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Article
Publication date: 4 November 2024

Ana P. Ferreira Alves, Minelle E. Silva and Philipp C. Sauer

To investigate the effects of supply chain (SC) distance on sustainability adoption, this study aims to advance the way prior studies on SC sustainability presume that SC…

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Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the effects of supply chain (SC) distance on sustainability adoption, this study aims to advance the way prior studies on SC sustainability presume that SC structures are well-developed and stable. Since SC members face structural voids in different regions, we recognize that the information flow is impacted as SC partners often have limited knowledge of their direct partners. Thus, by studying a multi-stakeholder partnership, this article sheds light on the institutional foundation of sustainability adoption issues largely neglected to date.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study was used with members of an MSP (i.e. a roundtable), to understand the beef SC located in Brazil. Overall, 18 h of interview recordings and notes from 18 h of meeting observations were gathered, equaling 36 h of primary data.

Findings

Four dimensions of SC distance (physical, organizational, cultural and institutional) were identified, generating three driving effects on symbolic sustainability adoption and, consequently, a degree of invisibility for beef SC members. The results explain the process of sustainability adoption and highlight that smaller and more upstream suppliers show lower degrees of substantive adoption of SC sustainability practices.

Originality/value

This study investigates how SC distance affects the alignment of SC members in terms of sustainability adoption. By providing reflections on how institutional distance can hinder suppliers from adopting sustainability requirements they received from the SC, this research contributes to shifting from sustainability discourse to real practice and proactive partner engagement.

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Publication date: 23 March 2017

Barbara de Lima Voss, David Bernard Carter and Bruno Meirelles Salotti

We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in…

Abstract

We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in the construction of hegemonies in SEA research in Brazil. In particular, we examine the role of hegemony in relation to the co-option of SEA literature and sustainability in the Brazilian context by the logic of development for economic growth in emerging economies. The methodological approach adopts a post-structural perspective that reflects Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory. The study employs a hermeneutical, rhetorical approach to understand and classify 352 Brazilian research articles on SEA. We employ Brown and Fraser’s (2006) categorizations of SEA literature to help in our analysis: the business case, the stakeholder–accountability approach, and the critical case. We argue that the business case is prominent in Brazilian studies. Second-stage analysis suggests that the major themes under discussion include measurement, consulting, and descriptive approach. We argue that these themes illustrate the degree of influence of the hegemonic politics relevant to emerging economics, as these themes predominantly concern economic growth and a capitalist context. This paper discusses trends and practices in the Brazilian literature on SEA and argues that the focus means that SEA avoids critical debates of the role of capitalist logics in an emerging economy concerning sustainability. We urge the Brazilian academy to understand the implications of its reifying agenda and engage, counter-hegemonically, in a social and political agenda beyond the hegemonic support of a particular set of capitalist interests.

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Advances in Environmental Accounting & Management: Social and Environmental Accounting in Brazil
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-376-4

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Article
Publication date: 18 August 2021

João Filipe Fundinho, José Ferreira-Alves, Ana Carolina Braz, Zilda Aparecida Pereira Del Prette and Almir Del Prette

Identifying and assessing social skills has been a powerful way of linking human behaviour and human interaction with their consequences at significant developmental levels. There…

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Abstract

Purpose

Identifying and assessing social skills has been a powerful way of linking human behaviour and human interaction with their consequences at significant developmental levels. There are some data connecting social skills with interpersonal violence but not yet with elder abuse. The reason might be the scarcity of quick and easy-to-apply measures of social skills. This study aims to adapt and validate the social skills inventory (SSI) (Del Prette and Del Prette, 2001) to the Portuguese population.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two studies. In Study 1, the authors gathered the psychometric characteristics of the SSI-Del-Prette through exploratoryfactor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In Study 2, the authors correlated the new measure with measures of depression and empathy to test for divergent and concurrent validity.

