Trayless dining is a new form of sustainability that has been said to be socially, environmentally, and economically beneficial. Some individuals further claim it has health benefits and encourages students to consume less food. The main objective of our study was to examine the relationship between a trayless dining system and weight maintenance of freshmen college students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). A survey instrument was developed for this study and consisted of four sections: section 1) eating habits; section 2) external and internal eating cues; section 3) physical activity; section 4) demographics. Data collection included a convenience sample of students who utilized Trueblood and Lentz campus dining hall facilities at SIUC twice during the 2008-2009 academic year. A total of 621 surveys were collected in the fall semester of 2008 from students eating at the SIUC Dining Halls. Freshmen responses were exclusively examined due to the research interest, therefore, 355 freshmen surveys were used. A second survey was distributed in the spring semester of 2009. Of the 355 freshmen who filled out the initial survey, 34 freshmen completed the follow-up survey. Participants were predominantly Caucasian or Black, eighteen years of age, and lived on campus. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the independent effect of trayless dining on weight change. Our study did not find a significant predictor at the p <.05 level between those who reported consuming more or less food in a trayless dining setting and weight change. Therefore, weight change was not significantly affected by trayless dining. An overall mean weight change of 2.79 pounds was observed in this study, showing similar results to other freshmen weight change studies conducted previously (Mihalopoulos et al., 2008; Hoffman et al., 2006; Kasparek, et al., 2008; Levitsky, et al., 2005). Since trayless dining is a new concept, there is little information available and no previous research to link it to weight change. Trayless dining may be one factor of many to consider when addressing college freshmen weight gain. Other factors such as physical activity, stress, health-related behaviors, and snacking habits should also be addressed for a more comprehensive assessment. Continued efforts to guide students into healthy lifestyles should be a focus for health professionals.

Sustainability is an emerging field, a knowledge frontier. However, the conceptualisation of what sustainability is, and what it means in theory and practice remains unsettled. Scant attention has been paid to how future managers make sense of sustainability, representing a significant gap in the literature. The overarching aim of this thesis is to explore how the polysemous phenomenon of sustainability is conceptualised by the next generation of managers. It explores how they made sense of sustainability; the drivers behind their sensemaking; whether there is a skew within their conceptualisations in favour of environmental explanations; and, whether the pilot of the UN Sustainability Literacy Test impacted on how they perceive sustainability. Drawing on 485 surveys, 7 semi-structured interviews and 3 focus groups, this was achieved through the theoretical lens of sensemaking, employing an inductive case study approach with elements of survey analysis, obtained from students at Plymouth Business School. The interpreted findings show that participants made sense of sustainability in various ways, mostly espousing a long-term/intergenerational view, with explanations principally couched in single-dimensional environmental terms, thereby demonstrating the sustainability skew. Education appears to be the main driver behind their sensemaking, although the media and conformity/socialisation also had an important part to play. The sustainability literacy test seems to have broadened perspectives and increased understanding of sustainability and for the vast majority of participants, the interest-levels following the test remained the same or increased. This study joins the ongoing conversation by providing an original contribution, both theoretically and empirically, to the contentious, complex and multifaceted notion that is sustainability, both in the wider sense and more particularly from the perspective of future managers. This is important because how future managers make sense of sustainability will ultimately structure its reality.

The achievement of a sustainable future for Scotland's coastal communities is subject to, and dependent upon, a complex policy landscape of stakeholders and policy documents within which resource and information is transferred where relationships and dependencies, are linked to the power and influence of policy actors and documents. Understanding the dynamics of the policy network is critical for effective stakeholder engagement. This study investigated four policy themes and explored their impact and relevance on government and civil society efforts for Scottish coastal community sustainability. This was informed by a review of the marine and coastal estate, policy and planning in addition to sustainable economics, behaviour, innovation and governance. The four policy themes of low carbon economy, marine renewable energy, zero waste and sustainability were subject to a literature reviews and to policy network analysis using a new method developed here called Rapid Policy Network Analysis. This method provides a broadly applicable, relatively simple, replicable mechanism, with cost to its application for non-policy specialists to understand those issues which are most pertinent to their objectives. The research considered established theories and models for achieving sustainable equilibrium in complex systems including common pool resources and recent initiatives in developing sustainable communities. A working hypothesis for a future policy framework supporting sustainable development in the Scottish coastal region was proposed and tested using the results of the policy network analysis and literature review based on specific questions. Across all policy themes the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, the Electricity Act 1989, the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Second National Planning Framework (NPF2), the UK and Scottish Governments and Scottish Local Authorities were amongst the most important and influential. The study shows that there continues to be a gap between the national development of sustainability policy and the authority required at the coastal scale.

