Hybrid Cements. Mechanical Properties, Microstructure and Radiological Behavior

The use of more eco-efficient cements in concretes is one of the keys to ensuring construction industry sustainability. Such eco-efficient binders often contain large but variable proportions of industrial waste or by-products in their composition, many of which may be naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). This study explored the application of a new gamma spectrometric method for measuring radionuclide activity in hybrid alkali-activated cements from solid 5 cm cubic specimens rather than powder samples. The research involved assessing the effect of significant variables such as the nature of the alkaline activator, reaction time and curing conditions to relate the microstructures identified to the radiological behavior observed. The findings showed that varying the inputs generated pastes with similar reaction products (C-S-H, C-A-S-H and (N,C)-A-S-H) but different microstructures. The new gamma spectrometric method for measuring radioactivity in solid 5 cm cubic specimens in alkaline pastes was found to be valid. The variables involved in hybrid cement activation were shown to have no impact on specimen radioactive content. The powder samples, however, emanated 222Rn (a descendent of 226Ra), possibly due to the deformation taking place in fly ash structure during alkaline activation. Further research would be required to explain that finding.

Development Strategy of Palu Bay Marine of Sustainable Tourism with the A'WOT Hybrid Method

Sustainable development has become one of the strategic issues in the tourism industry. Sustainability is an action that combines environmental, sociocultural, and economic concepts. The tourism industry has had good benefits on economic and social growth. Still, if it is not adequately planned and managed, it can have harmful consequences on the environment. This research aims to present a sustainable development strategy for Palu Bay Marine Tourism following a natural disaster. The A'WOT hybrid method (AHP-SWOT) was used to achieve the research objectives. The A'WOT method is a combination of a SWOT analysis and the AHP method. This research was done on Palu Bay tourism, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This research resulted in a sustainable development strategy for Palu Bay tourism related to the diversity of products and improvement of event management, an improved image of Palu Bay tourism, improvement in the visitor management system to minimize environmental impacts, and efficient and effective promotion and branding. Received: 14 October 2021 / Accepted: 29 November 2021 / Published: 3 January 2022

Smallholders perception on the roles of extension agent - coconut industry sustainability in Tanjong Karang, Selangor, Malaysia

This study was conducted to analyse the smallholder’s perception of the roles of extension agents - coconut industry sustainability. To ensure the extension agent program is successful, the agent should recognize their roles as the change agent in the coconut industry which is, they act as a catalyst, process helpers, resource linkers, and solution giver. This study was conducted in sub-districts of Kuala Selangor at Tanjong Karang. The sample of fifty-six respondents was selected from the 65 population through the random sampling method. By using a survey method, the questionnaires were distributed to measure the roles of the extension agent as a change agent based on the smallholder’s perception. Based on correlation coefficient analysis, it was shown that all data was significant between catalyst, process helper, resource linker, and solution giver by using 0.10 (p-value). The highest correlation coefficient in this analysis is solution giver that shows the correlation value 0.660 and can best be described as a positive strong relationship. The result for multiple linear regression showed that process helper was the dominant factor for this study which showed the beta, p-value is 0.264 by using 0.10 (pvalue). Hence, it can be analysed that the level of the extension agent roles in the coconut industry is at a medium level because they are not fully utilizing their roles as a change agent. As for the recommendation, extension agents in the coconut industry should be more aggressive by looking at the various aspects such as communication, decision making, knowledge, skills, and others to make the coconut industry sustainable for the future.

Support for environmental, social and economic tourism industry development in Cyprus

PurposeThis paper aims to study and analyse thematic literature on sustainability and its challenges in destinations that highly depend on tourism. The aim of the paper is to focus on the opportunities and challenges for the sustainability of the tourist industry in Cyprus. The criteria for tourism sustainability are identified in UNESCO publications and are categorized as environmental, social and economic/financial. The paper examines the theory as well as the empirical applications regarding these criteria for the island of Cyprus, emphasizing the steps which have been taken by the government as well as other organizations towards maintaining industry sustainability. Opportunities that arise as a result of European Commission-funded programmes are also mentioned. Identification of the challenges is also very significant as they hinder sustainability practices. The paper tackles this issue and provides proposals as to the possible solutions to these challenges.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a review of scientific and theoretical research studies by various authors on the concept and principles of sustainable tourism, the effects of tourism on society and the sustainable tourism strategy.FindingsThe basic principles of sustainable tourism development apply to all destinations, including Cyprus. The development of tourism is associated only with the observance of the principles of sustainable tourism development, which takes the form of balanced environmental and economic development and involves the observance of public interests.Originality/valueThe paper presents a viewpoint on sustainable tourism and the principles and development thereof.

