http://hdl.handle.net/10174/565 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 06:05:12 GMT 2026-08-02T06:05:12Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40244 Title: Building sustainability composite indicators using a multi-criteria approach Authors: Xavier, A.; Fragoso, R.; Freitas, M.B.C. Abstract: Building sustainability composite indicators is a complex process that has been addressed according to different strategies. One interesting approach is based on the compromise between the maximum aggregate solution and the most balanced solution, by considering the most displaced indicator regarding the ideal. However, some shortcomings were identified in this approach. First, several decision-making units may present an equal composite indicator, and hence the same position in the ranking, while corresponding to different sustainability situations. Second, the use of only the maximum deviation to define the most balanced solution requires a more integrated approach. Thus, this paper proposes a novel aggregation methodology for building sustainability composite indicators, where a new normalized entropy indicator for the most balanced solution is proposed and integrated with the sustainability criteria of the maximum aggregate solution and maximum deviation. The method proposed was applied to two illustrative examples from the literature and provided promising and robust results. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40244 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40242 Title: Sustainable Wine Assessment Tool (SWAT): a hierarchical framework to measure sustainability performance Authors: Ribeiro Trigo, A. F.; Marta-Costa, A. A.; Fragoso, R. M. de S; Fragoso, Rui Abstract: The imperative to address and accurately assess sustainability aspects is crucial for wine companies seeking to enhance their performance and adapt to evolving environmental, societal, and market pressures. Despite efforts within the wine industry to address these issues through guidelines or sustainability programmes, there is a notable lack of multidimensional instruments specifically designed to comprehensively measure the sustainability level of the wine sector. This work introduces the conception and development of an indicator-based assessment framework tailored for the wine industry – the Sustainable Wine Assessment Tool (SWAT). Hierarchically structured, SWAT encompasses environmental-social-governance dimensions (ESG), key properties, themes, subthemes, indicators, and reference values. The assessment framework serves as a decision-support tool relevant to the wine industry, accessible to a wide range of end-users, from wine producers to policy-makers. Additionally, SWAT can help businesses navigate and comply with forthcoming environmental policies or regulations on sustainability reporting. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40242 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40236 Title: Soybean Expansion in Brazil’s New Agricultural Frontier: Barter, Production Costs, Price Volatility, and Socio-Economic Impacts in Pará Authors: Brito, T.; Fragoso, Rui; Santos, L.; Silva, A. A. F.; Justino, G.; Lima, J. R. D. S.; Aranha, J. Abstract: Despite the global relevance of soybean production and Brazil’s leadership in this sector, most studies have focused on established producing regions such as south-central Brazil, while little attention has been given to new frontiers. In particular, the role of barter, costs, price volatility, and local socio-economic aspects remain underexplored. Therefore, this study analyses production costs, market volatility, barter ratio, and the socio-economic impacts of soybean cultivation in the Paragominas Pole in Pará, a Brazilian state, between the crop seasons 2018/2019 and 2024/2025. This research was founded on a descriptive/explanatory case study with quantitative analysis, using statistical data, market reports, and a survey with 36 farmers. We evaluate how barter arrangements are affected by internal and external factors that go beyond the reach of farmers due to their integration into global supply chains. Results highlight that international shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war significantly increased input and output price volatility, with fertiliser costs being the main driver (hotspot). Notwithstanding, in 2021/2022 onwards, despite the soybean price increasing, a substantial increase in input prices and the barter ratio were also noted, with the highest peak observed in the 2022/2023 harvest (28.35 bags/ha, input costs = US$ 884.52/ha, and soy bag price = US$ 31.2). Soybean production directly employs one person for every 121.8 ha. Half of the area is land leased, and 53% of the surface is cultivated with some kind of off-season crop. We suggest that soybeans producers make their barter with some hedge against falling soybean prices by taking up a position in the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), seeking to protect against volatility and fluctuations in the market. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40236 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/32895 Title: The road to 2027: mobilizing the science and innovation system to reach the UK’s 2.4% R&D spending target Authors: Carvalho, Adão Abstract: In the 2017 Industrial Strategy white paper , the UK Government has set the target of spending 2.4% of GDP in R&D by 2027 and transform the economy, aiming to reach a 3% goal in the longer term. That is an ambitious target and the likelihood of reaching it is rather small, but possible. Tue, 19 Jul 2022 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/32895 2022-07-19T23:00:00Z