abstract: The complexity and interconnectedness of sustainability issues has led to the joining of disciplines. This effort has been primarily within the sciences with minimal attention given to the relationship between science and art. The exclusion of art is problematic since sustainability challenges are not only scientific and technical; they are also cultural, so the arts, as shapers of culture, are critical components that warrant representation. In addition to contributing to the production of culture, arts have also been credited as catalysts for scientific breakthroughs; thus it stands to reason that understanding art-science integration will benefit sustainability’s focus on use-inspired basic research. I focus on placing art and science on equal footing to enhance understanding of how individual artists-scientists and collaborative artist-scientist teams creatively address sustainability challenges. In other words, I address the question “What does it take to develop high functioning artists-scientists or artist-scientist collaborations?” To answer this question, I used a multipronged approach to triangulate a richer understanding of what art-science synthesis offers sustainability and how it functions. First, I performed an historical analysis of a maladapted wilderness aesthetic and turned to the work Aldo Leopold – an exemplar of an artist-scientist – for a new sustainability aesthetic. Then, I engaged in an individual contemporary art practice, culminating in a gallery exhibit, which displayed ecologically-informed work from a three year study of my backyard. Finally, I conducted small group research of artist-scientist teams tasked with developing interpretive signage for the Tres Rios wetland site. For this final element, I collected survey, wearable sensor, and ethnographic data. Through this composite research, I found that successful art-science practices require significant energy and time investment. Although art-science is most intensive in an individual practice where the person must become “fluent” in two disciplines, it is still challenging in a group setting where members must become “conversational” in each other’s work. However, successful art-science syntheses appear to result in improved communication skills, better problem articulation, more creative problem solving, and the questioning of personal and disciplinary mental models. Thus, the outcomes of such syntheses warrant the effort required at both the individual and collaborative level. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Sustainability 2015

abstract: Recognition of algae as a “Fit for Purpose” biomass and its potential as an energy and bio-product resource remains relatively obscure. This is due to the absence of tailored and unified production information necessary to overcome several barriers for commercial viability and environmental sustainability. The purpose of this research was to provide experimentally verifiable estimates for direct energy and water demand for the algal cultivation stage which yields algal biomass for biofuels and other bio-products. Algal biomass productivity was evaluated using different cultivation methods in conjunction with assessment for potential reduction in energy and water consumption for production of fuel and feed. Direct water and energy demands are the major focal sustainability metrics in hot and arid climates and are influenced by environmental and operational variables connected with selected algal cultivation technologies. Evaporation is a key component of direct water demand for algal cultivation and directly related to variations in temperature and relative humidity. Temperature control strategies relative to design and operational variables were necessary to mitigate overheating of the outdoor algae culture in panel photobioreactors and sub-optimal cultivation temperature in open pond raceways. Mixing in cultivation systems was a major component in direct energy demand that was provided by aeration in panel bioreactors and paddlewheels in open pond raceways. Management of aeration time to meet required biological interactions provides opportunities for reduced direct energy demand in panel photobioreactors. However, the potential for reduction in direct energy demand in raceway ponds is limited to hydraulics and head loss. Algal cultivation systems were reviewed for potential integration into dairy facilities in order to determine direct energy demand and nutrient requirements for algal biomass production for animal feed. The direct energy assessment was also evaluated for key components of related energy and design parameters for conventional raceway ponds and a gravity fed system. The results of this research provide a platform for selecting appropriate production scenarios with respect to resource use and to ensure a cost effective product with the least environmental burden. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Design 2015

abstract: For decades, load shifting control, one of the most effective peak demand management methods, has attracted attention from both researchers and engineers. Various load shifting controls have been developed and introduced in mainly commercial buildings. Utility companies typically penalize consumers with “demand rates”. This along with increased population and increased customer energy demand will only increase the need for load shifting. There have been many white papers, thesis papers and case studies written on the different types of Thermal Energy Storage and their uses. Previous papers have been written by Engineers, Manufacturers and Researchers. This thesis paper is unique because it will be presented from the application and applied perspective of the Facilities Manager. There is a need in the field of Facilities Management for relevant applications. This paper will present and discuss the methodology, process applications and challenges of load shifting using (TES) Thermal Energy Storage, mainly ice storage. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Construction 2016

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are an eco-sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates. The equivalent mortar volume method has been developed to design RCA concrete with comparable mechanical and strength properties to natural aggregate concrete by accounting for the adhered mortar that distinguishes RCA from natural aggregates. This method also presents an opportunity to reduce the cement content of RCA concrete, increasing its cement efficiency. Modifications to mix design procedures were introduced to improve the fresh state properties of RCA concrete with a 19% cement reduction compared to the control mix. Beams cast with the RCA concrete had similar flexural capacity to corresponding control beams, however the shear strength varied as a function of RCA content in the concrete. Polished core samples taken from RCA members showed that crack development and aggregate interlock in RCA members is influenced by the aggregate properties and the spacing of coarse aggregates, indicating that knowing the compressive strength of RCA concrete is not the only parameter required for member design.

