SIGNIFICANCE: Biodiversity offsetting is a last-resort scheme to prevent biodiversity loss due to development. However, measuring biodiversity is a complex endeavour, even more so in hyperdiverse landscapes. With few South African scientists able to comprehensively measure biodiversity, assuming equivalence between sacrificial and offset areas would be problematic and potentially fatal. Caution is required as the erosion of our unique biodiversity is at stake. We advise that a panel of biome-specific experts and data modellers unite to provide tools for more accurate trade-offs, based on functional diversity. In the meantime, the value of focusing on landscape heterogeneity is highlighted.

Energy consumption from the residential sector forms a large portion of the electricity grid demand. The growing accessibility of residential load profile data presents an opportunity for improved residential load forecasting and the implementation of demand-side management (DSM) strategies. Machine learning is a tool well-suited for predicting stochastic processes, such as residential power usage due to human behavior. Long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural networks are especially suited for predicting time-series data such as electrical load profiles. This paper investigates the impact of LSTM hyperparameters to the predictive performance of models, which include the tradeoffs associated with training data size, horizon ratios, model fidelity, prediction horizon and computational intensity. This paper provides a framework to evaluate the choice of LSTM hyperparameters for understanding trade-offs in a practical application of load profile predictions for the context of Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs).

Data assimilation has been widely used for improvement of crop models’ estimates, for example to incorporate the effects of external events or compensate calibration errors in large areas. The term describes multiple approaches for those who want to take advantage of satellite imagery to reduce uncertainty or improve accuracy of model estimates. Kalman Filters are among the most used methods for achieving these goals. But their use in new contexts, i.e., from open field to protected environments, requires untangling aspects of the pipeline that are often performed in many different ways without guidelines, such as which variables to assimilate or how to ascribe uncertainty to observations or model estimates. This study is then divided in two parts. In the first, we review details on how uncertainty is ascribed on crop model estimates and in observations for applications of the Kalman Filter and three variations of the method, i.e., the Extended, Unscented and Ensemble, as well as which state variables are often updated and the frequency with which assimilation may occur, as well as how these aspects are connected to each other. In the second part, we apply different approaches from the reviewed literature in a greenhouse tomato crop model. We use artificial data with controlled noise levels as well as artificial data generated by simulation using other tomato crop model. We assess the impacts of using different methods and different approaches for ascribing uncertainty in model estimates and in observations, by assimilating artificial observations of fruit and of mature fruit biomass. We note that covariances should not be fixed values, that there are trade-offs between ascribing model uncertainty to the state itself and to other elements of the process, that observation covariance may have been considered disproportionality higher when using some ensemble generation approaches in the EnKF, and that bias in model estimates may lead to worse outcomes even when observations are high-quality ones. While we discussed aspects that should be considered in a new environment, many of them are also important for field crops, and we concluded assimilation should follow an assessment of which variables could be useful for assimilation.

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) provides a unique opportunity for water conservation. This research aimed to assess the performance of two types of RWH systems (gravity and pump-driven) at a local public school in replacing non-potable water for toilet flushing. The volume of harvested water, efficiency to meet demand, expenses involved and associated environmental burdens were key criteria of performance. Economic considerations included capital costs and return periods, while the environmental aspects encompassed simplified life cycle assessments (LCAs) as well as specific carbon footprints. The gravity-fed system supplied 452.5 kL/annum and covered 31.8% of the demand for flushing water for toilets for the school investigated. The pumped system provided 476.8 kL/annum representing 33.5% of the demand. Together they would be able to supply 65.3% of the demand. The catchment area of these two systems differed and there was no overlap. As expected, the gravity-fed system outperformed the pumped system, both economically and environmentally, because no energy for pumping was needed. In terms of costs, the difference was small, and the payback periods of both systems were similar. However, environmentally, the LCA scores for the pumped system were an order of magnitude higher for all 18 impact categories considered. Carbon footprints showed that in the construction stage both systems have similar footprints. For the operation stage, the comparison was extended, as there were higher energy requirements for the pumped system (about 4 times higher than those from the provision of municipal potable water), but in the same range or lower when compared with other alternative sources of water like groundwater abstraction, recycling of municipal water and desalination. The gravity-fed system required no energy for pumping. This study shows how trade-offs in assessing the overall performance of RWH systems can be considered, leading to better decision making.

