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Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) is a new paradigm in science, technology, and innovation policy that seeks to produce a transition to sustainable development. In this paradigm, universities are crucial actors in the dynamics of science, technology, and innovation, but their role in the implementation of TIP should be defined. The objective of this article is to contribute to the understanding of the ideal role of Latin American universities in the implementation of TIP. Therefore—to describe and analyze the concepts of university and TIP in Latin America—this case study examines the co-creation of a public policy of science, technology, and innovation by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in that region. This article underscores the vital role of universities in promoting transformative innovation that fosters social inclusion and sustainability. To achieve this goal, structural policy changes should be implemented, and different stakeholders (including researchers, students, and civil society) should be actively engaged. This paper also highlights the importance of addressing socio-economic, cultural, political, cognitive, and environmental issues faced by marginalized communities. By embracing the principles of transitions theory and prioritizing transformative innovation, universities can make significant contributions towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are plastic particles of concern worldwide as they negatively affect the environment and human health. The interactions of microorganisms with microplastics and nanoplastics are different. On one hand, microorganisms might biodegrade MPs/NPs through enzymes, but on the other hand, they serve as vehicles to spread diseases or negatively affect their viability. As a result, several studies have reported disturbances in soil balance and negative impacts on geochemical cycles. With an increasing number of investigations into microorganisms and their interactions with MPs and NPs, this study demonstrates a growing interest in biodegradable alternatives. A bibliometric analysis of 719 documents published from 2010 to December 2021 presents the research landscape on the interaction of microplastics and nanoplastics with microorganisms. The study shows that China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany lead the scientific production on this topic. However, in situ studies of large-scale pilot applications in the environment are scarce. More research funding from governments in the form of national action that stimulates national and international cooperation through universities, institutes, and industries is required. There is an urgent need for studies focusing on the degradation mechanisms of various microorganisms through the characterization of enzymes involved in the chemical modification of these emerging contaminants (MPs/NPs) with transparent standard methodologies. Moreover, there is no standardization for MP/NP extraction or characterization methodologies for different environments, especially in atmosphere. The patent need for alternative pathways for MP/NP degradation is evident, using microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, microalgae, and a consortium (peripheral biofilms) to mitigate the negative impact of the constantly increasing anthropogenic MP/NP pollutants in the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of the supply chains, in which the production, distribution, and transportation systems were disrupted, permanently or temporarily. Despite the enormous influences the pandemic had on transportation systems, no study has yet assessed the extent to which the freight restrictions and barriers influenced logistics costs after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, understanding them is necessary to guide and stimulate public policies that intend to optimize the effects of freight restrictions on logistics costs. Thus, this paper assesses and compares the effects that such barriers in urban freight transport, and the restrictions imposed on freight vehicles, had on logistics costs before and during the pandemic. We surveyed more than 120 logistics professionals in Brazil in both 2018 and 2020/2021, making comparisons using models that were assessed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The findings suggest that barriers and freight restrictions influenced the logistics costs positively, but such influences reduced during the pandemic. Being aware of the barriers and restrictions that influence logistics costs and of how the pandemic increased the effects of some restrictions is essential for managers to be able make timely and appropriate decisions and to plan and implement initiatives to prevent or reduce costs.

The concept of e-learning is a technology-mediated learning approach of great potential from the educational perspective and it has been one of the main research lines of Educational Technology in the last decades. The aim of the present systematic literature review (SLR) was to identify (a) the research topics; (b) the most relevant theories; (c) the most researched modalities; and (d) the research methodologies used. To this end, the PRISMA protocol was followed, and different tools were used for the bibliographic management and text-mining. The literature selection was carried out in three first-quartile journals indexed in JCR-SSCI specialized in Educational Technology. A total of 248 articles composed the final sample. The analysis of the texts identified three main nodes: (a) online students; (b) online teachers; and (c) curriculum-interactive learning environments. It was revealed that MOOC was the most researched e-learning modality. The Community of Inquiry and the Technological Acceptance Model, were the most used theories in the analyzed studies. The most frequent methodology was case study. Finally, the conclusions regarding the objectives of our SRL are presented: Main themes and research sub-themes, most researched e-learning modality, most relevant theoretical frameworks on e-learning, and typologies of research methodologies.

