Sustainability Score Research Articles

From Data to Impact: Machine Learning Models for Sustainable Development Region Classification- Accelerating the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals through Predictive Analytics

This research paper presents a classification model for predicting the region to which a country belongs based on its sustainability scores and other related features. The dataset used in this study comprises comprehensive data on sustainability and progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for various countries. The primary objective is to understand regional trends in sustainability and assess countries' progress in sustainable development. The research begins with data preparation and preprocessing steps, including merging datasets, handling missing values, and standardizing features. Exploratory data analysis is performed to visualize the distribution of the target variable (region) and the distributions of numeric features related to SDG scores. Additionally, relationships between these features are explored using correlation matrices and pair plots. Several machine learning models are employed to classify countries into their respective regions. The models used include Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM) with a linear kernel, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, and SVM with a radial basis function (RBF) kernel. Each model is trained on the dataset, and their performance is evaluated in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of these models in accurately classifying countries into regions based on sustainability scores and other attributes. The findings reveal that Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Tree, and SVM with RBF kernel achieve exceptionally high accuracy, suggesting their suitability for regional classification based on sustainability metrics. Logistic Regression and SVM with a linear kernel also provide competitive results. In conclusion, this research contributes to understanding regional trends in sustainability by utilizing machine learning models to predict the regions of countries based on their sustainability scores and associated features. Such predictive models can be valuable tools for policymakers and organizations seeking to assess and address regional disparities in sustainable development progress.

Using instrumental variables to correct for bias in real-world cohort studies of the effects of disease-modifying treatment in MS

Background: Estimating the effect of disease-modifying treatment of MS in observational studies is impaired by bias from unmeasured confounders, in particular indication bias. Objective: To show how instrumental variables (IVs) reduce bias. Methods: All patients with relapsing onset of MS 1996–2010, identified by the nationwide Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, were followed from onset. Exposure was treatment index throughout the first 12 years from onset, defined as a cumulative function of months without and with medium- or high-efficacy treatment, and outcomes were hazard ratios (HRs) per unit treatment index for sustained Expanded Disability Scale Score (EDSS) 4 and 6 adjusted for age at onset and sex, without and with an IV. We used the onset cohort (1996–2000; 2001–2005; 2006–2010) as an IV because treatment index increased across the cohorts. Results: We included 6014 patients. With conventional Cox regression, HRs for EDSS 4 and 6 were 1.15 [95% CI: 1.13–1.18] and 1.17 [1.13–1.20] per unit treatment index. Only with IVs, we confirmed a beneficial effect of treatment with HRs of 0.86 [0.81–0.91] and 0.82 [0.74–0.90]. Conclusion: The use of IVs eliminates indication bias and confirms that treatment is effective in delaying disability. IVs could, under some circumstances, be an alternative to marginal structural models.

SUSTAINABILITY OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Background and Purpose: Microfinance is the most effective and widely acknowledged method of poverty alleviation across the globe but these days every so and often the MFIs are digressing from their primary mission in pretext of financial and operational sustainability of the organizations. The purpose of this research is to confirm the adherence of double bottom line sustainability of Microfinance institutions (MFIs) and further to identify the determinants of MFIs sustainability in the Philippines.
 
 Methodology: The sample for the study was obtained from MIX- market for the period 1999-2018. Principal component analysis and KU model are used to measure the sustainability scores of MFIs. Later, a panel regression model is applied to identify the determinants of sustainability.
 
 Findings: MFIs are not adhering to the double bottom line sustainability as majority of MFIs were unsustainable at different benchmarks set for the study. The sustainability can be achieved if MFIs start utilizing their assets, focus on improving their efficiency and portfolio quality. MFIs size also significantly influences the sustainability of MFIs.
 
 Contributions: This study highlights the need for policy makers and regulators to develop a regulatory framework to reduce the operating cost and improve the portfolio quality of MFIs in the Philippines. They should also provide guidelines that would help MFIs in improving their asset utilization ratio as it would help them adhere to double bottom line sustainability.
 
 Keywords: Sustainability, microfinance, double bottom line, outreach, financial sustainability.
 
