Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability

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Organizational Unit

Publications

Blue Circular Economy—Reuse and Valorization of Bivalve Shells: The Case of Algarve, Portugal

Publication . Magalhães, Fernanda Caroline; Bellei, Poliana; Flores-Colen, Inês; Marques Da Costa, Eduarda

The Circular Economy emerges as an alternative to reinvent the linear production model (take–make–waste), focusing on reintegrating waste into the production cycle, and aiming to minimize both environmental disposal and the unrestrained extraction of raw materials. In this context, the concept of Blue Economy arises, an approach centered on preserving and valorizing marine and coastal resources. This article aims to develop a model for the circuit of bivalve shells, emphasizing the transformation of the residues into new products and identifying how these processes affect sociocultural, economic, and environmental dimensions. The methodology involved the surveying of local stakeholders directly involved in bivalve production and consumption to identify the relationship of these stakeholders with the production, marketing, and disposal of bivalves. It is concluded that biowaste has potential, and there is interest among local stakeholders in reusing it, but a lack of knowledge and connection among stakeholders ultimately leads to the devaluation of the product. The circuit of bivalves is necessary to identify value, propose correct collection, and stimulate interest in their reuse, both by other industries and by the aquaculture industry itself. Exploring the potential for reusing bivalves and mitigating their waste, as well as preventing improper disposal, could drive the development of the Blue Circular Economy in coastal regions.

2024Journal article

Open access

Assessing the Traveling Risks Perceived by South African Travelers during Pandemic Outbreaks: The Case of COVID-19

Publication . Plank, Pia Antoinette; Gomes, Luís Filipe; Caldas, Paulo; Varela, Miguel; Ferreira, Diogo

The unprecedented global health crisis caused by COVID-19 is undoubtedly having a major impact on international tourism for two reasons. While the imposed travel restrictions have discouraged people from traveling, travelers are struggling with growing anxiety in coping with the new travel environment. We address the changing risk perceptions of travelers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our primary objective is to identify and weigh significant emerging travel risks and develop a Risk Score Index to measure destination performance and strategic interventions for South African travelers. In this case, we used MACBETH and web-Delphi to construct that index with the help of 32 experts in the field. We found that the risks perceived by tourists are multifaceted and encompass categories, such as additional costs, exchange rates, and reimbursement-related factors. These three criteria are most important to the general perception of travel risk. We applied the developed risk assessment index to five destinations to assess their performance relative to the identified risks. The UK was the best-performing country.

2023-06-08Journal article

Open access

Assessing the Traveling Risks Perceived by South African Travelers during Pandemic Outbreaks: The Case of COVID-19

Publication . Plank, Pia Antoinette; Gomes, Luís Filipe; Caldas, Paulo; Varela, Miguel; Ferreira, Diogo

The unprecedented global health crisis caused by COVID-19 is undoubtedly having a major impact on international tourism for two reasons. While the imposed travel restrictions have discouraged people from traveling, travelers are struggling with growing anxiety in coping with the new travel environment. We address the changing risk perceptions of travelers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our primary objective is to identify and weigh significant emerging travel risks and develop a Risk Score Index to measure destination performance and strategic interventions for South African travelers. In this case, we used MACBETH and web-Delphi to construct that index with the help of 32 experts in the field. We found that the risks perceived by tourists are multifaceted and encompass categories, such as additional costs, exchange rates, and reimbursement-related factors. These three criteria are most important to the general perception of travel risk. We applied the developed risk assessment index to five destinations to assess their performance relative to the identified risks. The UK was the best-performing country.

2023-06-08Journal article

Open access

Assessing sustainable development goals attainment through energy-environmental efficiency: The case of Latin American and Caribbean countries

Publication . Ibrahim, M.D.; Alola, A.A.; Ferreira, D.C.

This study evaluates the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) using energy-environmental efficiency as a principal driver. Hicks-Moorsteen Index, based on optimal targets, is utilized to estimate the performance of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries towards SDGs. Performance is decomposed into catch-up efficiency and technological progress. Results show that, compared to 2012, only 15% of the countries evaluated exhibit improved catch-up efficiency in 2020, while 74% of the countries evaluated showed technological progress in 2020 compared to 2012. Improvement in SDGs attainment in LAC results from technological advancement and not catch-up efficiency. Gross catch-up inefficiency appears to obstruct SDGs attainment. The regression elaborates the indirect extrinsic socio-economic dimension of the SDGs accomplishment. Specifically, the results of the fully modified ordinary least squares and generalized method of moments for the examined years support the desired prospects for green productivity among the cross-section of LAC. Moreover, in each of the upper years, the result suggests that environmental performance and renewable energy-induced economic progress are vital for the examined countries' sustainable green productivity. Notably, the result predicts a slow but progressive path toward achieving the SDGs, suggesting more intentional and inclusive effort by the respective economies.

2023-06Journal article

Open access

Determination of baseline groundwater levels for tree conservation in urban historical botanical gardens using applied geophysics

Publication . Paz, Maria Catarina; Falcão, Ana Paula; Garcia, César Augusto; Esteves, Miguel; Afonso, Nuno; Mendes, Maria Paula

Historical botanical gardens hold a significant place in cultural heritage. They serve as interpretive repositories of past botanical knowledge and practices, showcase plant collections cultivated over centuries, provide space for the emergence of new ecologies, offer numerous human well-being benefits, and supply vital regulating ecosystem services, which are especially important in urban areas. Nowadays, however, plants within urban historical botanical gardens can be at risk due to urban development. Therefore, it is crucial to achieve a comprehensive understanding of these spaces to help implement protective measures and support proper urban planning of the surrounding areas. This study investigates the subsurface of the Botanical Garden of Lisbon (JBL), which is subject to nearby construction works that may alter groundwater flow and depth. We employed a methodology designed for minimal on-site disturbance and high adaptability to the spatial constraints typical of these spaces. Two non-invasive applied geophysical techniques were used: ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Our main objectives were: (1) to assess groundwater levels in the construction area and establish the piezometric surface, and (2) to determine if the tree-root zones reach the saturated zone, establish a groundwater baseline, and suggest protective measures. The establishment of the piezometric surface and the delimitation of the tree-root zone, extending up to 3.0 m in depth, revealed that tree-root zones can reach groundwater levels. This finding underscores the critical need for vigilant monitoring and management of groundwater levels during excavation activities, as decreased lateral groundwater contributions from the potential excavation site can adversely affect groundwater levels in the plant beds. These findings and methodology can be applied to urban botanical gardens worldwide, as many of these gardens face similar challenges due to urbanization and environmental changes.

2025Journal article

Open access