Abstract Purpose: Are men more inclined to assume risks than women? The answer to this question is immediately relevant to various economic issues, including human behavior concerning medical remedies and procedures consumption. This paper aims to identify the perceived benefits of the consumption of medications centered on pharmaceutical risk assessment. Originality/value: The literature documents that risks and benefits can be considered the main trade-offs in consumer decision-making, including the pharmaceutical industry. It is a current theme with a high potential for social impact due to the many identified cases of Covid-19. In developing countries, most medication is used by self-medicating individuals, as access to health care can be insufficient. Self-medication is a potentially greater problem, as in this case, medication usage often follows advice from friends, relatives, and neighbors. Yet, there is little empirical evidence regarding this problem in the context of emerging countries. Design/methodology/approach: A survey of over 1,000 subjects using an extended regression model (ERM) in one of the biggest countries in the world, Brazil. Findings: The results reported that women perceive more risks and benefits from medication usage and medical procedures. The perception of the benefits of medications can be explained by the following dimensions: risk (personal injury, risk alertness, and risk awareness), gender, regular usage, and the benefits of medical procedures. Regarding risk dimensions, the lower the perceptions of personal injury and the higher the perceptions of risk alertness and risk awareness, the greater the perceived benefits of medication usage. Purpose issues assessment Originality/value Originalityvalue Originality value tradeoffs trade offs decisionmaking, decisionmaking decision making, making decision-making industry Covid19. Covid19 Covid 19. 19 Covid-19 selfmedicating self medicating individuals insufficient Selfmedication Self case friends relatives neighbors Yet Design/methodology/approach Designmethodologyapproach Design methodology approach 1000 1 000 1,00 ERM (ERM world Brazil Findings dimensions awareness , awareness) gender Covid1 Covid-1 100 00 1,0 Covid- 10 0 1,

Resumo Objetivo: Os homens estão mais inclinados a assumir riscos do que as mulheres? A resposta a essa pergunta é de relevância imediata para várias questões econômicas, incluindo o comportamento humano em relação ao consumo de medicamentos e procedimentos médicos. Este trabalho tem como objetivo identificar os benefícios percebidos do consumo de medicamentos, centrado na avaliação do risco farmacêutico. Originalidade/valor: A literatura documenta que riscos e benefícios podem ser considerados os principais trade-offs na tomada de decisão do consumidor, inclusive na indústria farmacêutica. É um tema atual com alto potencial de impacto social por causa dos muitos casos identificados de Covid-19. Nos países em desenvolvimento, a maioria dos medicamentos é utilizada por indivíduos que se automedicam, pois o acesso aos cuidados de saúde pode ser insuficiente. A automedicação é um problema potencialmente maior, pois nesse caso o uso de medicamentos geralmente segue o conselho de amigos, parentes e vizinhos. No entanto, há pouca evidência empírica sobre esse problema no contexto dos países emergentes. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Trata-se de uma pesquisa com mais de mil indivíduos em que se utilizou um modelo de regressão estendido (MRE) em um dos maiores países do mundo, o Brasil. Resultados: De acordo com os resultados obtidos, as mulheres percebem mais riscos e benefícios do uso de medicamentos e procedimentos médicos. A percepção dos benefícios dos medicamentos pode ser explicada pelas seguintes dimensões: risco (danos pessoais, alerta de risco e conhecimento do risco), gênero, uso regular e benefícios dos procedimentos médicos. Em relação às dimensões de risco, quanto menor a percepção de danos pessoais e quanto maior a percepção de alerta e conhecimento de risco, maiores os benefícios percebidos do uso de medicamentos. Objetivo econômicas médicos farmacêutico Originalidade/valor Originalidadevalor Originalidade valor tradeoffs trade offs consumidor farmacêutica Covid19. Covid19 Covid 19. 19 Covid-19 desenvolvimento automedicam insuficiente amigos vizinhos entanto emergentes Design/metodologia/abordagem Designmetodologiaabordagem Design metodologia abordagem Tratase Trata MRE (MRE mundo Brasil Resultados obtidos , risco) gênero Covid1 1 Covid-1 Covid-