 Cite as: Bhuiyan, A. B., Saad, J., Md Kassim, A. A., Munir, A. N., & Ali, M. J. (2023). Sustainability of microfinance institutions in the Philippines. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(TI), 43-61. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8issTIpp43-61

Market Farm Sustainability Assessment of the Central and Eastern European Union Member States

The main concept of every agricultural policy is aiming to support the farm sustainability beyond the aspects defined in a single definition and a contemporary state policy could not escape from the focus of economic efficiency, social responsibility and/or environmental compatibility. The European Union regulations are reorganizing the holdings in the entire Community and this reflects crucially on the economic size and furthermore the agricultural sustainability of the farms. This paper aims to find out how the agricultural holdings are affected and how the connection between farm economic size and sustainability is developed within the three sustainability pillars. The scientific approach uses an assessment that modifies the Farm Accountancy Data Network set of variables in comparison of predefined criteria used as a sustainability scoring system establishing a sustainability estimation based on affiliation of two independent indexes as a final balanced rating classification. The results are determined for each economic size class to the benchmarking frame received by a previous research on a EU level which reports the Balkan farms as a part of the EU vulnerable agricultural units.

Monitoring the Performance of Sustainable Development Goals in the Italian Regions

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a shared agenda among countries but also a rallying point for forward-looking policy dialogue. Analysis and monitoring of the SDGs are decisive steps in evaluating possible corrective actions. This paper aims to reach two research objectives: (i) providing methodological insights for the application of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) in the evaluation of the SDGs and (ii) emphasizing the relevance of monitoring the outcomes of the SDGs by evaluating the Italian regions. For the first objective, an online survey among twenty academics is used, while for the second, an MCDA is proposed that compares the temporal performance of a sustainability score for each Italian region. The results, based on 27 targets, show that in 2021 the northern regions showed better performance, with the province of Trento topping the list. This is followed by Valle d’Aosta and the province of Bolzano, confirming the trio that emerged in the previous year. A very interesting fact is the growth of the central regions, which overall tend to reach a value close to that of the northern regions. In particular, Toscana, Marche and Lazio stand out for a good performance. It is also confirmed that the southern regions occupy the last places in the ranking with the only exception of Abruzzo. The implications of this paper suggest collaboration between different regions in order to achieve a social community in which resources and skills can be enhanced.

The efficacy of the leg swing and quadriceps strengthening exercises versus platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid combination therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective comparative study.

The aim of this was to investigate the efficacy of physical exercise (leg swing and quadriceps strengthening exercises) versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) combination therapy. From January 2020 to August 2021, 106 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence Grade I-III knee osteoarthritis were divided into leg swing and quadriceps strengthening exercises (Group A) and intra-articular combination injections of PRP and HA (Group B) according to the treatment strategies. Patients in Group A received regular leg swing and quadriceps strengthening exercises for 3 months. Patients in Group B received 2 intra-articular combination injections of PRP (2 mL) and HA (2 mL) every 2 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score. Secondary outcomes included single leg stance test and functional activity by 2-minute walk test and time up and go test. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline and again 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The VAS and WOMAC scores were similar in both groups at 1 and 3 months after treatment (P > .05); however, Group A patients had significantly superior VAS and WOMAC scores than Group B patients at 6 and 12 months after treatment. For the single leg stance test, 2-minute walk test, and time up and go test, Group A patients were significantly superior to Group B throughout follow-up (P < .001). The leg swing and quadriceps strengthening exercises resulted in a significantly better clinical outcomes than the combined PRP and HA therapy, with a sustained lower pain score and improved quality of life, balance ability, and functional activity within 12 months.

Thermal conductive heating coupled with in situ chemical oxidation for soil and groundwater remediation: A quantitative assessment for sustainability

Thermal conductive heating (TCH), broadly applied to remove volatile and semi-volatile organic contaminants from subsurface, is often considered unsustainable due to its high carbon emissions, energy consumption and expensive costs. TCH coupled with in situ chemical oxidation (TCH-ISCO) has drawn much attention recently due to its ability to achieve cleanup goals of groundwater remediation in a timely manner as TCH does, but at much lower temperatures. However, there is a lack of quantitative assessment on the sustainability of TCH-ISCO based on field data. In this study, a quantitative life cycle assessment approach coupled with best management practices (LCA-BMPs) model was developed with data collected in the field to assess the sustainability of TCH-ISCO for chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) contaminated soil and groundwater remediation for the first time. The results revealed that the energy supply via electricity contributed to 68% and 93% of the adverse environmental impacts (e.g., global warming, mineral resource scarcity, and fine particulate matter formation), for TCH-ISCO and TCH, respectively. In addition, the carbon emissions and direct cost of TCH-ISCO were estimated to be 80% and 70% less than TCH, respectively. With regard to the social sustainability, TCH slightly outperformed TCH-ISCO. The overall sustainability scores of TCH-ISCO and TCH were 89.6 and 61.9, respectively, demonstrating that the sustainability performance of TCH-ISCO was significantly better than that of TCH. In view of the current demand for sustainable remediation technology, this study provides reliable data evaluation for the application of TCH-ISCO.

