDQ-39 total, mobility, and ADL scores. Further analyses indicated that improvements in tremor were only correlated with PDQ-39 ADL subscale scores and rigidity was not correlated with any aspect of quality of life. Nevertheless, bradykinesia was strongly correlated with improvements in the PDQ-39 total, mobility, and ADL scores. Conclusions. Improvements in quality of life following bilateral DBS of the STN are maintained in the long term. These improvements are strongly correlated with improvements in motor function, primarily with regard to bradykinesia.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 887-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suane A. Moschen ◽  
Janaina Macke ◽  
Suélen Bebber ◽  
Marcelo Benetti Correa da Silva

Purpose The aims of this study is to put on the agenda discussions concerning the approach of sustainable goals and indicators, in terms of how they relate to each other and how to list their importance within a network of contemporary city management. From the millennium objectives experience, UN has launched the continuity of the development program, through the sustainable development goals (SDG), which have the purpose of giving support to local and regional governments for the 2030 agenda in local sphere. In the city context, sustainable development has also been approached in regulations, like ISO 37120: 2017 “Sustainable development of communities: Indicators for city services and quality of life”. These instruments have in common the concern of offering parameters of public services to citizens and promoting in a uniform manner both social and economic growth of the urban environment. Design/methodology/approach The present study aims to compare these two sustainable development tools by means of a documentary analysis and to analyze the feasibility of the proposed indicators and their qualitative evaluation goals to improve citizens’ quality of life. Findings The results suggest that the main urban challenges are related to unplanned urban growth and poor-quality public services, which generate a lack of commitment to enforce laws and to achieve sustainable development goals. Originality/value The study establishes bases for guiding the discussion to support managers and investors decisions to promote paradigm changes in the citizens’ life and in the way cities are planned.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heehyul Moon ◽  
Peggye Dilworth-Anderson ◽  
Johannes Gräske

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesize the research literature on the quality of life (QoL) of both caregivers (CGs) and care recipients (CRs) with dementia after admission to long-term care facilities. Design/methodology/approach Four databases – AgeLine, Medline, EBSCO, and PyscINFO – were searched and the relevant literature from 2002 onwards was reviewed. Findings The review of 12 studies (five studies, including only family CGs; six studies including residents; one study including both family CGs and CRs) reveals a discrepancy regarding the effects of institutionalization on the CRs’ and CGs’ QoL. Among seven studies on CRs’ QoL change, some reviewed studies found a significant decline in CRs’ QoL after placement with others showing that CRs’ QoL was improved or stable. While some reports indicated that some family CGs benefited from placement, others showed that CGs merely maintained their QoL. However, family CGs in the reviewed studies were more likely to report improved QoL than were their CRs after institutionalization. Research limitations/implications The authors recommend that future studies should focus on understanding the individual’s adaptation to placement, dyadic changes in QoL (including mediators/moderators). They emphasize the need for a comprehensive longitudinal study with more than one wave and includes diverse groups including racial/ethnic minority CGs and CRs. Originality/value This study reviewed and synthesized the research literature on the QoL of both caregiver and the people with dementia they cared for after those they cared for were admitted to long-term care facilities. The conclusions drawn about influences on QoL provide guidance for identifying best practices and research.


Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Mora ◽  
Mario R. Morales-Morales ◽  
Francisco A. Pujol-López ◽  
Rafael Mollá-Sirvent

Purpose Growing inequality and socioeconomic and environmental degradation concerns forces us to think about how innovative technologies can contribute to reduce this problem. This study aims to analyze the potential of social cryptocurrencies to enhance the community development and cooperation between small businesses of the near environment. The evolution of these technology-based schemes could be key factors for generating innovative social enterprises, improving the quality of life in the community; in this way generate a conceptual model to sustainable development, while being more transparent, efficient and scalable as they are supported by technological applications. Design/methodology/approach Based on an in-depth study of the relevant literature, a conceptual model was designed. The concept of social cryptocurrency is proposed as a new approach to virtual currencies for social purposes and sustainable development. Findings The key findings point out that actors such as innovation and social entrepreneurship will come together in a new generation of social currencies, extending cryptocurrency technology to social business domains. Research limitations/implications The impact of this will result in a better quality of life for society and the achievement of several sustainable development goals. However, a limitation would be that its scope depends on certain characteristics of the local environment. Furthermore, the proposed model will require validation in later phases through social experiments. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper is in structuring a formal model that, based on empirical experiences and the use of the technology that underlies cryptocurrencies, proposes a set of constituent elements and characterizes them to contribute to achievement of sustainable development.