Studies have established that promoting financial inclusion in tandem with traditional financial sector policy and regulatory objectives such as financial stability and integrity, and consumer protection requires policymakers and regulators to take into consideration the need to minimise possible trade-offs and to maximise synergies between these objectives. However, current policies on financial inclusion do not provide a specific approach or methodology to assess the impact that these trade-offs and synergies have on new financial inclusion frameworks. This article discusses policies and regulatory frameworks to promote financial inclusion in the last 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa and the developing (Inclusion-Stability, Integrity and Protection) methodology to assess the impact that these trade-offs and synergies have on new financial inclusion frameworks. It begins by discussing the financial inclusion framework in the country. It also discusses the financial sector laws that promote financial stability, integrity and consumer protection, and whether these measures include the promotion of financial inclusion. It identifies the need to adopt the evolving I-SIP methodology to ensure that policymakers and regulators balance the importance of promoting financial inclusion against equally important financial sector policy and regulatory objectives, such as financial stability, integrity and consumer protection.

In this study, the specific absorption rate (SAR) and exposure index (EI) of access points (APs) and user equipment (UEs) in fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) wireless technologies are examined with regard to the effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) radiation and the implications of their reduction. We characterize the EI using a classical mathematical method while considering the power density, the SAR, the electric field strength, and the tissue's density and conductivity. As such, a novel exposure-index open-loop power control algorithm is proposed to evaluate the realistic RF-EMF radiation exposure on human users from both the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) communication devices. To solve an EI minimization problem using the open-loop power control algorithm, we formulate it in the form of a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem. As the energy capacity (i.e., power density) in wireless networks determines the radiation exposure (SAR and EI), it minimizes the EI by controlling and managing the transmitted and received powers under the restrictions of Quality of Service (QoS), interference, and power, while ensuring the users' QoS requirements are met. Our proposed scheme is numerically compared to other heuristic algorithms and exposure limits established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and other similar organizations. Lastly, we compare the emissions from 4G and 5G networks to the emissions from UL and DL transmissions. Our simulation findings indicate that our proposed technique is a good alternative. Our assessment, in terms of numerical results and evaluation, also verifies that the exposures are bearable, fall within the recommended limits, and are minimized without impairing the users' QoS.

Electronic devices with high performances like Power Amplifiers (PA) are very important for Wireless communications. This paper proposes a design of a class AB power amplifier operating at 2.45 GHz, in the S-band frequency. The Cree's CG2H40045F GaN HEMT (High Electron Mobility Transistor) is used for this design. The Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology has been chosen in light of its advantageous properties such as high breakdown voltage, high band gap, as well as high thermal conditions. The paper investigates the different design trade-offs for finding a good balance between various key parameters of the PA (linearity, efficiency, and gain). A design approach has been proposed and the microstrip lines based on the Smith Chart tool available in ADS software have been used for the matching process. The class AB was selected to reach a good agreement between linearity and efficiency, provided by this class. After various process applications from DC characterization to simulations, the proposed design achieves a power added efficiency more than 50% at power saturation with a gain of 15 dB in schematic simulation. The layout dimensions are 55.5 x 64.45 mm² on PCB technology.

This study explores the application of machine learning in the prediction of stroke occurrences, a critical task in healthcare with the potential to save lives and reduce the impact of this life-altering medical event. Leveraging the "Healthcare Stroke Data" dataset, we employed two powerful classification models, the Random Forest and Support Vector Machine (SVM), to forecast stroke likelihood. Our analysis encompasses data preprocessing, model training, and comprehensive evaluation using classification metrics and confusion matrices. The study reveals the trade-offs between accuracy, recall, precision, and the F1 score in both models. While the Random Forest exhibits higher accuracy, the SVM excels in recall, a crucial factor in healthcare. Precision challenges in both models highlight the need for further refinement. Additionally, we conducted a feature importance analysis, emphasizing the pivotal role of age, BMI, and glucose levels in stroke prediction. This work exemplifies the potential of machine learning in healthcare and contributes to ongoing efforts in improving stroke prediction and prevention.