Findings

The obtained version of the SSI-Del-Prette showed a good model fit and internal consistency. This measure presented six factors: conversation and social confidence, easiness of self-exposure, self-expression of positive affect, coping assertively with risk, defending interests and opinions and giving and receiving praise. The indicators of convergent and divergent validity supported the integrity of the measure.

Research limitations/implications

The adaptation of this measure of social skills opens new possibilities for studying these skills.

Originality/value

This paper provides an adaptation of a measure of six social skills expanded to the older adult population.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

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Article
Publication date: 16 September 2011

Ana João Santos, José FerreiraAlves and Bridget Penhale

The purpose of this paper is to identify, describe and compare the studies of the prevalence of abuse and neglect of older adults developed in Portugal.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, describe and compare the studies of the prevalence of abuse and neglect of older adults developed in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective bibliographic search of seven descriptors in English and Portuguese, of academic and professional papers and university institutional repositories was performed.

Findings

Of the nine studies selected, seven consisted of grey literature – research developed within the course of academic post‐graduate studies. The studies were conducted on a small scale, more often than not, through a non‐probabilistic convenience sampling method. From the nine studies, two instruments prevailed: the Questions to Elicit Elder Abuse aimed at older adults and the Caregiver Abuse Screen aimed at caregivers. Community‐dwelling older adults self‐reported a higher prevalence of abuse (between 66.7 and 86.7 per cent) than care professionals working with older adults suffering from dementia (between 26.7 and 47.4 per cent). Emotional abuse and neglect were the first and second most prevalent forms of abuse, followed by financial abuse, whereas physical abuse was the least prevalent type of abuse encountered. A poorer perception of health, not making/receiving visits and residing in an urban area were the more consistent variables associated with abuse of older adults.

Originality/value

Overall, this paper provides a first consideration to the prevalence rates of older adult abuse and neglect from research studies in Portugal. The revised design studies and screening methods employed can help researchers improve future study design and move from the description to a more theoretically oriented research. Furthermore, it can help practitioners learn screening methods and discover the findings associated with abuse.

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Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to estimate the overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and evaluate the accuracy of an antibody rapid test compared to a reference serological assay during a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison complex housing over 13,000 prisoners in Brasília.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors obtained a randomized, stratified representative sample of each prison unit and conducted a repeated serosurvey among prisoners between June and July 2020, using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA). Samples were also retested using a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) to compare SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and 21-days incidence, as well as to estimate the overall infection fatality rate (IFR) and determine the diagnostic accuracy of the LFIA test.

Findings

This study identified 485 eligible individuals and enrolled 460 participants. Baseline and 21-days follow-up seroprevalence were estimated at 52.0% (95% CI 44.9–59.0) and 56.7% (95% CI 48.2–65.3) with LFIA; and 80.7% (95% CI 74.1–87.3) and 81.1% (95% CI 74.4–87.8) with CLIA, with an overall IFR of 0.02%. There were 78.2% (95% CI 66.7–89.7) symptomatic individuals among the positive cases. Sensitivity and specificity of LFIA were estimated at 43.4% and 83.3% for IgM; 46.5% and 91.5% for IgG; and 59.1% and 77.3% for combined tests.

Originality/value

The authors found high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within the prison complex. The occurrence of asymptomatic infection highlights the importance of periodic mass testing in addition to case-finding of symptomatic individuals; however, the field performance of LFIA tests should be validated. This study recommends that vaccination strategies consider the inclusion of prisoners and prison staff in priority groups.

Details

International Journal of Prisoner Health, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-9200

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Article
Publication date: 3 January 2020

Minelle E. Silva, Ana Paula Ferreira Alves, Patricia Dias and Luis Felipe Machado Nascimento

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a company’s orientation enables sustainable practices in its supply chains. Specifically, it focusses on how the strategic orientation…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a company’s orientation enables sustainable practices in its supply chains. Specifically, it focusses on how the strategic orientation of a company may stimulate new behaviours in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Two in-depth qualitative case studies were conducted. Each company’s orientation to sustainable supply chains was studied using cross-case analysis.