The reliability of recall measurement in assessing migrant reintegration: Evidence from Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan

AbstractThis article asks whether and under what conditions the use of retrospective or “recall” measurement is reliable. Migration researchers are often forced to retrospectively measure baselines when evaluating the impact of interventions due to the transitory nature of migration, developing country contexts, and hastily assembled policy programmes, a situation exacerbated by Covid‐19. This article first theoretically considers the extent to which this approach is reliable and likely to result in biased estimates, as well as its broader advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations for best practice. It then considers the case of the “IMPACT” evaluation of the EU‐IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in which 1774 Ethiopian, Somalia, and Sudanese migrant returnees in 2021 were assessed on a range of reintegration measures, 1095 of whom were measured retrospectively. Regression analyses demonstrate that those measured retrospectively give more negative scores on several “Reintegration Sustainability Scores” in line with some theoretical expectations but contrary to others. However, this—mostly non‐statistically significant—effect is largely diminished when the small minority who report finding it difficult to remember the baseline period are removed—suggesting that any retrospective measurement effect results from memory bias rather than, for example, consistency bias. No evidence is found to support several theoretically derived interaction effects. Determinants of self‐reported memory are demonstrated and recommendations for usage of retrospective measurement are provided, based on these findings.

Assessing sustainable performance of aquatic species using multiple footprints for comprehensive dietary advice

Aquaculture has become an important source of food, providing an alternative to wild fisheries and terrestrial food. However, the environmental impacts of aquaculture can vary greatly, and it is essential to understand the relationship between the nutrition provided by aquatic species and their multiple environmental footprints for targeted dietary advice and sustainable development of aquaculture. In this study, we examined 49 aquatic species or taxa divided into eight groups, considering ten nutrients and five environmental impacts for Chinese aquaculture. The results showed that species varied widely in their nutritional values and environmental impacts, with mussel, razor clam, marine bass, flounder and snapper being the most recommended for sustainable performance (sustainability score Si > 1.60). In contrast, tilapia performed poorly (Si = 0.11) in both nutritional score and environmental impacts, thus should not be promoted in dietary advice. Results of spatial analysis showed that Qinghai (Si = 1.06) and Tibet (Si = 0.75) had the highest sustainable development level for freshwater aquaculture, while there were large differences in marine aquaculture among coastal provinces (the highest Si in Zhejiang was 1.42, and the lowest Si in Guangxi was 0.56) and the sustainable performance of all coastal provinces is reduced to varying degrees when freshwater aquaculture and marine aquaculture are considered comprehensively. Increasing the proportion of high sustainable performance species is an effective way to improve the sustainability score in most provinces, particularly coastal ones. We suggest that the proportion of species production should be adjusted, and the cultivation of species with high sustainable performance should be prioritized. This study provides an initial assessment of the sustainability of aquatic food by combining nutrition and multiple environmental impacts for Chinese aquaculture.

Sustainability of Donor Funded HIV Prevention, Care, and Treatment Programs for Key Populations in Nigeria

Overseas development assistance (ODA) for HIV from bilateral donors other then the US has fallen 57% in the last decade. HIV responses in low- and middle-income countries is $8 billion short for 2025. Donors want national governments to gradually take over HIV responses to maintain program gains and investments. Programs with greater sustainability capacity can maintain positive outcomes and benefits over time. We examine Nigeria's donor funded KP HIV program for sustainability. A mixed-methods approach using Washington University Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT) to survey perspectives of key informants from HIV stakeholders. Overall and domain mean scores and standard deviation determined, and quantitative analysis conducted using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Thematic analysis was applied to open-ended questions from key informant interviews. A total of 24 consenting respondents participated. Overall mean sustainability score was 4.72. Highest mean scoring domains were program adaptation (5.6) and program evaluation (5.59), lowest means scores were partnerships (3.17) and funding stability (3.56). Sociocultural and political contexts hinder strategic behavioral change communication to promote KP and quality services. Suboptimal political support, funding insecurity, limited partnerships, and donor-driven strategic planning cycles threaten the program's sustainability. Keywords: HIV, Key Populations, Program Sustainability.