Knowledge Management in the Esports Industry: Sustainability, Continuity, and Achievement of Competitive Results

The increasing popularity and exponential growth of esports as a worldwide phenomenon has created a whole new industry with important implications for the different key players in the value chain. The digitalization process, which accelerated after the global spread of COVID-19, has introduced a collection of exciting changes to content production and delivery, with the Internet as its fundamental pillar. Knowledge management in successful esports organizations can be associated with their sustainability, continuity, and achievement of long-lasting competitive results in this industry. From a descriptive standpoint, this paper aims to analyze the determinants that have advanced the esports industry, especially in Spain. To achieve this goal, a SWOT analysis is carried out to highlight the keys that have developed this industry. This research contributes to studying the economic impact and the strategies organizations should follow to guarantee their future. Recommendations for both the industry and public administrations are further discussed.

Eco-friendly Alkyd Resins Based on Vegetable Oil: Review

The alkyd resin industry currently needs environmentally friendly raw materials, which emphasized the aspect of sustainability. Alkyd resin is a polymer product with oil as raw material which is widely used in the paint, coating, and other industries. The abundant demand for alkyd resin has led to a diversification of the raw material for alkyd resin from vegetable oils. The advantages of vegetable oil include being a renewable energy source for industry, sustainability, biodegradability, and being environmentally friendly as important considerations for the industry in recent times. This paper examines alkyd resins derived from several vegetable oils that are environmentally friendly. Alkyd resin is prepared by alcoholysis and esterification. Based on several studies of alkyd resins, there have been many modifications to the raw materials, technology, and catalysts used which can refer to an environmentally friendly and affordable industry.Keywords: alkyd resin; biodegradability; environmentally friendly; sustainability; vegetable oilA B S T R A KIndustri polimer pada masa ini membutuhkan bahan baku yang ramah lingkungan, yang menekankan pada keberlanjutan. Alkid resin adalah salah satu produk berbasis minyak yang banyak digunakan dalam industri cat, coating, dan industri lainnya. Keberlanjutan, biodegradabilitas, dan keramahan terhadap lingkungan menjadi pertimbangan signifikan bagi industri berbasis minyak nabati dalam beberapa waktu terakhir. Di dalam naskah ini, diulas beberapa minyak nabati yang digunakan untuk memproduksi alkid resin dengan cara alkoholisis dan esterifikasi. Berdasarkan berbagai studi yang telah dilakukan, masih terdapat modifikasi dari sisi material, teknologi dan katalis agar tercipta industri yang ramah lingkungan.Kata kunci: alkid resin; biodegradabilitas; keberlanjutan; minyak nabati; ramah lingkungan

Creative Exploration Of The Consumption And Disposal Habits Of Fashion Retail Employees

This research project was conducted to assess the potential influence of fashion retail workers on industry sustainability by critiquing the standard practices of brand consumption as required by retail employers. A mixed-methodological approach, with an emphasis on creative exploration, was undertaken to examine employee experience and propose alternatives to unsustainable practices. Creative experimentation was supported by an anonymous online survey and photo submissions by individuals working in the fashion retail sector. Bourdieu’s Field Theory was applied to establish a lens from which to view retail employees as actors in the field of the fashion industry that functions as a group according to a unique habitus with specific dispositions. Use of Aesthetic Labour practices by fashion brands encourage the development of this habitus and manipulation of employees for the sole benefit of the company. The modes of interaction as both marketer and consumer are acquired and learned within the job and build upon the employee’s existing experience. It is therefore argued that these learned behaviours could be altered in a direction more beneficial to the employees themselves, as well as for improving the industry as a whole. The main finding of this research study was the need for awareness regarding the current economically and environmentally unsustainable expectations for fashion retail employees. Further participant-informed research would be beneficial and assist in broadening awareness. This information brought directly to the employees themselves has the potential to instigate significant change to an industry facing new challenges in both the retail and environmental sector

Creative Exploration Of The Consumption And Disposal Habits Of Fashion Retail Employees

This research project was conducted to assess the potential influence of fashion retail workers on industry sustainability by critiquing the standard practices of brand consumption as required by retail employers. A mixed-methodological approach, with an emphasis on creative exploration, was undertaken to examine employee experience and propose alternatives to unsustainable practices. Creative experimentation was supported by an anonymous online survey and photo submissions by individuals working in the fashion retail sector. Bourdieu’s Field Theory was applied to establish a lens from which to view retail employees as actors in the field of the fashion industry that functions as a group according to a unique habitus with specific dispositions. Use of Aesthetic Labour practices by fashion brands encourage the development of this habitus and manipulation of employees for the sole benefit of the company. The modes of interaction as both marketer and consumer are acquired and learned within the job and build upon the employee’s existing experience. It is therefore argued that these learned behaviours could be altered in a direction more beneficial to the employees themselves, as well as for improving the industry as a whole. The main finding of this research study was the need for awareness regarding the current economically and environmentally unsustainable expectations for fashion retail employees. Further participant-informed research would be beneficial and assist in broadening awareness. This information brought directly to the employees themselves has the potential to instigate significant change to an industry facing new challenges in both the retail and environmental sector