Findings

The organisations in this study have a market-driving (i.e. proactive) orientation instead of market-driven (i.e. responsive) behaviour. Using analysis from the process of change for sustainability and explaining some challenges faced by both organisations, findings indicate that a corporate strategy of sustainability modified the companies’ management processes, even for the company that changed its orientation during the time (i.e. sustainability was not the main strategy at first). Practical examples of actions are provided to illustrate the study’s conclusion that a corporate orientation towards sustainability is an enabling factor in developing sustainable supply chain management (SCM).

Research limitations/implications

Strategic management plays an important role in a company’s orientation towards sustainability – internally and throughout its supply chains. Based on the findings, future research should measure the effect of a company’s orientation on sustainable SCM.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the understanding of companies’ strategic orientations and explores ways to introduce sustainability into supply chains.

Originality/value

The paper examines an underexplored debate regarding to how strategic orientations are related to sustainable SCM, focussing on both market-driving (i.e. proactive) and market-driven (i.e. responsive) orientations.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 18 March 2019

Heloísa Alves de Figueiredo Sousa, Josemar Gonçalves de Oliveira Filho, Mariana Buranelo Egea, Edilsa Rosa da Silva, Dirceu Macagnan, Marcio Pires and José Peixoto

Banana is an important tropical fruit with high demand in the market. The ripe fruits are less resistant to transport making logistics difficult. Moreover, as a climacteric fruit…

563

Abstract

Purpose

Banana is an important tropical fruit with high demand in the market. The ripe fruits are less resistant to transport making logistics difficult. Moreover, as a climacteric fruit, it has a short post-harvest shelf life. Edible coatings/films, including active substances, have been used as an alternative for preserving fruits and vegetables during post-harvest period. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incorporating clove essential oil on the properties of cassava starch films and their effect on the post-harvest quality of different banana varieties.

Design/methodology/approach

Cassava starch films incorporating clove essential oil were developed and the films were characterized with respect to moisture, thickness, solubility, water vapor permeability (WVP), biodegradability, color and in vitro antifungal activity. Cultivars such as Prata-Anã, Grand Nine, BRS Tropical and BRS Conquista were coated with cassava starch, cassava starch film with clove essential oil (CSEO) and polyvinyl polychloride (PVC). The quality of fruits was monitored during eight storage days using mass loss, total soluble solids content (TSS) and titratable acidity (TTA).

Findings

Incorporation of clove essential oil significantly increased film thickness, reduced moisture content, solubility and WVP (p < 0.05) and did not affect the biodegradability and color of the films. The essential oil incorporated films showed antifungal activity against the fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum musae, but not against the yeast Saccharomyces bourladii. CSEO and PVC coating were more efficient in reducing the mass loss, SS content and TTA of the coated fruits in all varieties studied. Both CSEO and PVC coatings improve the quality attributes such as TSS and TTA and reduced mass loss, of the banana varieties such as Prata-Anã, Grand Nine, BRS Tropical and BRS Conquista during storage.

Originality/value

The active film with essential oil showed antifungal activity and essential oil can be incorporated into other food systems. This study approaches a new possibility of film coating with essential oil for a banana that showed minimum weight loss and satisfactory quality and increased shelf life. This film coating demonstrates biodegradable characteristics that could be eco-friendly and sustainable to consumers.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 49 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2022

Ana Flávia Ramos, Gabriela da Rocha Lemos Mendes, Renato Souza Cruz, Fabiane Neves Silva, Geany Peruch Camilloto, Handray Fernandes de Souza, Juliana Pinto de Lima, Caroline Liboreiro Paiva and Igor VIana Brandi

Baru is a fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, important to the local economy and social culture. The use in food formulation is due to it being highly available and its nutritional…

279

Abstract

Purpose

Baru is a fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, important to the local economy and social culture. The use in food formulation is due to it being highly available and its nutritional profile; however, the changes in the texture of products are still unclear. In this study, an experimental design was conducted to develop cakes by replacing different levels of wheat flour with baru nut flour, and comparing them.

