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PurposeThis study aims to investigate the multiple influence paths or underlying mechanisms of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) on adaptive innovation from the perspectives of organizational learning and resource management, drawing on complex adaptive system theory.Design/methodology/approachWith a questionnaire survey of 317 senior and middle managers from different firms in China, structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized conceptual model, and bootstrapping method was employed to examine the multiple mediating effects.FindingsResults indicate that EL has a significant and positive effect on adaptive innovation. This relationship is partially mediated through exploitative learning, exploratory learning, resource bricolage and boundary-spanning integration, respectively. The impact of EL on adaptive innovation is also sequentially transmitted through exploitative learning and resource bricolage or exploratory learning and boundary-spanning integration.Originality/valueAdaptive innovation has become a firm competition strategy to cope with dynamic changes in current uncertain environment where EL can play its effectiveness to engage firms in such innovation activities. However, the question of why and how EL drives adaptive innovation has yet to be discussed. This study highlights the innovation effectiveness of EL and the triggering process of adaptive innovation, and contributes to several countermeasures for firms to implement leadership and innovation practices responding to uncertain environment.
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus is a type 2 highly contagious, and transmissible among humans;the natural human immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 combines cell-mediated immunity (lymphocyte) and antibody production. In the present study, we analyzed the dynamic effects of adaptive immune system cell activation in the human host. The methodology consisted of modeling using a system of ordinary differential equations;for this model, the equilibrium free of viral infection was obtained, and its local stability was determined. Analysis of the model revealed that lymphocyte activation leads to total pathogen elimination by specific recognition of viral antigens;the model dynamics are driven by the interaction between respiratory epithelial cells, viral infection, and activation of helper T, cytotoxic T, and B lymphocytes. Numerical simulations showed that the model solutions match the dynamics involved in the role of lymphocytes in preventing new infections and stopping the viral spread;these results reinforce the understanding of the cellular immune mechanisms and processes of the organism against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 infection, allowing the understanding of biophysical processes that occur in living systems, dealing with the exchange of information at the cellular level.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities worldwide to deliver emergency remote online teaching and learning. This study analyses teaching practices at a globally ranked Australian university. These practices were adopted to develop connection with students in the absence of face-to-face learning. Complex adaptive system theory is applied, and a mixed research method adopted to examine the evolution of the remote classroom and to understand behaviour as a process of self-organisation. We find that social connection is the underlying mechanism by which the classroom evolved to meet the learning outcomes within the remote online teaching and learning environment. In response to initial transition and institutional pressures, educators attempted to replicate online their work in a face-to-face environment, creating surrogate social connectedness. Our study findings not only extend the literature on the continuing impact of the pandemic on higher education but also highlight the need for pedagogy to drive change and the importance of social connectedness.
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This study presents a new auto-tuning nonlinear PID controller for a nonlinear electric vehicle (EV) model. The purpose of the proposed control was to achieve two aims. The first aim was to enhance the dynamic performance of the EV regarding internal and external disturbances. The second aim was to minimize the power consumption of the EV. To ensure that these aims were achieved, two famous controllers were implemented. The first was the PID controller based on the COVID-19 optimization. The second was the nonlinear PID (NPID) optimized controller, also using the COVID-19 optimization. Several driving cycles were executed to compare their dynamic performance and the power consumption. The results showed that the auto-tuning NPID had a smooth dynamic response, with a minimum rise and settling time compared to other control techniques (PID and NPID controllers). Moreover, it achieved low continuous power consumption throughout the driving cycles. © 2023 by the author.
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During preparatory operations of pumpkin, for cooking and processing, usually peel and seeds are discarded as waste but pumpkin seeds are rich in macro and micro nutrients, a potential source of pharma foods. In present study biscuits were developed from pumpkin seeds powder, rich in Fe and Zn, for children to strengthen innate and adaptive immune system to combat current COVID 19 outbreak scenarios. Chemical analyses of pumpkin seeds powder, white flour and developed biscuits, with 0, 5, 10 and 15% replacement level of pumpkin seeds powder, were performed. Ash, fat, fiber, Fe and Zn contents were significantly higher in pumpkin seeds powder as compared to white flour. By increasing the replacement level of pumpkin seeds powder with white flour, a significant increase in ash, fat, fiber, Fe and Zn, in biscuits was observed. In control (T0) the contents were, ash (0.57%), fat (30.36%), fiber (0.37%), Fe (2.44 mg/100 g) and Zn (1.45 mg/100 g) but when supplementation level was increased to 15% (T3) these contents were increased as, ash (1.65%), fat (32.46%), fiber (1.24%), Fe (4.23 mg/100 g) and Zn (4.37 mg/100 g). In current post COVID 19 scenario adequate supply of healthy diet, balanced with pharma foods could play a basic role in boosting immune system of the children. Concerns of the food processors has raised the choice of new food products enriched with immunity booster nutrients. These nutritious biscuits can be developed, marketed and consumed at mass levels to provide the basic nutrients to the developing communities.
