Comparing Carbon Footprint Methodologies for SMEs

Carbon footprints are useful and important tools in the fight against climate change, which are now being used widely by larger companies. These large corporations have recognised not only their use as an environmental tool but also their potential to attract customers and reduce costs. However, this is not yet the case for many smaller companies who still consider environmental assessment to be a burden which is too difficult and costly to undertake. In order to encourage small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to take more responsibility for their environmental impact, a carbon footprint tool needs to be developed specifically for them, which addresses their particular requirements, namely their lack of knowledge of environmental issues and their lack of time and money. There are currently two basic methodological approaches to produce the conversion factors required to convert quantitative values of material used into the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by that material usage. One methodology is called lifecycle analysis (LCA) as it looks at all the steps individually throughout the lifecycle of a product and adds them together to form an overall picture. The other, called environmental input output analysis (EIO), uses economic purchase and sales data combined with sector emissions to derive conversion factors based on the amount of money spent within a different sector. This study compares both of these methodologies to determine which of them is most suitable to use in the development of a tool for SMEs. Two tools were created, one based upon each methodology. The most noticeable difference between these two tools was that whereas the LCA tool asked for information in terms of the quantity of a material used, the EIO tool asked for information about the amount of money spent within a sector

SME application of LCA-based carbon footprints

Following a brief introduction about the need for businesses to respond to climate change, this paper considers the development of the phrase ‘carbon footprint’. Widely used definitions are considered before the authors offer their own interpretation of how the term should be used. The paper focuses on the contribution small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) make to the economy and their level of influence in stimulating change within organisations. The experience of an outreach team from the Engineering Department of a UK university is used which draws on the experience of delivering regional economic growth projects funded principally through the European Regional Development Fund. Case studies are used including the development of bespoke carbon footprints for SMEs from an initiative delivered by the outreach team. Limitations of current carbon footprints are identified based on this higher education-industry knowledge exchange mechanism around three main themes of scope, the assessment method and conversion factors. Evidence and discussions are presented that conclude with the presentation of some solutions based on the work undertaken with SMEs and a discussion on the merits of the two principally used methodologies: life-cycle analysis and economic input–output assessment

Behavioral Factors Influencing Health Outcomes in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

The Pediatric Self-Management Model provides an overview of how behavioral factors influence children’s chronic medical illnesses. This general framework is used to organize the present review of how self-management behaviors, contextual factors, and processes impact health outcomes for adolescent youth with type 1 diabetes. Adherence has been widely studied in the diabetes literature, and there are consistent findings demonstrating associations between aspects of self-management, adherence, and metabolic control, yet there are still equivocal approaches to adherence assessment methodology (e.g. global versus specific measures). Metabolic control is a hallmark health outcome for youth with type 1 diabetes, but additional outcomes need to be further explored. Future research should utilize the Pediatric Self-Management Model’s operational definitions to guide empirically-supported interventions for youth with type 1 diabetes

Interfaith Communities: Relationships in Thirdspace

Contending with, and expanding the understanding of, diverse interfaith relationships, this project presents a nuanced awareness of interfaith action and the dialectic of lived religion with interfaith engagement. Arguing that interfaith is a type of thirdspace in which engagements have affective impacts on individuals within interfaith communities, as well as orientation towards religious communities. While there are common struggles, interpretations, and socializations that hinder the participation of women and non-binary individuals in institutional interfaith spaces, observing organic interfaith relationships as occurring in thirdspace allows for the recognition of radical inclusion and dedication to diversity

Characterization of exotic pathogens associated with the suminoe oyster, Crassostrea ariakensis

The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, once an integral part of the ecology and economy of Chesapeake Bay, has been severely depleted. Factors leading to the decline of the eastern oyster include over-harvesting, environmental degradation and disease pressure caused by the protozoans Haplosporidium nelsoni and Perkinsus marinus, known commonly as MSX and Dermo, respectively. Studies regarding the feasibility of introducing a nonnative oyster to the Bay were initiated, and field-based research on an Asian oyster, Crassostrea ariakensis, suggested that it might be a viable species for introduction. Research surrounding the proposed introduction has focused on recommendations such as those from the International Council for Exploration of the Seas, suggesting that the ecological, genetic and disease relationships of the species in its natural range and environment be examined. In order to assess the disease risks associated with C. ariakensis, a parasite survey of oysters collected from China, Japan and Korea was undertaken to examine the pathogens associated with C. ariakensis in its natural range. The protozoan parasites, Perkinsus olseni and a new Perkinsus sp., as well as multiple genetic strains of molluscan herpesvirus, were discovered using molecular diagnostic methods. Molluscan herpesvirus and Perkinsus spp. protozoans are known to cause mortality of many commercially important bivalve species. Characterization of the new Perkinsus sp. included a comprehensive analysis of three DNA loci along with histological examination of the Perkinsus sp. cells in preserved tissue sections. Challenge experiments were undertaken using P. olseni and the new Perkinsus sp. in order to assess the transmission risk of these exotic microbes to the eastern oyster and the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria. The laboratory experiments suggest that bivalve shellfish native to Chesapeake Bay may be susceptible to the alien Perkinsus spp. associated with C. ariakensis. In addition, C. ariakensis may acquire moderate to lethal infections of P. marinus under stressful conditions. In light of the proposed introduction of C. ariakensis, it appears that there is a great disease risk associated with this Asian oyster species with the potential to have a negative impact on the naive shellfish populations of Chesapeake Bay

The Educational Experience of Virtual Reality: An Archaeological Case Study of the Maya Site, Vista Alegre

Archaeological visualization has a long history within the discipline, relying on technological advancements to aid in recording, interpreting, and educating about sites and projects. Though computer graphics have been used as archaeological visualizations for decades, hardware advancements have begun to allow for broader consumer use of Virtual and Augmented Reality platforms in homes, schools, and museums. This thesis explores the applications of Virtual and Augmented Reality platforms for archaeological visualization, specifically in the area of public education. To this end, a 3D model and virtual experience of the Maya site of Vista Alegre in Mexico are created, methodologically explained, and examined to relate history, theory, and the goals of utilizing this medium within the archaeological discipline while expanding on the ethical requirements and empirical methods of praxis. In all, this technology both produces tangible, quantifiable, and accurate data and makes these data more accessible to the general public. Image from Proskouriakoff (1970[1946]

Maps, Tourism, and Historical Pedagogy: A Study of Power, Identity, and the Politics of Representation in Two Southern Cities

In what ways can historical power relationships be interpreted through a chronological analysis of historical maps, and how are these coded versions of history produced and reproduced through the modern tourist experience? I argue that historical maps can be interpreted to reveal the political influence and agendas inscribed upon the built environment. I review how the implications of these value systems can be seen in the cultural constructs and institutions that have been used over time to generate revenue through a two stage process,: first, through an analysis of historic and modern maps in two Southern cities, New Orleans and Charleston, South Carolina, and second, through personal ethnographic fieldwork. I analyze my findings to compare these two cities in their use of spatial representation to facilitate and contain a historic tourist industry that spawns local industries of historical tourism to both justify and codify these views as history