Design/methodology/approach

Cakes were developed with 20, 40, 60, and 80 replacement of wheat flour by baru nut flour and compared with standard formulation (100% wheat flour). The physical-chemistry composition of the flour, nutritional composition of the cakes and texture profile analysis were evaluated.

Findings

Baru nut flour showed greater protein, lipids, and ash than wheat flour, and this result was also observed in the cakes developed. The cake with 80% of almond baru flour showed an increase of 60.3% in protein. The texture profile analysis showed that the addition of baru nut flour affected the texture of products. The cakes showed more hardness and chewiness; however, the springiness and cohesiveness were decreased.

Originality/value

The findings of this study demonstrate that baru nut flour is a great option as a new ingredient for bakery products, due the increase of protein. This is the first study analyzing the effect of baru nut flour addition on the texture profile of bakery products. These results can orientate future studies, especially sensory assays.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 125 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 18 May 2010

Nuno V. Brito, Delfina Santos, Ana P. Vale, Isabel M. Afonso, Eulália Mendes, Susana Casal and M.B.P.P. Olveira

The purpose of this work is the physicochemical characterization of a traditional Portuguese meat sausage, “Chouriça de carne de Melgaço”, including its lipid profile, taking into…

495

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work is the physicochemical characterization of a traditional Portuguese meat sausage, “Chouriça de carne de Melgaço”, including its lipid profile, taking into account the effects of autochthonous pig breed (Bísaro) and processing scale in its final composition.

Design/methodology/approach

Sausages from three manufacturers' scales (homemade, traditional, and industrial) and two breed origins (Bísaro and non Bísaro) were analysed for pH, moisture, fat, protein, ash, NaCl, hydroxyproline and fatty acid composition. A total of 11 samples from each type of manufacture and breed were randomly selected after the complete drying‐ripening process, in a total of 55 samples.

Findings

Physicochemical analysis of meat sausages showed a medium protein content (28‐33 per cent) correlated to manufacture type (p<0.05), and a high fat level (29‐41 per cent) related with manufacture type and breed. Homemade manufacture was characterized by lower moisture and higher salt contents, reinforcing consumer's safety and economical assurance. The industrial processed sausages presented significantly higher moisture content and higher PUFA contents than expected, indicating the use in the feeding of the pigs feedstuffs rich in oilseed components and an increased susceptibility to oxidation. Comparing with similar products from foreign origins, this sausage is characterized by similar salt contents and similar or lower fat contents, highly monounsaturated, with positive nutritional outcomes.

Originality/value

The improvement and control of Chouriça de carne de Melgaço manufacturing and breed origin is clearly needed. PGI should be implemented to guarantee genuineness of this product. The preservation of traditional procedures must guarantee the high quality of the product, its safety and consumer's acceptability.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 112 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 16 March 2010

Helena Maria Baptista Alves, Ana María Campón Cerro and Ana Vanessa Ferreira Martins

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that an event such as the Cherry Festival, organized by the municipality of Fundão (Portugal), can have in a rural area.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact that an event such as the Cherry Festival, organized by the municipality of Fundão (Portugal), can have in a rural area.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain a complete picture of the impact of the Cherry Festival on Fundão, the perspectives of the organizers, suppliers, and the local residents are combined. The impact is evaluated through qualitative economic and social impacts and quantitative economic impact. The information is obtained through primary and secondary data with personal interviews and questionnaires.

Findings

The results suggest that for these kind of small events, there are economic and social impacts, but the social impacts extend beyond the economic benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this paper is the impossibility of using input‐output tables and multipliers of expenditures in a small area such as the one studied.

Practical implications

The paper shows that even in small events important impacts may occur that justify the investments made on them.

Originality/value

The paper presents a combination of methodologies to measure the impact an event can have in small areas that do not have suitable input‐output tables and multipliers of expenditures.

Details

Journal of Place Management and Development, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8335

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