The Bioeconomy–Biodiversity Nexus: Enhancing or Undermining Nature’s Contributions to People?

Bioeconomy has become fundamental for a post-fossil-resources society, in line with climate change mitigation ambitions. Although it does not have a single, consensual definition, the bioeconomy encompasses various bio-based value chains and economic activities relying on biodiversity. How these burgeoning developments may affect biodiversity, however, still needs further examination. This article explores the bioeconomy–biodiversity nexus through the lens of nature’s contributions to people (NCPs). Drawing from the bioeconomy literature and Amazonian experiences, we argue that the bioeconomy may: (i) help conserve or restore habitats, (ii) improve knowledge on biodiversity, (iii) valorize livelihoods and increase social participation, and (iv) aid in moving beyond the commodification of nature. However, none of these achievements can be taken for granted. To date, the bioeconomy has focused mainly on extracting goods from nature (e.g., food, energy, or biochemicals), often at the expense of NCPs that require integral ecosystems and are decisive for a sustainable society in the longer run. Moreover, we assert that it is critical to discern the beneficiaries of various contributions, as “people”, in reality, are composed of distinct groups that relate differently to nature and have different preferences regarding trade-offs. The NCPs framework can help broaden synergies in the bioeconomy–biodiversity nexus, but inclusive governance remains critical.

Multicriteria Definition of Small-Scale Biorefineries Based on a Statistical Classification

Biorefineries have many possible designs and therefore, present varied benefits in regards to sustainable development. Evaluating these biorefineries is central for the domain, and, as small-scale biorefineries (SSB) are commonly opposed to the large ones, specifying the concept of scale of a biorefinery is essential as well. However, there is no consensual definition of the “scale”, and the meaning of the term changes with the context. This paper presents a methodology to specify the concept of scale by grouping various biorefineries processing lignocellulosic biomass according to factors related to feedstock, process, economy and mobility of the facility, without any predetermined pattern. Data from 15 operational biorefineries are analyzed using a multivariate analysis combined with a hierarchical clustering. The classification obtained categorizes biorefineries into four design classes: smallest, small, hybrid and large scale. Small-scale biorefineries are characterized by a small investment cost (less than 2 M€), a low processing capacity (less than 100 t/day) and a low process complexity, while the end-products’ added value is variable. The mobility of the plants is a sufficient, but not necessary, criterion to have a small-scale biorefinery. Finally, the designs of the investigated biorefineries can be explained by two main trade-offs: one between the mobility and the processing capacity-investment cost, and the other between the process complexity and the added value.

Definition of Trust as a Catalyst and the Implications Therefrom: A Deduction from a Literature Review

Much has been written about trust and trust-building, but no consensual definition of trust has been developed. In this article, the definition of trust as a catalyst is proposed based on a deduction from an aggregation of peer-reviewed articles from across several disciplines and hermeneutic examination of the contents. The paper suggests that discipline-related points of view and common usage of trust as a noun and or a verb leads to confusion in trying to develop a consensual definition. Given the accepted universality of trust, a consensual definition would help achieve a further understanding of both trust and trust-building. The proposed definition permits recognition of discipline-related definitions and suggests the focus of trust should be directed to establishing the conditions under which trust enables successful exchange interactions (i.e., trust-building). The separation of trust and trust-building has implications for management and other relationships. Suggestions for further research are included.

The policy consequences of defining rewilding

More than 30 years after it was first proposed as a biodiversity conservation strategy, rewilding remains a controversial concept. There is currently little agreement about what the goals of rewilding are, and how these are best achieved, limiting the utility of rewilding in mainstream conservation. Achieving consensus about rewilding requires agreeing about what “wild” means, but many different definitions exist, reflecting the diversity of values in conservation. There are three key debates that must be addressed to find a consensual definition of “wild”: (1) to which extent can people and “wild” nature co-exist?; (2) how much space does “wild” nature need? and (3) what kinds of “wild” nature do we value? Depending on the kinds of “wild” nature rewilding aims to create, rewilding policy will be faced with managing different opportunities and risks for biodiversity and people.

Triangulation

This chapter looks at triangulation, which is classically defined as looking at one research object from different perspectives. However, this large and consensual definition masks different approaches to triangulation and ignores its historical evolution since its emergence in social sciences literature. To gain a better insight into its current definitions, the chapter first proposes a brief historical overview and highlight its different meanings. It then illustrates how triangulation can be used in a research design in order to gain extra knowledge. Finally, the chapter talks about mixed-methods research and its relationship with triangulation. In the context of the tensions opposing qualitative and quantitative research, triangulation is used by mixed-methods research to justify that qualitative and quantitative methods should systematically be articulated.

