Aivars Spilbergs, Biruta Dzērve, Sandra Ozoliņa, Gunta Innuse-Breidaka, Tatjana Mavrenko, Laima Čable, Agnese Vincēviča, Biruta Sloka, Ginta Tora and Kristīne Liepiņa

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain4040017

This study examines the primary risks associated with using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in social science research and proposes a framework for higher education institutions to effectively manage these risks. As universities increasingly integrate GAI into ... Read More ... Read More This study examines the primary risks associated with using generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in social science research and proposes a framework for higher education institutions to effectively manage these risks. As universities increasingly integrate GAI into teaching, research, and administration, concerns around intellectual property, academic integrity, data privacy, and ethical use have intensified. This paper explores the adequacy of current legal frameworks in addressing these challenges, drawing on recent legal analyses and institutional practices. Survey data reveal statistically significant differences in perceptions of the need for GAI guidelines based on respondents’ age, education level, field of study, research experience, and geographic region. The findings underscore the urgency of developing adaptive, risk-based policies that support responsible integration of GAI while safeguarding academic standards. The study concludes by proposing guiding principles for a dynamic legal framework that balances innovation with accountability. These recommendations aim to support sustainable and ethical GAI adoption in higher education institutions and contribute to the broader discourse on responsible AI governance in academia. ... « or Access Full Article

Bogusław Ślusarczyk, Małgorzata A. Kozłowska and Zuzanna A. Kozłowska

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain4010002

Denise A. Baden, Kate E. Horton and Jordan D. Peel

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain3030019

This study explores image discrepancies as motivators for sustainable practice adoption in the hairdressing industry. Textual responses from open-ended surveys (n = 166) and semi-structured interviews (n = 14) of UK hairdressers revealed discrepancies between their ... Read More ... Read More This study explores image discrepancies as motivators for sustainable practice adoption in the hairdressing industry. Textual responses from open-ended surveys (n = 166) and semi-structured interviews (n = 14) of UK hairdressers revealed discrepancies between their perceptions of the occupation’s current image and desired image and between how they viewed their occupation and how it was seen by their clients. These arose from the perception that hairdressing was undervalued and partially stigmatized and currently failed to live up to sustainable, professional ideals. Our analysis showed that by engaging with sustainability concerns hairdressers could present themselves as experts helping to address societal issues through haircare, thus claiming a more prestigious occupational status/image. In doing so, we shed light on image discrepancies as motivating factors towards sustainable practice. This study also has practical implications for how to motivate ethical and sustainable practices in small and medium-sized enterprises, with implications for individuals, businesses, and broader society. ... « or Access Full Article

Gulnara N. Nabiyeva and Stephen M. Wheeler

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain3030017

Hannes Antonschmidt

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain3020009

Felice Diekel, Vanessa Bach and Matthias Finkbeiner

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain2040015

Nikolaos Partarakis, Effrosini Karouzaki, Stavroula Ntoa, Anastasia Ntagianta, Emmanouil Zidianakis and Constantine Stephanidis

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain2030011

Michele Sisto and Angela Cresta

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain2010003

Stephen K. Wegren

https://doi.org/10.54175/hsustain1030014

Although Russia’s grain growing regions have experienced episodic droughts, the financial impact of climate change has to date been modest when measured in terms of value of production lost. As industrial agriculture continues to emit greenhouse ... Read More ... Read More Although Russia’s grain growing regions have experienced episodic droughts, the financial impact of climate change has to date been modest when measured in terms of value of production lost. As industrial agriculture continues to emit greenhouse gases, the impact of climate change will intensify, making Russia’s southern regions drier and hotter, and potentially forcing a structural shift in production northward, an event that will lead to lower yields and grain output. The sustainable sector in Russia’s agricultural system is not able to compensate for lower grain output in the south, nor is it able to feed the nation or ensure food security across the full spectrum of commodities that consumers expect. The prospect of Russia as a declining grain power impacts the dozens of nations that import Russian grain, most notably authoritarian regimes in the Middle East. ... « or Access Full Article