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Abstract: The European Union’s cohesion policy has increasingly adopted digital tools to streamline funding applications and implementation. Centralised platforms now facilitate communication between regulatory institutions and stakeholders, enabling information exchange and issue resolution throughout the project lifecycle. A key sample is Portugal’s POSEUR programme (2014–2020), which pioneered E-governance in EU funding through its Balcão de Fundos platform. This study applies sentiment analysis to 35 semi-structured interviews, using a DistilBERT-based dependency parser to explore institutional and regional differences in digital tool acceptance. Findings show that stakeholders in digitally advanced regions like Lisbon and the North express predominantly positive sentiment, while those in central and rural areas exhibit mixed or negative attitudes. These results underscore the significance of digital literacy and infrastructure in ensuring equitable and effective adoption of E-governance mechanisms across regions. The study highlights the need for targeted support to bridge digital divides and foster inclusive participation in EU cohesion policy processes.
Keywords: E-governance, EU cohesion policy, sentiment analysis, networks, sustainability, Portugal
Published in DiRROS: 30.07.2026; Views: 92; Downloads: 61
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Abstract: Formalised knowledge systems, including universities and research institutes, are important for contemporary societies. They are, however, also arguably failing humanity when their impact is measured against the level of progress being made in stimulating the societal changes needed to address challenges like climate change. In this research we used a novel futures-oriented and participatory approach that asked what future envisioned knowledge systems might need to look like and how we might get there. Findings suggest that envisioned future systems will need to be much more collaborative, open, diverse, egalitarian, and able to work with values and systemic issues. They will also need to go beyond producing knowledge about our world to generating wisdom about how to act within it. To get to envisioned systems we will need to rapidly scale methodological innovations, connect innovators, and creatively accelerate learning about working with intractable challenges. We will also need to create new funding schemes, a global knowledge commons, and challenge deeply held assumptions. To genuinely be a creative force in supporting longevity of human and non-human life on our planet, the shift in knowledge systems will probably need to be at the scale of the enlightenment and speed of the scientific and technological revolution accompanying the second World War. This will require bold and strategic action from governments, scientists, civic society and sustained transformational intent.
Keywords: sustainability science, epistemology, transformation, social-technical transitions, knowledge, climate and energy research
Published in DiRROS: 29.06.2026; Views: 187; Downloads: 167
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Abstract: The use of fly ash in construction applications reduces the amount of waste that needs to be landfilled. As some types of fly ash show high potential for CO2 sequestration (e.g. co-combustion fly ash), the use of carbonated fly ash could also help with the reduction of carbon emissions in the construction sector. This paper presents the results of LCA study that compared the environmental impacts associated with the construction of an embankment using carbonated cocombustion fly ash and conventional construction material (i.e. soil). The cocombustion fly ash was carbonated naturally, which eliminated the environmental impacts related to the accelerated carbonation, such as capturing and supply of CO2, and energy consumption for the carbonation process. Results show that the use of carbonated co-combustion fly ash for embankment construction has several environmental advantages compared to the construction with soil, such as lower impact associated with the transport of material, environmental benefit associated with the avoided landfilling and reduction in the carbon footprint due to the natural CO2 sequestration
Keywords: secondary material, geotechnics, ash, LCA, sustainability
Published in DiRROS: 18.06.2026; Views: 186; Downloads: 95
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Abstract: Steroidal glycoalkaloids ( α-solanine and α-chaconine) are major potato toxins whose accurate quantification is often challenged by matrix effects and chromatographic selectivity. This study reports the optimisation and validation of a robust reversed-phase HPLC-DAD method for the determination of glycoalkaloids in potato tissues, combined with a systematic assessment of the environmental sustainability of the analytical workflow. Extraction conditions were optimized by integrating systematic solvent screening with a factorial experimental design to evaluate the effect of key operational variables on glycoalkaloid recovery and refine extraction performance The resulting extraction medium improved extract cleanliness and chromatographic stability. A subsequent C18 solid-phase extraction SPE step further reduced matrix effect and enhanced analytical selectivity. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a conventional C18 column using an acetonitrile-water gradient, providing baseline resolution (Rs > 1.5) of α 2 -solanine and α-chaconine with stable diode-array detection (DAD) at 205 nm. The method was validated according to ICH Q2(R2) and AOAC guidelines, demonstrating excellent linearity (R > 0.995), low limits of detection (0.462–0.767 µg/mL) and quantification (1.540–2.558 µg/mL), high precision (≤ 5% RSD), and recoveries of 90–105%. Robustness testing confirmed minimal sensitivity to routine variations in chromatographic parameters. Application to potato breeding lines demonstrated reliable quantification and revealed genotype-dependent variation in glycoalkaloid content. The environmental assessment of the analytical procedure was evaluated using Analytical Eco-scale, GAPI and AGREE metrics, demonstrating reduced solvent consumption, avoidance of strongly acidic extraction conditions, and a simplified sample preparation workflow. The proposed HPLC-DAD workflow provides a validated, high-performance, and environmentally conscious approach for routine GA quantification, suitable for food-safety monitoring, regulatory compliance and breeding programme applications.
Keywords: α-chaconine, α-solanine, analytical method, HPLC-DAD, potato tubers, environmental sustainability
Published in DiRROS: 10.06.2026; Views: 189; Downloads: 215
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Abstract: Understanding learning preferences and empathetic needs remains a key challenge in developing aligned learning strategies in higher education, particularly within science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The study explores how learning content can address diverse cognitive, metacognitive, and emotional student preferences. It assumes that integrating students’ learning preferences can improve the alignment of learning approaches with sustainability- and innovation-oriented education. An empathetic questionnaire was used to examine visual, auditory, hands-on, and emotionally driven learning preferences among students from five European higher education institutions. The results suggest a strong preference for visual and hands-on learning approaches. Subject-specific differences indicate that visual and practical methods are preferred for sustainability topics, whereas auditory and experiential methods are preferred for entrepreneurial learning. The findings highlight the potential importance of empathy-based learning design in developing inclusive, adaptable, and student-centred learning approaches that may better prepare students to address complex sustainability challenges.
Keywords: learning preference, scientific empathy, sustainability innovation
Published in DiRROS: 18.05.2026; Views: 272; Downloads: 192
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