Abstract This article describes the use of a low-cost softwaredefined radio applied to an Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test. The proposed system is indicated for cases when an autonomous instrument is better suited, i.e., when there is no need for external signal or power connections. As a proof of concept, a metallic cavity has its shielding parameter measured, and the obtained results illustrate the kind of outputs the instrument can provide. Details concerning the hardware and software utilized are mentioned, alongside observed pitfalls and trade-offs. It is an affordable and versatile method, which can replace the traditional use of spectrum analyzers and receivers, especially in precompliance tasks. lowcost low cost EMC (EMC test suited ie i e i.e. connections concept measured provide mentioned tradeoffs. tradeoffs trade offs. offs trade-offs method receivers tasks i.e

Abstract Background: Palynological studies have contributed with topics closely linked to sustainability. However, there are still few scientific reviews that have discussed the relevance of practical applications in current palynology and its perspectives as a theoretical framework for the study of integrated landscape management. This review shows palynological contributions within agricultural model diversities in both natural and novel ecosystems. Questions: What are the current perspectives and concerns of the mature phase in palynology? What are the approaches of pollen analysis on landscape management and biodiversity conservation? Studied species: Pollen analysis and palynomorphs. Study site and dates: Global literature from current palynology. Methods: Global scientific literature using keywords, theoretical frameworks, and original articles. Results: We identified palynological perspectives for the study of sustainability based on global scientific literature: 1) ecological-evolutionary and 2) interdisciplinary research. In addition, we discussed some synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services that were recognized through current palynology in different farming landscapes: biodiversity-based farming systems and chemical input-based farming systems. While pollen morphology and descriptive palynology can provide the basis for crop improvement, biological invasions, and the effect of deforestation on native species, more analytical approaches such as land-use indicators are necessary for sustainable management. In addition, we have included some biocultural aspects to conservation, due to a lack of practical discourse in current palynology. Conclusions: Innovative influences from current palynology are powerful approaches to integrated landscape management.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los estudios palinológicos han contribuído con temas relacionados a la sostenibilidad. Sin embargo, existen pocas revisiones científicas que discutan la relevancia de dichas aplicaciones y sus perspectivas como marco teórico para la gestión integrada del paisaje. En la presente revisión, se muestran algunas contribuciones palinológicas en modelos agrícolas, tanto de ecosistemas naturales como novedosos. Preguntas: ¿Cuáles son las perspectivas y preocupaciones actuales de la fase madura palinológica? ¿Cuáles son los enfoques del análisis polínico en el manejo del paisaje y la conservación biológica? Especies de estudio: Análisis polínico y palinomorfos. Sitio y años de estudio: Literatura global y actualizada. Métodos: Literatura científica utilizando palabras clave, marcos teóricos y artículos científicos originales. Resultados: Identificamos dos perspectivas palinológicas para el estudio de la sostenibilidad: 1) una ecológica-evolutiva y 2) la investigación interdisciplinaria. Además, discutimos algunas sinergias y compromisos entre servicios ecosistémicos, a través de la palinología en diversos paisajes: sistemas agrícolas basados en la biodiversidad y en insumos químicos. Si bien la palinología descriptiva y la morfología polínica pueden proveer la base para el mejoramiento de los cultivos, las invasiones biológicas y el efecto de la deforestación sobre especies nativas, los enfoques analíticos con indicadores de uso de suelo son necesarios para una gestión sostenible. Además, incluimos algunos aspectos bioculturales para la conservación, debido a la falta de un discurso práctico y palinológico. Conclusiones: Las influencias innovadoras de la palinología son un enfoque poderoso en la gestión integrada del paisaje.