QUALITY ASSURANCE IN PHARMACEUTICAL OPERATIONS

The specialized literature does not confer a consensual definition of the quality in the pharmaceutical procedures. Nevertheless, most definitions imply the satisfaction of eth customers’ needs. The customers of the pharmaceutical procedures are the patients and also the professional persons from the domain of health that prescribe, issue and administrate medicines. The pharmacist is a professional person who is in direct contact with the patient, being the first professional person to whom the patients address when the affection is a mild one and they need counselling regarding the medication or diagnostic. The more complex the medication of the patient is, the more probable the side effects shall be. The morbidity and mortality may be consequences at the error of medication. The appearance of some medicines increases directly proportional to the errors of prescribing the medication. The quality in using the medication implies the choice of the medicine, the optimization of the compliance of the patient with the treatment, avoiding side effects, assuring the therapeutical objectives. The possibilities of appearing the errors being numerous, it is easy to understand why the assurance and improvement of the quality of the pharmaceutical procedures are important aspects for pharmacists and patients. The present paper has as purpose the qualitative improvement of the pharmaceutical procedures by the help of the pharmacist, thus the pharmacy becoming a supplier of pharmaceutical care of the best quality

Functional Dependency in Mexico: Measurement Issues and Policy Challenges

Background: Different definitions have been used to measure functional dependency (FD) in Mexico. This study aims to explore if different definitions of FD lead to low consistency between the estimations of its prevalence. Accurate estimations of FD are useful to estimate the potential demand for long-term care (LTC) services in the country. Methods: A literature review including documents with estimations on the number or prevalence of dependents in Mexico with national representativeness between 2000 and 2019 was performed as well as estimations of different definitions of FD, using the National Study on Health and Aging in Mexico (ENASEM). Results: There is a lack of consensus on the definition of FD. Among the most frequently used terms to define FD are "disability" and "dependency." The heterogeneity of definitions results in a wide range of estimations of the demand for LTC. Methodological choices can lead to important differences in FD prevalence estimations. Results from ENASEM 2001 show that FD prevalence could range from 13% to 35% in people 60+; sex prevalences also vary when using different ways to measure FD. Conclusion: Besides the highlighted issues in calculating FD in the population, Mexico should consider broadening the assessment of FD, including people with dementia and younger populations. Although the literature search is not systematic, it helps exemplifying the current issues when measuring FD in Mexico. A consensual definition of dependency is required to have a more accurate estimated demand for LTC. Having good data sources is not enough when dissimilar estimations of an indicator like dependency result from the same study. Wide heterogeneity in estimations of dependency could be an obstacle to inform public policies during the construction of a care system in Mexico.

Corporate tax disclosure on a CSR basis: a new reporting framework in the post-BEPS era

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the emerging discourse on corporate taxation from a corporate social responsibility perspective to develop a consensual definition of corporate tax responsibility (CTR) and to identify a set of indicators that firms should publicly communicate to their stakeholders as an accountability mechanism. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews with representatives of stakeholders closely related to taxation: tax authorities, companies, NGOs, tax advisors and academics. Based on a discourse analysis approach, data were coded and analyzed using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software. Findings CTR is defined as the set of tax-related practices and policies that allow companies to pay a fair share of taxes as a function of the generated value in each jurisdiction in which they operate and to then publicly disclose them. Disclosure should cover disaggregated quantitative data and information on practices and policies. Originality/value Despite the wealth of research on sustainability reporting and increasing public awareness of tax aggressiveness and disclosure, academic research has not explored tax-responsible reporting. Moreover, no consensual definition of CTR has been formulated, and no indicators to properly account for responsible taxation have been identified. This paper contributes to filling these gaps by providing rich interview evidence regarding the nature of the emerging discourse on CTR reporting and a set of material indicators for CTR disclosure. This paper encourages researchers to foster the development of social accountability by engaging in future empirical studies of CTR.

The causes of depression among university students and its effects on their academic life in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Introduction: This article discusses the causes of depression among university students and how it affects their academic life. It also looks at how students understand and define the concept of depression since research evidence points to the fact that arriving at a consensual definition for depression can be difficult due to the varying experiences among individuals influencing its definition. Methods: Data was collected through in-depth interviews with undergraduate students in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Faculty of Social Sciences and review of various literatures on depression. Findings: The study revealed that majority of the students viewed depression as a long period of sadness where one feels hopeless and worthless; few viewed depression as a long period of sadness and isolation. Students understood the concept based on their personal experiences. It also indicates that loss of a loved one, financial crisis and unmet expectations in their academic work were the causes of depression among university students. It also confirmed that depression affects students’ academic life in a number of ways which includes inability to study and poor academic achievements. Conclusion: The study concludes by acknowledging that students are able to cope with their depression on their own, yet it recommends that the counseling unit of the university be made easily approachable and strengthened, students encouraged to seek guidance and counseling.