title: The paradox of sustainability definitions

authors: Dimitrov, Dara

subjects: Sustainability, definitions, worldviews,

abstract: Purpose: This paper aims to encourage debate and reflection over the increasing application of the word sustainability and the implied meanings are taken from this usage. It is argued that there are increasing numbers of sustainability definitions which are producing negative effects; that the interpretation and dissemination of sustainability definitions are not neutral in their effects of understanding sustainability. 

Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper examines how sustainability is conceptualised from two worldviews and by specifically looking at four different convening parties; how their dimensions of sustainability are linked, influence and drive the construction of the sustainability definitions in a variety of areas and in the public domain. 

Findings: This research has identified that the paradox of sustainability definitions lies in the parties who create them and not in the issues of sustainability; that often sustainability definitions do not share the same goals. 

Practical Implications: This paper seeks to bring the increasing surfeit of sustainability definitions under scrutiny and therefore extend possibilities of further research in the areas of social responsibility, ethics, claims of professionalism and accountability. 

Originality/Value: There has been little if any research that questions the validity of the sustainability definitions and how they address the issues of sustainability. It shows that the sustainability definitions can affect and shape the understanding of sustainability in a variety of areas and for a variety of parties.

text: The paradox of sustainability definitions Purpose: This paper aims to encourage debate and reflection over the increasing application of the word sustainability and the implied meanings are taken from this usage. It is argued that there are increasing numbers of sustainability definitions which are producing negative effects; that the interpretation and dissemination of sustainability definitions are not neutral in their effects of understanding sustainability. 

Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper examines how sustainability is conceptualised from two worldviews and by specifically looking at four different convening parties; how their dimensions of sustainability are linked, influence and drive the construction of the sustainability definitions in a variety of areas and in the public domain. 

Findings: This research has identified that the paradox of sustainability definitions lies in the parties who create them and not in the issues of sustainability; that often sustainability definitions do not share the same goals. 

Practical Implications: This paper seeks to bring the increasing surfeit of sustainability definitions under scrutiny and therefore extend possibilities of further research in the areas of social responsibility, ethics, claims of professionalism and accountability. 

Originality/Value: There has been little if any research that questions the validity of the sustainability definitions and how they address the issues of sustainability. It shows that the sustainability definitions can affect and shape the understanding of sustainability in a variety of areas and for a variety of parties.

year: 2010

title: The effect of inlet conditions on the air side hydraulic resistance and flow maldistribution in industrial air heaters

authors: Hoffmann-Vocke, Jonas

subjects: flow maldistribution

abstract: Experimental system hydraulic resistance measurements on a scale air heater unit have highlighted the excessive hydraulic resistance of typical industry configurations. Both poor header inlet conditions and large header expansion angles are shown to contribute to system hydraulic resistance magnitudes 20–100% higher than suitable benchmark cases. Typical centrifugal fan system efficiencies well under 80% multiply the system resistance effects resulting in larger fan power penalties. Velocity profile measurements taken upstream and downstream of the test heat exchanger under flow maldistribution conditions provide insight into the flow maldistribution spreading caused by the heat exchanger resistance. The anisotropic resistance of the plate fin-and-tube heat exchanger is shown to result in resistance induced flow dispersion being concentrated in the axis parallel to the plate fins.

text: The effect of inlet conditions on the air side hydraulic resistance and flow maldistribution in industrial air heaters Experimental system hydraulic resistance measurements on a scale air heater unit have highlighted the excessive hydraulic resistance of typical industry configurations. Both poor header inlet conditions and large header expansion angles are shown to contribute to system hydraulic resistance magnitudes 20–100% higher than suitable benchmark cases. Typical centrifugal fan system efficiencies well under 80% multiply the system resistance effects resulting in larger fan power penalties. Velocity profile measurements taken upstream and downstream of the test heat exchanger under flow maldistribution conditions provide insight into the flow maldistribution spreading caused by the heat exchanger resistance. The anisotropic resistance of the plate fin-and-tube heat exchanger is shown to result in resistance induced flow dispersion being concentrated in the axis parallel to the plate fins.

year: 2011

title: Kia Maanu, Kia Ora: Stay Afloat, Stay Alive – Acknowledging the significance of tikanga Māori in formulating and communicating water safety policies and practices

authors: Haimona, Mark

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: The traditional beliefs and practices of Māori demonstrate great respect for water, for its dangers as well as its life-giving properties, and Māori have, along with other Polynesian peoples, been known for their skill in swimming, fishing and canoeing. However, Māori now outnumber others in New Zealand in terms of the proportion involved in drowning and water-related injury. In seeking to promote water safety among Māori, Water Safety New Zealand has enlisted the help of Māori communities. Its message - Kia Maanu, Kia Ora (Stay Afloat, Stay Alive) - is underpinned by an acknowledgment of the need to reinforce the traditional respect for water that permeates the Māori worldview.

text: Kia Maanu, Kia Ora: Stay Afloat, Stay Alive – Acknowledging the significance of tikanga Māori in formulating and communicating water safety policies and practices The traditional beliefs and practices of Māori demonstrate great respect for water, for its dangers as well as its life-giving properties, and Māori have, along with other Polynesian peoples, been known for their skill in swimming, fishing and canoeing. However, Māori now outnumber others in New Zealand in terms of the proportion involved in drowning and water-related injury. In seeking to promote water safety among Māori, Water Safety New Zealand has enlisted the help of Māori communities. Its message - Kia Maanu, Kia Ora (Stay Afloat, Stay Alive) - is underpinned by an acknowledgment of the need to reinforce the traditional respect for water that permeates the Māori worldview.

year: 2007