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PurposeThis study aims to explore the effect of power-based behaviours on pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) resilience.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a mixed-method approach to explore the role of power-based behaviours in PSC resilience. Qualitative interviews from 23 key PSC stakeholders, followed by thematic analysis, revealed the underlying perceptions regarding PSC resilience. Quantitative propositions were then developed based on the themes adopted from PSC resilience literature and the qualitative findings. These were tested via a survey questionnaire administered to 106 key stakeholders across the various levels in the PSC. Structural equation modelling with partial least squares was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe data analysed identified proactive and reactive strategies as resilience strategies in the PSC. However, power-based behaviours represented by quota systems, information and price control influenced these resilience strategies. From a complex adaptive system (CAS) perspective, the authors found that when power-based behaviours were exhibited, the interactions between PSC actors were mixed. There was a negative influence on reactive strategies and a positive influence on proactive strategies. The analysis also showed that PSC complexities measured by stringent regulations, long lead times and complex production moderated the effect of power-based behaviour on reactive strategies. Thus, the negative impact of power-based behaviours on reactive strategies stemmed from PSC complexities.Research limitations/implicationsThis research particularly reveals the role of power-based behaviours in building PSC resilience. By evaluating the nexus from a CAS perspective, the analysis considered power-based behaviours and the moderating role of PSC complexities in developing resilience strategies. This study considers the interactions of PSC actors. This study shows that power asymmetry is a relational concept that inhibits the efficacy of reactive strategies. This study thus advocates the importance of power in achieving a more resilient PSC from a holistic perspective by highlighting the importance of the decision-making process among supply chain (SC) partners. The findings are particularly relevant if PSC resilience is viewed as a CAS. All the interactions and decision-making processes affect outcomes because of their inherent complexities. Although this study focused on the PSC, its implications could be extended to other SCs.Practical implicationsThe authors identified that power-based behaviours influenced resilience strategies. It was detrimental to reactive strategies because of the complexities of the PSC but beneficial to proactive strategies through resource-sharing. PSC actors are therefore encouraged to pursue proactive strategies as this may aid in mitigating the impact of disruptions. However, power-based behaviours bred partner dissatisfaction. This dissatisfaction may occur even within strategic alliances indicating that power could be detrimental to proactive strategies. Therefore, it is pertinent to identify conditions that lead to dissatisfaction when pursuing strategic partnerships. This study provides insight into actual behaviours influencing resilience and quantifies their effects on the PSC. These insights will be valuable for all SC partners wanting to improve their resilience strategies.Originality/valuePrevious PSC management and resilience studies have not examined the role of power in building resilience in the PSC. This paper thus provides a unique contribution by identifying the role of power in PSC resilience, offers empirical evidence and a novel theoretical perspective for future practice and research in building PSC resilience strategies.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the salience of different supply networks merging together to provide critical products in short supply. The automotive supply network and the medical device supply network, for instance, became intertwined to meet rising demands for ventilators. As such, coming to the fore is a search mechanism, based on recombination of multiple components, conceptualized as jury-rigging behavior. Designing and changing the interdependencies across firms/supply chains become relevant. Drawing on complex adaptive systems and Ashby's law of requisite variety, we use a computational model to examine these mechanisms' isolated and combined effect on supply chain network resiliency. Our results show statistically significant difference in the adaptiveness and mortality rate between a jury-rigged supply chain network and a non-jury-rigged one. In particular, the effect of jury-rigging is diminished by the level of coupling among the supply chains.
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Game changers in public health are traditionally seen as specific in(ter)ventions, but contemporary public health challenges warrant acknowledging complexity instead. Our game changer is a compass to deal with this complexity. In our vision of 2030, system beliefs, goals, structures and events line up to create a society that balances health, climate, social cohesion and economy. To reach this desired system, a resilient public health sector actively interacts with public discourse, political windows of opportunity are seized for institutionalizing health for all policies, and research is intertwined with the policy process, without the merging of the two.