The purpose of this study is to identify teaching styles (TS) and learning styles (LS) in teachers and students in public schools with a focus on renewable energies, with the aim of designing and applying curricular strategies based on active learning in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the same way, it seeks to determine the differences related between TS and LS. The research was developed with a quantitative methodology and a correlational descriptive approach. In addition, a non-experimental, cross-sectional design was used and an intentional non-probabilistic sampling of 125 students and 20 professors from the Maria Inmaculada School of the municipality of Puerto Carreño, Colombia. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between TS and LS. However, it was identified that students prefer a reflective teaching methodology (M = 15.5, SD = 0.75) followed by the active style (M = 14.2, SD = 1.10) and, to a lesser extent, the pragmatic style (M = 11.4, SD = 1.19). In the case of teachers, the most used teaching style is also reflective (M = 25.7, SD = 1.02), followed by individualized (M = 20.1, SD = 0.56) and, to a lesser extent, inquiry (M = 5.3, SD = 1.10). This research allows the generating of new knowledge that contributes to improving educational processes in the school population with a focus on renewable energies, enabling the promotion of strategies towards a sustainable society.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is transforming the world we live in, revealing our health, economic, and social weaknesses. In the local economy, the loss of job opportunities, the uncertainty about the future of small and medium-sized companies and the difficulties of families to face the effects of this crisis, invite us to investigate the perception of the local community. Based on a questionnaire applied to 313 citizens and 51 companies, this study explored the perception of these actors on the effects of the pandemic at the local level and determined the main factors that influenced their assessment using a multinomial logistic regression model. The results indicated a systematic concern for issues of employment, job security, and household debt. The variables of age and sex were significant when analyzing the vulnerability of certain groups, especially women and the elderly, to face the effects of the crisis and their role as citizens. At the business level, the focus was on economic policies that support its operational continuity and management capacity to face a changing scenario.

Over the years, it has been demonstrated that nature is a very important pillar in learning. Outdoor education is an innovative pedagogical approach that is gaining prominence and brings numerous benefits to the students who receive it. Previous studies have tried to show the positive relationship between education and nature and its benefits for children, but only a few reports refer to the specific perception of teachers on this issue, as well as possible differences according to the location of the school. Thus, taking into account the research questions, this paper aims to identify, analyze, and interpret the perception of early childhood education teachers in the Spanish region of Extremadura about outdoor educational practices. For this purpose, attention is paid to the implementation, difficulties, training, or area in which these outdoor educational practices take place, considering the location of the school. Findings showed that teachers are aware of the benefits of outdoor education, but most of them have not received specific training on it, perceive difficulties in carrying them out, or only carry them out at school. As a result, some differences can be perceived depending on the location of the school. Therefore, these results should make us change our perception of education and be able to propose alternatives, involving all the agents and participants of the education system and being aware of the benefits of outdoor education.

Tourism is often seen as the ‘golden ticket’ for the development of many islands. The current COVID-19 pandemic, however, has ground global tourism to a halt. In particular, islands that depend heavily on tourist inflows—including mass-tourism islands, and small island developing states (SIDS)—have seen their revenues diminish significantly, and poverty rates increasing. Some alternative-tourism islands have fared better, as they have focused on providing personalized, nature-based experiences to mostly domestic tourists. This article focuses on the experiences of mass-tourism islands, SIDS, and alternative-tourism islands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers possible post-pandemic scenarios, as well as recommendations for sustainable island tourism development. Although the pandemic has largely had a negative impact on the tourism sector, this is a unique opportunity for many islands to review the paradigm of tourism development. In this newly emerging world, and under a still very uncertain future scenario, the quadriptych of sustainability is more important than ever. Responsible governance and management of islands’ natural resources and their tourism activities, addressing climate change impacts, the diversification of islands’ economies, and the promotion of innovative and personalized tourist experiences are all necessary steps towards increasing islands’ resilience in case of future economic downturn or health- and environment-related crises.