2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (Special_Supplement) ◽  
pp. 195-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Dade Lunsford ◽  
Ajay Niranjan ◽  
John C. Flickinger ◽  
Ann Maitz ◽  
Douglas Kondziolka

Object. Management options for vestibular schwannomas (VSs) have greatly expanded since the introduction of stereotactic radiosurgery. Optimal outcomes reflect long-term tumor control, preservation of cranial nerve function, and retention of quality of life. The authors review their 15-year experience. Methods. Between 1987 and 2002, some 829 patients with VSs underwent gamma knife surgery (GKS). Dose selection, imaging, and dose planning techniques evolved between 1987 and 1992 but thereafter remained stable for 10 years. The average tumor volume was 2.5 cm3. The median margin dose to the tumor was 13 Gy (range 10–20 Gy). No patient sustained significant perioperative morbidity. The average duration of hospital stay was less than 1 day. Unchanged hearing preservation was possible in 50 to 77% of patients (up to 90% in those with intracanalicular tumors). Facial neuropathy risks were reduced to less than 1%. Trigeminal symptoms were detected in less than 3% of patients whose tumors reached the level of the trigeminal nerve. Tumor control rates at 10 years were 97% (no additional treatment needed). Conclusions. Superior imaging, multiple isocenter volumetric conformal dose planning, and optimal precision and dose delivery contributed to the long-term success of GKS, including in those patients in whom initial microsurgery had failed. Gamma knife surgery provides a low risk, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed or residual VS. Cranial nerve preservation and quality of life maintenance are possible in long-term follow up.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raj Shah ◽  
Mathias Woydt ◽  
Nabill Huq ◽  
Andreas Rosenkranz

Purpose This paper aims to present a comprehensive perspective on how tribology and sustainability are related and intertwined and are linked to CO2 emissions. This paper emphasizes on how tribological aspects affect everybody’s life and how tribological research and progress can improve energy efficiency, sustainability and quality of life. Design/methodology/approach Based upon available data and predictions for the next 50 years, the potential of tribological research and development is addressed. Findings The effects of tribological design can significantly increase energy savings and reduce CO2 emissions. Taking advantage of tribological technologies and applying them to current infrastructure would have the largest energy savings coming from the transportation and power generation at 25% and 20%, respectively. Implementing these technologies can also cut down global CO2 emissions by about 1,460 megatons of CO2 per year in the immediate future and 3,140 megatons of CO2 per year in the long term. The extraction and processing of resources inevitably generates CO2. Doubling the lifetime of machine components and the use of circular economy reduces the material footprint with associated reductions in CO2. Originality/value This perspective summarizes concisely the interrelation of tribology and sustainability with CO2. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2020-0356/


2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (8) ◽  
pp. 1276-1290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihye Jeong ◽  
Sunhee Seo

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among satisfaction with food-related life (SWFL), perceived foodservice quality, and quality of life for older adults. Design/methodology/approach – A survey done using face-to-face interviews of older adults residing in long-term care facilities. A total of 238 older adults participated in this study. Findings – The results showed that perceived foodservice quality had a strong association with SWFL; SWFL had a significant positive association with quality of life; perceived foodservice quality positively related to quality of life. Increased SWFL would improve quality of older adults. Research limitations/implications – This study has limitations related to convenience sample. Different sampling could help with generalization of results. Practical implications – Foodservice managers in long-term care facilitates should try to maximize food and service qualities for residents because improving food and service quality improves their quality of life. For example, offering a variety of menus to allow older adults to enjoy food and improve their SWFL. Originality/value – This study emphasized that food was important to older adults and helped determine quality of life for them. SWFL was rarely empirically examined in the previous research.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Bowen ◽  
Sandra Sotomayor

PurposeThis paper aims to indicate the importance of including residents in the rebranding of a destination.Design/methodology/approachThis article is based on a literature review.FindingsThe World Tourism Organization recently adapted the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to show their relevance to tourism. The quality of life of the residents was a common theme of these goals. Through a review of literature, the paper identified the negative and positive effects of tourism on the residents' quality of life. This was done to show how destination management organizations (DMOs) could design and manage their tourism activities to avoid the negative effects on residents and maximize the positive benefits.Originality/valueAs tourist destinations strive to meet sustainability goals, we argue that many will have to be rebranded. The paper shows how through the rebranding process the destination can create brand identity elements that communicate as well as guide their sustainability efforts. Also, just as corporations need to include and have employees that believe and support the company's brand identity elements, DMOs must include residents in the branding process and gain their support of the destination's brand identity elements. As practical implications for DMOs, the paper shows the importance of developing tourism policies that will enhance the life of residents, demonstrating how this can be accomplished through a rebranding process. As research implications, there is a call for researchers to measure the results of destination's rebranding efforts including the satisfaction of residents as a construct. To accomplish this there is also a need to develop a reliable and valid scale of resident satisfaction with tourism polices.


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