ABSTRACT The lack of observed data and calibration strategies, scale variability, and difficulties in representing heterogeneity of sediment-processes contribute to the usual challenges in achieving satisfactory results in hydro-sedimentological modeling, particularly when using the MUSLE equation for large-scale applications. As a consequence, we investigated five major topics: (1) a sediment-process-based parameterization technique (Hydro-sedimentological Response Unit map - HRUSed); (2) the quality of hydrological modeling with different process-focused parameterizations; (3) a calibration strategy based on the sediment discretization approach for hydro-sedimentological modeling; (4) the use of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) versus suspended sediment discharge (SSD) data for calibration; and (5) trade-offs between increasing the spatial resolution of a large-scale model and using the proposed HRUSed discretization. The current study demonstrated (1) the HRUSed map for South America and (2) a similar performance of large-scale hydrological modeling using a hydrological or hydro-sedimentological discretization approach. (3) The HRUSed discretization approach produced better hydro-sedimentological modeling results. (4) We improved the model’s performance for HRUSed (SSC and SSD results) and for HRU (Hydrological Response Unit map) only for SSD results. (5) Only more detailed spatial discretization has failed to improve process representation. However, increased spatial discretization with a process-parameterization approach focused on hydro-sedimentological dynamics improved model performance. strategies variability sedimentprocesses processes hydrosedimentological hydro sedimentological largescale large applications consequence topics 1 (1 sedimentprocessbased Hydrosedimentological Hydro HRUSed) 2 (2 processfocused parameterizations 3 (3 4 (4 SSC (SSD 5 (5 tradeoffs trade offs models s Hydrological representation However processparameterization (

RESUMO A falta de dados observados e estratégias de calibração, a variabilidade de escalas e as dificuldades em representar a heterogeneidade dos processos de erosão e sedimentação contribuem para os desafios usuais na obtenção de resultados satisfatórios na modelagem hidrossedimentológica, particularmente quando se usa a equação MUSLE para aplicações em larga escala. Como consequência, investigamos cinco tópicos principais: (1) uma técnica de parametrização baseada em processos de produção de sedimentos (mapa da unidade de resposta hidrossedimentológica - HRUSed); (2) a qualidade da modelagem hidrológica com diferentes parametrizações focadas nos processos; (3) uma estratégia de calibração baseada na abordagem de discretização focada em sedimentos para modelagem hidrossedimentológica; (4) o uso de dados de concentração de sedimentos em suspensão (CSS) versus descarga de sedimentos em suspensão (DSS) para calibração; e (5) trade-offs entre aumentar a resolução espacial de um modelo de grande escala e usar a discretização HRUSed proposta. O presente estudo demonstrou: (1) o mapa HRUSed para a América do Sul e (2) um desempenho semelhante de modelagem hidrológica em larga escala usando uma abordagem de discretização hidrológica ou hidrossedimentológica; (3) A abordagem de discretização HRUSed produziu melhores resultados de modelagem hidrossedimentológica; (4) Melhoramos o desempenho do modelo para HRUSed (resultados CSS e DSS) e para HRU (mapa de unidades de resposta hidrológica) apenas para resultados de DSS; e (5) adotar apenas uma discretização espacial mais detalhada falhou em melhorar a representação dos processos. No entanto, o aumento da discretização espacial com uma abordagem de parametrização de processos focada na dinâmica hidrossedimentológica melhorou o desempenho do modelo. consequência principais 1 (1 HRUSed) 2 (2 3 (3 4 (4 (CSS DSS (DSS 5 (5 tradeoffs trade offs proposta demonstrou entanto (

Resumo: Quantificar e qualificar a sustentabilidade em unidades de produção agrícolas vêm se tornando uma necessidade para muitos produtores rurais, assim como para gestores de políticas voltadas ao setor. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a sustentabilidade de propriedades rurais em municípios de Minas Gerais por meio da aplicação do método ISA. A partir de uma amostra de 39 unidades de produção familiar, foram avaliados indicadores relacionados à qualidade do solo, da água e da vegetação, e aos aspectos socioeconômicos dos agroecossistemas. As informações coletadas permitiram uma classificação das propriedades em quatro grupos distintos. O valor médio do ISA para as propriedades foi de 0,57 − abaixo do valor de 0,70, que é considerado ideal −, sendo esse conjunto classificado como em estado de desenvolvimento. Foi realizada uma comparação entre o ISA de 39 propriedades aplicadas nos anos de 2013 e 2016, permitindo verificar uma melhoria das condições de sustentabilidade após a implantação de diversas ações identificadas após a primeira aplicação. Assim, através dos resultados encontrados, chegou-se à conclusão de que o ISA é uma ferramenta adequada para avaliar a sustentabilidade de propriedades rurais, sugerir melhorias e ainda identificar trade-offs em termos de sustentabilidade, entre os aspectos socioeconômicos e ambientais.