<p> In recent years a surge in research focused on the influences of water on humans. However, few have studied the effects of water on our relationship with nature, particularly to explore enduring impressions from a longitudinal perspective. Addressing these gaps, this qualitative exploratory research enlisted a case study methodology that employed multiple methods to investigate how a multi-day wilderness trip on the Tatshenshini River might affect participants&rsquo; connection to nature and position toward a sustainable lifestyle. The 12 participants were administered the Kellert Shorb Biophilic Indicator (KSBVI) questionnaire prior to the trip and reflected in journals during the experience. Six months after the trip ended a survey was administered. After 16 months, in-depth interviews were conducted. The results suggest that immersion into <i> river time</i>, an experience conceptualization that connected participants to nature&rsquo;s rhythm, generally equated with a <i>flow</i> state and a condition of <i>blue mind</i>, positively influenced their connection to nature. It appears that living water in concert with awe-inspiring encounters in the natural world enhanced and affirmed participants&rsquo; position toward a sustainable lifestyle. Furthermore, this multi-day wilderness experience seemed to inform their orientation toward sustainability. The findings suggest that further research into the lasting effects of river time and awe within these types of contexts is warranted.</p><p>

Orientador: Wagner Cotroni Valenti / Banca: Fabiana Garcia Scaloppi / Banca: Hélcio Luis de Almeida Marques / Banca: Júlio Vicente Lombardi / Banca: Iracy Lea Pécora / Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o uso da água e aeradores na fase de crescimento final (engorda) do camarão-da-amazônia Macrobrachium amazonicum, em sistema semi-intensivo, sob as perspectivas limnológica, zootécnica e da sustentabilidade. Foi realizado um experimento em 12 viveiros de fundo natural (0,01ha), estocados com 40 juvenis.m-2, no qual testou-se os seguintes tratamentos: sem aeração + sem renovação de água (SS), aeração diurna + sem renovação de água (AD), aeração noturna + sem renovação de água (AN) e fluxo contínuo de água (FC). Observou-se que a aeração e o fluxo contínuo de água foram eficientes para quebrar a estratificação térmica e do oxigênio nos viveiros e nenhum tratamento influiu no acúmulo de subprodutos na coluna d'água ou no sedimento. No entanto, isso não afetou a sobrevivência, ganho de peso e produtividade dos camarões. Portanto, embora sob a perspectiva limnológica a renovação da água e a aplicação de aeração criem condições mais favoráveis, sob o ponto de vista zootécnico não há diferenças entre os tratamentos. Para o estudo da sustentabilidade, realizou-se uma simulação de cultivo comercial da espécie, embasada nos resultados do experimento realizado e na literatura disponível. A seguir, aplicou-se uma análise emergética. As transformidades encontradas variaram de 5,19E+02 a 1,51E+03 sej.J-1, aumentando com uso da aeração e renovação da água. O valor de renovabilidade foi 90,5% em FC e ~70% nos demais. Os valores de razão de carga ambiental (ELR) foram 0,1 em FC e 0,4 nos demais, indicando baixo impacto ambiental causado pela atividade em todos os tratamentos. O cultivo SS apresentou a menor pegada ecológica (adaptada pela análise emergética). Nenhum sistema mostrou rentabilidade sob a visão econômica biofísica. O cultivo de... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The aim of this work was to study the use of water and aerators in the grow-out phase of the amazon river prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum in a semi-intensive system, under the limnological, zootechnical and sustainable perspectives. An experiment was conducted using 12 earthen ponds (0.01 ha) stocked 40 juveniles.m-2, in which the following treatments were tested: no aeration + no water exchange (NN), diurnal aeration + no water exchange (DA), nocturnal aeration + no water exchange (NA) and continuous water flow (CF). It was observed that aeration and continuos water flow were efficient to break thermal and oxygen stratification and none of the treatments influenced by-products accumulation in water column or sediments. However, it did not affect survival, weight gain and productivity of prawns. Thus, although under the limnological perspective water exchange and the use of aerators create more favourable conditions, on the zootechnical view there is no difference among treatments. To evaluate sustainability, a simulation of a M. amazonicum commercial farming was performed, based on the results found in the experiment and the available literature. Then, an emergy analysis was applied. Transformities found varied from 5,19E+02 to 1,51E+03 sej.J-1, being higher when using aerators and water exchange. Renewability value was 90,5% in CF and ~70% in other treatments. The values of the Environmental Loading Ratio were 0.1 in CF and 0.4 in the other treatments, indicating low environmental impact caused by the activity in all treatments. Farming praws with NN presented the lowest ecological footprint (adapted from the emergy analysis). None of the systems showed profitability under the biophysical economic approach. The M. amazonicum grow-out presented itself more sustainable than... