Analysis and integration of mixed method in efficiency studies: Best practices and applications in the renewable energy sector.

Mixed-method research is based on multiple methodological strategies, prioritizing high technical rigor with scientific solidity and contributing to practical improvements. Therefore, this study aimed to present a mixed method with analysis and integration in efficiency studies in the renewable energy sector through the relationship between productivity and optimization of results. This mixed-method methodology was proposed in: (i) theoretical mathematical model, (ii) efficiency model (DEA, SFA), technique, definition of ranking and sampling criteria, (iii) variables that influence this efficiency, which will be the bases for research instrument applied at case studies (quanti-quali integration), and (iv) identification of best practices from case studies.

Environmental, field and impurity factors to increase the agricultural performance of Brazilian and Australian sugarcane mills.

This study aims to identify explanatory factors to increase the agricultural performance of Brazilian and Australian sugarcane mills. The relevance of Brazil and Australia for the sugar industry motivated the development this study based on the most important factors in both countries responsible for increasing the efficiency in sugarcane production. Thus, this study is designed to assess the hypothesis that there are a few explanatory variables that are deeply responsible for the agricultural efficiency in the sugar-energy sector.

Reverse logistics systems in Brazil: Comparative study and interest of multistakeholders.

Inadequate solid waste management leads to contamination of the soil and surface and underground water; the emergence of antibiotic-resistant superbacteria due to the inadequate disposal of medicines in toilets or in household rubbish; and the emission of persistent organic pollutants, such as flame retardants, present in some electrical/electronic equipment. In Brazil, the principles that underpin the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) are consistent with those used by developed countries, namely, the polluter-payer and protector-receiver; cooperation among the different spheres of government, the business sector, and other societal segments; and the shared product life-cycle responsibility (Brasil, 2010a; Novi et al., 2013; Santos et al.