Sustainable and circular practices in the hotel industry in Southern Italy: opportunities, barriers and trends in food waste management

PurposeThe hotel industry is one of the leading producers of waste worldwide, and more than one-third of that waste is food. The purpose of this study is to investigate hotel managers' awareness of sustainable and circular practices, with a focus on their attitude toward and perception of food waste in Apulia, Southern Italy. The region has a tourist vocation, accounts for 3.3 million tourists per year and plays a key role in the Italian tourism.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted using a questionnaire administered to ten hotel managers located in Apulia. In light of the Checkup Tool Speditivo, a sustainability score indicates managers' awareness of and attitude toward sustainability and circularity, distinguishing between “beginner” (0–25 points), “concerned” (26–50 points), “proactivist” (51–75 points) and “sustainable” (76–100 points). The results have been analyzed using descriptive statistic tools.FindingsThe average sustainability score indicating the level of awareness of sustainable and circular practices among hotel managers in Apulia was 84, whereas the average score associated with their attitude toward food waste management strategies was 65. The greater the number of stars, the higher the sustainability scores. However, the greater the number of rooms, the lower the attitude toward food waste management strategies.Originality/valueThe study sheds light on the main opportunities, barriers and trends in the field of food waste management, highlighting the food commodities which are wasted the most and proposing further strategies to improve circularity and sustainability in hotels. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first on such topics in Southern Italy and could represent the basis for future research on the topic.

Integration of strategic and operational attributes to calculate the optimal cultivation of crops

Determining the optimal quantity of crops is crucial for establishing a sustainable cultivation pattern when multiple potential crops are available. To address this issue, we propose a novel hybrid multi-attribute optimization model (MAOM) based on two steps. Firstly, we calculate the sustainability score of candidate crops by taking into account strategic criteria categorized in terms of sustainability, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions. To ensure a more reliable choice, we develop a risk-averse UTA (UTilité Additive) to adjust the trade-off among the criteria of alternatives in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. Secondly, we develop a linear optimization model to calculate the optimal amount of candidate crops based on the sustainability score and operational criteria. We employ this framework to determine the optimal cultivation pattern in Khorasan Razavi, Iran. The results suggest that Dried Garlic, Turnip, Forage, Millet, and Khasil are suitable crops for the six-month period of spring and summer, while Potato, Fodder Beet, Shah Seed, and Mung Bean are the optimal alternatives for the six-month period of autumn and winter among the 46 candidate crops. Finally, a conclusion is drawn and recommendations for further research are proposed.

An international comparative analysis and roadmap to sustainable biosimilar markets.

Background: Although biosimilar uptake has increased (at a variable pace) in many countries, there have been recent concerns about the long-term sustainability of biosimilar markets. The aim of this manuscript is to assess the sustainability of policies across the biosimilar life cycle in selected countries with a view to propose recommendations for supporting biosimilar sustainability. Methods: The study conducted a comparative analysis across 17 countries from North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Biosimilar policies were identified and their sustainability was assessed based on country-specific reviews of the scientific and grey literature, validation by industry experts and 23 international and local non-industry experts, and two advisory board meetings with these non-industry experts. Results: Given that European countries tend to have more experience with biosimilars and more developed policy frameworks, they generally have higher sustainability scores than the other selected countries. Existing approaches to biosimilar manufacturing and R&D, policies guaranteeing safe and high-quality biosimilars, exemption from the requirement to apply health technology assessment to biosimilars, and initiatives counteracting biosimilar misconceptions are considered sustainable. However, biosimilar contracting approaches, biosimilar education and understanding can be ameliorated in all selected countries. Also, similar policies are sometimes perceived to be sustainable in some markets, but not in others. More generally, the sustainability of the biosimilar landscape depends on the nature of the healthcare system and existing pharmaceutical market access policies, the experience with biosimilar use and policies. This suggests that a general biosimilar policy toolkit that ensures sustainability does not exist, but varies from country to country. Conclusion: This study proposes a set of elements that should underpin sustainable biosimilar policy development over time in a country. At first, biosimilar policies should guarantee the safety and quality of biosimilars, healthy levels of supply and a level of cost savings. As a country gains experience with biosimilars, policies need to optimise uptake and combat any misconceptions about biosimilars. Finally, a country should implement biosimilar policies that foster competition, expand treatment options and ensure a sustainable market environment.