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Fundação Araucária / De origem latina “sustentare” significa suster, sustentar, suportar, conservar em bom estado, manter e resistir, logo, a expressão sustentável quer dizer capacidade de ser mantido ou suportado. A sustentabilidade encontra-se fundamentada no Triple Botton Line, denominado também de pilares ou dimensões. Nesse contexto, suas diversas áreas, vem ganhando elevada importância, devido a problemas ambientais, econômicos e socais, tornando-se uma ferramenta de diferencial entre as organizações, através da qual podem desenvolver estratégias e ações mais competitivas e sustentáveis. As organizações tem inserido informações importantes em suas tomadas de decisões por meio de indicadores de sustentabilidade. Uma das ferramentas mundialmente utilizada, sendo considera uma das mais completas em termos de indicadores é a GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), que apresenta em suas diretrizes, indicadores essenciais, adicionais e setoriais que auxiliam as organizações na geração de relatórios de sustentabilidade, com o intuito de se posicionarem diferentemente perante seus stakeholders. Logo, esse trabalho teve com objetivo avaliar a viabilidade das diretrizes da GRI-G3 para a geração de relatório de sustentabilidade em MPMDs indústrias de vestuário no APL Maringá/Cianorte - PR. Sendo assim, no referencial teórico foram abordados conceitos relacionados à sustentabilidade, relatório de sustentabilidade e APL (Arranjo Produtivo Local). O método utilizado na pesquisa foi o dedutivo, sendo a abordagem metodológica como aplicada, qualitativa, exploratória descritiva e de levantamento. Para a coleta de dados utilizou -se dois questionários, sendo o primeiro para identificar o nível de importância dos indicadores e a situação de cada indicador nas empresas pesquisadas e o segundo para identificar a materialidade dos indicadores, ou seja, quais indicadores são relevantes para compor o relatório de sustentabilidade de acordo com a percepção dos gestores. Os dados foram tabulados e tratados através de planilha eletrônica, calculando-se a média ponderada. Os resultados demonstraram diferenças entre o que os gestores percebem como importante e o que eles apontam como sendo relevante constar no relatório, bem como a situação de cada indicador, verificando-se a ausência principalmente, de um maior número de indicadores ambientais. No entanto, conforme as diretrizes da GRI-G3, para uma organização relatora iniciante é necessário identificar materialidade respondendo a um mínimo de 10 indicadores, incluindo pelo menos um de cada uma das seguintes áreas de desempenho: ambiental, social e econômico. Desse modo, pode-se concluir que, as diretrizes da GRI-G3 mostraram-se viabilizadoras de relatório de sustentabilidade em MPMDs indústrias de vestuário no APL de Maringá/Cianorte - PR, no qual foram atendidas as exigências do nível de aplicação C, para organizações iniciantes. / Latino "Sustentare" means to sustain, maintain, support, maintain in good repair, maintain and resist, hence the term sustainable means capable of being maintained or supported. Sustainability is based on the Triple Bottom Line, also called the pillars or dimensions. In this context, the various areas, has gained high importance due to environmental, economic and social rights, becoming a tool to differentiate between the organizations through which they can develop strategies and actions in order to be more competitive and sustainable. The organizations have entered information important in their decision making by means of sustainability indicators. One of the tools used worldwide and is considered one of the most complete in terms of indicators is the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), which presents in its guidelines, key indicators, and additional sectoral organizations that assist in reporting sustainability, in order to position themselves differently towards their stakeholders. Therefore, this study was to evaluate the viability of the GRI-G3 guidelines for sustainability report generation in MPMDs apparel industries in Maringá APL / Cianorte - PR. Thus, the theoretical concepts discussed were related to sustainability, sustainability reporting and APL (Local Productive Arrangement). The method used in the research was deductive, being applied as a methodological approach, qualitative, exploratory and descriptive survey. To collect data was used two questionnaires, the first being to identify the level of importance of indicators and the status of each indicator and the second in the companies surveyed to identify the materiality of the indicators, i.e. indicators which are relevant to render the report sustainability according to the perception of managers. Data were tabulated and processed through a spreadsheet, calculating the weighted average. The results showed differences between what managers perceive as important and what they indicate as being relevant in the report included, as well as the status of each indicator, verifying the absence especially of a greater number of envir onmental indicators. However, according to the guidelines of the GRI-G3 reporting organization to a beginner is necessary to identify materiality responding to a minimum of 10 indicators, including at least one of each of the following performance areas: environmental, social and economic. Thus, was can conclude that the guidelines of the GRI-G3 proved to be enablers of sustainability report in MPMDs apparel industries in APL Maringá / Cianorte - PR, which have been met the requirements of the application level C for organizations beginners.