Abstract: Quantifying and qualifying sustainability in agricultural production units has become a necessity for many rural producers, as well as for managers of policies aimed at the sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sustainability of rural properties in municipalities of Minas Gerais through the application of the ISA method. From a sample of 39 family production units, indicators related to the quality of soil, water, vegetation and the socioeconomic aspects of agroecosystems were evaluated. The information collected allowed a classification of properties into 4 distinct groups. The average value of the ISA for the properties was 0.57, below the value of 0.70, which is considered ideal, and this set is classified as in a state of development. A comparison was made between the ISA of 39 properties applied in the years 2013 and 2016, allowing to verify an improvement in sustainability conditions after the implementation of several actions identified after the first application. Thus, through the results found, it was concluded that the ISA is an adequate tool to assess the sustainability of rural properties, suggest improvements and identify trade-offs in terms of sustainability between socioeconomic and environmental aspects.

Abstract The cocoa is an important socio-cultural and economic activity in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) and the largest contributor to country’s GDP and exports. However, small producers linked to this chain, connected into two cooperatives, faced several significant trade-offs between the organic cocoa production, with some advantages related to its superior market value and fine flavour or, to replace it, with others more productive and profitable crops. This study aimed to analyse the risk behaviour of organic cocoa producers in STP in the context of their livelihood strategies, through the application of a questionnaire to a sample of 230 rural families. The results showed no differences in governance between the two cooperatives. A theoretical model was used to determine the relationships between risk components and livelihood strategies. The results show that risk perceptions are more important than risk attitudes in deciding risk mitigation strategies. Furthermore, perceptions play a mediating role between farmers' risk attitudes and the risk management strategies adopted by them. These results advocate policy measures geared towards farmers' perceptions of risk in order to implement successful risk management strategies. sociocultural socio cultural (STP countrys country s exports However chain cooperatives tradeoffs trade offs production or it crops 23 families Furthermore farmers them 2

Resumo O cacau é uma importante atividade sociocultural e económica em São Tomé e Príncipe (STP) e o maior contribuinte para o PIB e para as exportações do país. No entanto, os pequenos produtores ligados a esta cadeia de valor, pertencentes a duas cooperativas, enfrentam vários problemas e desafios relacionados à continuidade da produção de cacau biológico, com algumas vantagens relacionadas ao superior valor de mercado superior e sabor fino ou, à sua substituição por outras atividades mais produtivas e rentáveis. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o comportamento face ao risco dos produtores de cacau biológico de STP no contexto das suas estratégias de subsistência, através da aplicação de um questionário a uma amostra de 230 famílias rurais. Os resultados mostraram não haver diferenças de governança entre as duas cooperativas. Um modelo teórico foi usado para determinar as relações entre as componentes de risco e as estratégias de subsistência. Os resultados mostram que as perceções de risco são mais importantes do que as atitudes de risco na decisão de estratégias de mitigação de risco. Além disso, as perceções desempenham um papel mediador entre as atitudes de risco dos agricultores e as estratégias de gestão de risco adotadas por eles. Estes resultados defendem medidas de política orientadas para as perceções de risco dos agricultores, a fim de implementar estratégias de gestão de risco bem-sucedidas. (STP país entanto cooperativas ou rentáveis subsistência 23 rurais disso eles bemsucedidas. bemsucedidas bem sucedidas. sucedidas bem-sucedidas 2