A new model for the economic impact assessment of large-scale and deep open-pit mines

ABSTRACT This study focuses on examining economic impacts associated with deep and large-scale open-pit mining operations, which are often neglected in environmental impact assessments. Using Z-Fuzzy Delphi AHP and scenario-based techniques, 28 economic impacts were classified into seven categories and evaluated for the Sungun Copper mine in northwest Iran. Results indicated that socioeconomic factors had the highest weight (21.4%), while monetary factors had the lowest weight (7.5%). The economic sustainability score for the SCM was calculated to be 2.111, indicating poor economic performance. This research highlights the importance of considering economic impacts in mining operations for sustainable development.

Long-term fracture risk in rheumatoid arthritis: impact of early sustained DAS28-remission and restored function, progressive erosive disease, body mass index, autoantibody positivity and glucocorticoids. A cohort study over 10 years

BackgroundRisk of fragility fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is increased. Disease-related inflammation in RA is associated with low Bone Mineral Density (BMD). However, effects of specific disease factors on fracture occurrence and whether or not such disease effects are independent of BMD are unknown.MethodsAnalysis of fracture outcome in the prospective cohort of 2557 patients with early RA (67% women, mean age 58.1 ± 15.6 years) during an observation period of 10.6 ± 4.7 years. In 602 patients BMD was measured at baseline. The first major fragility fractures were considered. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis, adjusted for traditional factors, prior fracture, disease activity and period of inclusion, were used to estimate the risk of the outcome.ResultsDuring follow-up fracture occurred in 352 patients (13.8%), a rate of 13/1000 p-y. A proportional risk reduction for the outcome was associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) at baseline, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and over the first two years sustained Disease Activity Score (DAS28)-remission, DAS28-low disease activity and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) ≤ 0.5. The proportional risk elevation for fractures was associated with BMI ≤ 20 kg/m2, DAS28 at baseline, 6-month and at 1-year, cumulative DAS28 over the two years, RF, erosion score progression at 2-year, HAQ score and HAQ ≥ 1 at 6-month and 1-year and showed a trend for ACPA positivity. The estimated fracture risk was increased in users of glucocorticoids (GC), associated with a higher GC-dosage at follow-ups and a higher cumulative dosage over two years, independently of disease activity. With adjustment for BMD, there was no difference in fracture outcome by exposure to GC. The effects of a higher BMI, DAS28-remission and low HAQ ≤ 0.5 attained at 6-month of treatment initiation and sustained up to 2 years, RF, ACPA, and erosion score progression at 2-year were independent of low BMD.ConclusionsThis analysis supports importance of RA-specific risk factors in early RA for future major fragility fractures. Treat-to-target strategy and restored functional capacity in early RA-disease are important to prevent fractures. Autoantibody positivity, progressively erosive disease, and low weight could have additional value for personalized fracture preventive strategies in early RA.

Sustainability performance assessment of Tunisian public transport companies: AHP and ANP approaches

This paper suggests a 29-indicator based transport sustainability governance index to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of eight regional transit operators in Tunisia using the absolute measurement approaches of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and analytical network process (ANP). Despite the difference in the overall sustainability scores, four companies have obtained the same ranking orders under both methods. The rest of the firms were ranked differently. Although both models generated interesting insights, ANP outperformed AHP in terms of priority distribution and significance of findings due to its capability of incorporating and quantifying criteria interdependencies. This research is the first in the literature that combines the three sustainability pillars with the governance principles using the direct rating approach of AHP and ANP to evaluate public transport firms.

