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Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are biomaterials with scientifically proven potential to improve sustainability in construction. Although mycelium-based products are not entirely new, their use in engineering presents challenges due to the inherent properties of this fungal material. This study investigated professional architects' and interior designers' perceptions of MBCs, focusing on familiarity, aesthetic appeal, and willingness to use. The first phase of the survey explored respondents' views on material-related ecological design principles. In the second phase, respondents evaluated ten small architectural objects crafted from MBCs, focusing on form, detail, and visual appeal. The last phase of the survey measured their interest in using mycelium in their design work. The results revealed that MBCs were relatively unknown among the surveyed professionals; only every second respondent knew this material. Despite this, 90% found MBCs visually appealing after seeing the examples. Interestingly, the natural, unprocessed appearance of the material was assessed as less aesthetically pleasing, with thermal treatment improving its perceived value. Architects were more receptive to using MBCs in their professional projects for customers than for personal use. This observation points to a 'double standard': professional architects are more open to using MBCs in projects not intended for their own use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate innovation in psychology teaching in European Union (EU) higher education, Europlat partners were surveyed and 43 replies were received from 30 countries. Estimated use of e-learning and other technologies including e-books and journals, virtual learning environments, lecture recording, plagiarism detection, laboratory simulation and virtual world software is reported. A focus on the teaching of theory, key findings and research methods and on academic skills such as critical evaluation and academic writing emerged. Innovation is driven by rising numbers, technical change, and the need to find research time, but is also rooted in care for students' academic, personal and professional development. A thematic review of publications within the past five years about the learning and teaching of psychology identified 56 articles, mainly from two specialist journals, generating 120 codings to 16 themes. Results are discussed in relation to the changing higher education context and implications for the future importance of quality in learning and teaching are considered.

Copyright of Space & Form / Przestrzeń i FORMA is the property of West Pomeranian University of Technology, Department of Architecture & Urban Planning and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recycling strategies demonstrate different life cycle environmental performance. In order to assess this performance, a life cycle assessment may be used. In such studies, the recycling should be linked with multifunctionality and allocation. This requires it to be modelled accordingly, especially in terms of environmental burdens and credits. The paper presents a case study of open-loop recycling. A flow of mixed post-consumer multi-material waste was reprocessed into another product with a new application—a fence board made of recycled material (secondary fence board). Although many allocation-related case studies are provided in the literature, no example of a comparison between different substitution scenarios for open-loop recycling has been found. In order to fill the gap, various hypothetical market-mix-based alternatives related to the virgin production and durability of products have been examined. The goal of the study is to assess the potential environmental impact of 1 m2 of secondary fence board modelled in different substitution scenarios. The paper is the second part of a two-part study. In Part 1, life cycle assessment results were presented for a baseline scenario (1A). Part 2 focuses strongly on allocation considerations. In order to ensure a consistency between the results of Part 1 and Part 2, the entire life cycle of the fence board has been taken into account in both calculations. The case study has shown that the results may be highly sensitive to the choice of substitutes and the choice of quality attributes impacting the reference flows (in our example, the durability of products). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: In the context of Industry 4.0 and 5.0, competitiveness is intricately linked to innovativeness and ongoing technological advancements, posing a formidable challenge for countries and organizations aspiring to thrive in this environment. Within this framework, the significance of innovativeness is escalating, emerging as a crucial factor for the competitiveness of enterprises and economies alike. Purpose of the article: The article aims to present the structure and dynamics of research on the competitiveness of SMEs shaped on the basis of their innovativeness to further guide both research and management practice. Methods: This comprehensive bibliometric analysis delves into the Scopus database to uncover the leading authors, journals, and countries driving empirical research on SME competitiveness and innovation. The study utilizes the VosViewer software to graphically represent the overarching themes explored by researchers in this field. Additionally, an analysis of the selected articles identifies trends shaping the discourse on SME competitiveness and innovation. This multifaceted approach provides a holistic understanding of the current state of research in this domain, paving the way for future directions and insights. Findings & value added: In this study, the authors conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current research landscape on SME competitiveness and innovation in the digital transformation era. By identifying key challenges, opportunities, and strategies for SMEs, our findings offer valuable guidance for researchers, policymakers, and SMEs themselves in navigating the complexities of the digital transformation landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]