Abstract Sustainability assessment is a very subjective and complex procedure. However, whether to cope with climate change, market pressures or new environmental policies, winegrowers are today looking for ways to improve and measure their performance. Nevertheless, there is still a great demand of more information and better evaluation methodologies as most of general assessment frameworks are environmentally focused, non-context-comprehensive or even unfit to evaluate permanent crops such as viticulture. To consider context-comprehensiveness is therefore seen as fundamental in research of this nature. Our objective is to explore nationwide perceptions of upper echelon individuals from the Portuguese wine industry regarding sustainability issues and better ways to assess it. By covering nine of the 14 wine regions in Portugal, the aim is to spot intercultural trends and get a wider picture of the sector´s sustainability awareness. A grounded theory approach was used for the complexity of the topic and for allowing to uncover potential perspective-paradoxes or trade-offs. After collecting data through in-depth interviews, an inductive qualitative-content analysis was applied using IRAMUTEQ software. Results displayed key criteria and insights grouped in four clusters from three distinct ramifications. Beyond the mention of critical factors about the sector´s environmental impacts from the production to packaging phase, distribution and transportation, concerns regarding intergenerational equity gap and non-equitable development opportunities for rural areas were also gathered. One ramification was based on the need to have access to proper sustainability assessment tools. From the urgency to develop a sustainability framework or even certification scheme for increasing consumer demands and export market pressures, to the importance to provide a practical toolkit with lifecycle guidelines, user-friendly and able to support decision-making, two clusters were created. This study reported findings can serve as a reference to wine managers and policy-makers pursuing sustainable development goals. procedure However change policies performance Nevertheless focused noncontextcomprehensive non context comprehensive viticulture contextcomprehensiveness comprehensiveness nature it 1 Portugal sectors sector s awareness perspectiveparadoxes perspective paradoxes tradeoffs. tradeoffs trade offs. offs trade-offs indepth depth interviews qualitativecontent qualitative content software ramifications phase transportation nonequitable equitable gathered tools guidelines userfriendly user friendly decisionmaking, decisionmaking decision making, making decision-making created policymakers policy makers goals

Resumo A avaliação da sustentabilidade é um processo muito subjetivo e complexo. No entanto, seja para fazer face às alterações climáticas, às pressões do mercado ou às novas políticas ambientais emergentes, o sector vitivinícola procura hoje melhores formas de aperfeiçoar e medir o seu desempenho em sustentabilidade. Há, contudo, ainda uma grande demanda por informação de qualidade, melhores dados e metodologias de avaliação. A maioria dos instrumentos de avaliação hoje disponíveis continuam a manter um foco essencialmente ambiental, são bastante genéricos em relação ao contexto sob avaliação, ou mesmo considerados inadequados para avaliar culturas permanentes, como é o caso da viticultura. Ter em consideração o contexto sob avaliação é visto como fundamental e crítico no que diz respeito a questões relacionadas com a sustentabilidade. O objetivo deste trabalho de âmbito nacional é explorar as várias perceções e ideias recolhidas junto de atores-chave do sector vitivinícola em Portugal, sobre questões relacionadas com uma produção de vinho mais sustentável e melhores formas de avaliar o desempenho do sector. Este estudo ao abranger nove das 14 regiões vitivinícolas em Portugal, permite detetar tendências interculturais e melhor compreender o nível de conhecimento e preocupação do sector relativamente a práticas mais sustentáveis e formas de avaliar o seu desempenho. Usou-se a Grounded Theory como abordagem metodológica tendo em conta a complexidade do tópico em estudo, assim como por permitir expor possíveis paradoxos, tensões e trade-offs existentes. Após a realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas para recolha de dados qualitativos, recorreu-se ao software IRAMUTEQ para efetuar uma análise indutiva de conteúdo textual. Os resultados exibiram quatro classes de vocabulário homogéneo, provenientes de três ramificações claramente distintas. Para além de frequentes comentários relacionados com os principais fatores responsáveis pelo impacto ambiental do setor, desde a fase de produção à fase de embalamento, distribuição e transporte, foram também expostas preocupações associadas com a uma fraca transmissão intergeracional da atividade assim como de oportunidades e dinâmicas não equitativas de desenvolvimento rural entre regiões. Uma das ramificações sustenta também a necessidade do sector ter acesso a ferramentas de avaliação de desempenho adequadas às particularidades da atividade, assim como um referencial ou esquema de certificação de sustentabilidade de modo a dar resposta às demandas dos consumidores ou pressões do mercado. A importância de fornecer um guia prático com diretrizes de todo o ciclo de vida, fácil de usar e capaz de apoiar a tomada de decisão dos intervenientes foi também demonstrada em duas classes textuais. Os resultados deste estudo podem ter interesse e servir como referência estratégica quer para produtores de vinho como responsáveis políticos com foco sobre os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável. complexo entanto climáticas emergentes Há contudo qualidade permanentes viticultura atoreschave atores chave Portugal 1 Usouse Usou se paradoxos tradeoffs trade offs existentes qualitativos recorreuse recorreu textual homogéneo distintas setor embalamento transporte vida textuais