Investigating the capabilities of Business Process Modeling to Obtain Sustainability Scoring of textile fabrics by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Investigating the capabilities of Business Process Modeling to Obtain Sustainability Scoring of textile fabrics by using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

The impact of corporate environmental disclosure practices and board attributes on sustainability: Empirical evidence from Asia and Europe

This study analyzes the impact of environmental disclosure, board attributes, and firms' specifics on the levels of environmental and ESG performance in Europe and Asia. The study utilizes secondary data from Refinitiv Eikon database for 8094 firms for the period between 2016 and 2021. The study employs panel data analysis using fixed effect models to estimate the results. The findings suggest that disclosure on emissions, innovations, environmental controversies, environmentally friendly products, proactive environmental investments, environmental expenses, and fines charged by authorities have a positive and significant influence on the level of firms’ environmental and ESG performance. Furthermore, the study identifies board tenure, independence, size, and meetings as being associated with greater levels of environmental disclosures, reporting, and sustainability score. However, board diversity is found to have a limited contribution to environmental disclosures, especially in Asian countries. Additionally, the results reveal that companies with higher revenue growth, larger size and market capitalization, and better performance have greater and better disclosure of environmental and sustainability issues. The study provides practical implications for policymakers to establish comprehensive guidelines for environmental and sustainability reporting based on the analysis of institutional, regulatory frameworks, legislation, and sustainability score enforcement status of the country.

Using the project ECHO™ model to teach mental health topics in rural Guatemala: An implementation science-guided evaluation.

Mental health (MH) disorders are major causes of disability in Guatemala. Unfortunately, limited academic training and funding resources make MH care inaccessible to most people in rural Guatemala. These disparities leave many indigenous populations without care. Project ECHO™ is an educational model used globally to deliver virtual training for providers in rural/ underserved communities. The aim of this project was to implement and evaluate a Project ECHO™ program bridging MH training gaps for providers who serve rural communities in Guatemala. The Project ECHO™ curriculum was implemented through a partnership between educational and nonprofit institutions in Guatemala City and the United States. Participants were primary care physicians and nurses working in rural Guatemala as well as medical/nursing/psychology students. Evaluation of its implementation was guided by a RE-AIM framework. Reach, effectiveness, adoption, fidelity, sustainability, acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness were evaluated using a mixed-methods approach, using a pre-post survey and semi-structured focus groups. Forty unique participants attended the five sessions. Attitudes about mental health did not change quantitatively but self-efficacy improved in four of five modules. High quality fidelity scores were noted in two of five sessions. Sustainability scores across multiple domains were highly rated. Scores on instruments measuring acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness were high. Focus groups showed two main themes: the curriculum filled a gap in education and further adaptation of the model might help improve the experience. Implementation of the Project ECHO™ educational model appeared to have good reach/adoption, showed improvements in self-efficacy, illuminated facilitators and barriers to sustainability, and was felt to be acceptable, feasible, and appropriate. Qualitative analysis supported these conclusions. Future directions would include ongoing evaluation and monitoring of further Project ECHO™ curricular experiences through this partnership and adaptation of this project to other learners and settings in Latin America.

A multi-objective sustainable financial portfolio selection approach under an intuitionistic fuzzy framework

In recent decades, sustainable investing has caught on with investors, and it has now become the norm. In the age of start-ups, with scant information on the sustainability aspects of an asset, it becomes harder to pursue sustainable investing. To this end, this paper proposes a sustainable financial portfolio selection approach in an intuitionistic fuzzy framework. We present a comprehensive three-stage methodology in which the assets under consideration are ethically screened in Stage-I. Stage-II is concerned with calculating the sustainability scores, based on various social, environmental, and economic (SEE) criteria and an evaluation of the return and risk of the ethical assets. Intuitionistic fuzzy set theory is used to gauge the linguistic assessment of the assets on several SEE criteria from multiple decision-makers. A novel intuitionistic fuzzy multi-criteria group decision-making technique is applied to calculate the sustainability score of each asset. Finally, in Stage-III, an intuitionistic fuzzy multi-objective financial portfolio selection model is developed with maximization of the satisfaction degrees of the sustainability score, return, and risk of the portfolio, subject to several constraints. The ϵ-constraint method is used to solve this model, which yields various efficient, sustainable financial portfolios. Subsequently, investors can choose the portfolio best suited to their preferences from this pool of efficient, sustainable financial portfolios. A detailed empirical illustration and a comparison with existing works are given to substantiate and validate the proposed approach.