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Today's unprecedented technology growth impacts at many levels-from individuals to groups to society. This study aims to characterize how exponential digital technology growth and organizational change is explained and experienced in a university setting deploying new instructional technologies-and how or where conflict emerges. Organizational conflict is a phenomenon that takes many forms and may not be fully recognized. This dissertation highlights theories of technology invention and disruption, the dynamics of sociotechnical change (defined as the interdependencies between people, technology, and the environment) and response in organizations, complex adaptive systems, and practice theory of change. It considers current technological forces at work;digital use and literacy in higher education;mechanisms by which digital technology affects stakeholders;how institutional technical capacity is assessed;how technology is adopted;and ultimately, how a lack of contextual understanding or awareness of conflict may contribute to acute disruption for incumbent academic institutions. Quantitative research and Theoretical Thematic Analysis (qualitative research) were employed concurrently. Thematic insights from interviews and surveys converged to identify patterns of sociotechnical change, and the conflict that emerged, during COVID-driven requirements to implement all courses fully online. The intent was to substantiate theoretical underpinnings for organizational strategy in today's times. This approach illumined the decisions that were made and how they were deciphered, how change was experienced, as well as how conflict was managed. Modeled was the multidisciplinary approach prescribed through a conflict lens-making a viable contribution to the study of sociotechnical change in organizations and institutions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
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Identifying and quantifying ecotourism opportunities are critical processes in sustainable tourism planning, which is challenging, since ecotourism is a Complex Adaptive System (CAS). This study investigated Ecotourism Opportunities Measurements (EOMs) in the literature and mapped the research trends to provide practical implications for research in this area. A systematic quantitative literature review began with a scientometric analysis in CiteSpace to examine the existing knowledge and the state of the art in EOMs. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was then applied to refine the initial search results, and snowballing was used to collect additional articles. The refined set was then thematically coded and quantitatively analyzed. Our findings show that existing studies on ecotourism opportunities predominantly focus on the impacts of ecotourism on the environment, stakeholders' contributions toward ecotourism development, sustainability, and responsible behavior of local communities in ecotourism promotion. In addition, five dimensions have been identified under which ecotourism opportunities can be measured, including nature, environmental education/protection, sustainability, socio-cultural benefits, and tourist satisfaction. Existing scales or indices assess potential destinations qualitatively rather than quantitatively. In contrast, an index-based approach might help to solve the challenges of evaluating ecotourism opportunities as a CAS, as well as to quantitatively assess potential destinations to support decision-making related to ecotourism promotion.
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Management of crowd information in public transportation (PT) systems is crucial, both to foster sustainable mobility, by increasing the user's comfort and satisfaction during normal operation, as well as to cope with emergency situations, such as pandemic crises, as recently experienced with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) limitations. This article presents a taxonomy and review of sensing technologies based on the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time crowd analysis, which can be adopted in the different segments of the PT system (buses/trams/trains, railway/metro stations, and bus/tram stops). To discuss such technologies in a clear systematic perspective, we introduce a reference architecture for crowd management, which employs modern information and communication technologies (ICTs) in order to: 1) monitor and predict crowding events;2) implement crowd-aware policies for real-time and adaptive operation control in intelligent transportation systems (ITSs);and 3) inform in real time the users of the crowding status of the PT system, by means of electronic displays installed inside vehicles or at bus/tram stops/stations and/or by mobile transport applications. It is envisioned that the innovative crowd management functionalities enabled by ICT/IoT sensing technologies can be incrementally implemented as an add-on to state-of-the-art ITS platforms, which are already in use by major PT companies operating in urban areas. Moreover, it is argued that, in this new framework, additional services can be delivered to the passengers, such as online ticketing, vehicle access control and reservation in severely crowded situations, and evolved crowd-aware route planning. © 2001-2012 IEEE.
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Today's unprecedented technology growth impacts at many levels-from individuals to groups to society. This study aims to characterize how exponential digital technology growth and organizational change is explained and experienced in a university setting deploying new instructional technologies-and how or where conflict emerges. Organizational conflict is a phenomenon that takes many forms and may not be fully recognized. This dissertation highlights theories of technology invention and disruption, the dynamics of sociotechnical change (defined as the interdependencies between people, technology, and the environment) and response in organizations, complex adaptive systems, and practice theory of change. It considers current technological forces at work;digital use and literacy in higher education;mechanisms by which digital technology affects stakeholders;how institutional technical capacity is assessed;how technology is adopted;and ultimately, how a lack of contextual understanding or awareness of conflict may contribute to acute disruption for incumbent academic institutions. Quantitative research and Theoretical Thematic Analysis (qualitative research) were employed concurrently. Thematic insights from interviews and surveys converged to identify patterns of sociotechnical change, and the conflict that emerged, during COVID-driven requirements to implement all courses fully online. The intent was to substantiate theoretical underpinnings for organizational strategy in today's times. This approach illumined the decisions that were made and how they were deciphered, how change was experienced, as well as how conflict was managed. Modeled was the multidisciplinary approach prescribed through a conflict lens-making a viable contribution to the study of sociotechnical change in organizations and institutions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
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Management of crowd information in public transportation (PT) systems is crucial, both to foster sustainable mobility, by increasing the user’s comfort and satisfaction during normal operation, as well as to cope with emergency situations, such as pandemic crises, as recently experienced with COVID-19 limitations. This paper presents a taxonomy and review of sensing technologies based on Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time crowd analysis, which can be adopted in the different segments of the PT system (buses/trams/trains, railway/metro stations, and bus/tram stops). To discuss such technologies in a clear systematic perspective, we introduce a reference architecture for crowd management, which employs modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in order to: (i) monitor and predict crowding events;(ii) implement crowd-aware policies for real-time and adaptive operation control in intelligent transportation systems (ITSs);(iii) inform in real-time the users of the crowding status of the PT system, by means of electronic displays installed inside vehicles or at bus/tram stops/stations, and/or by mobile transport applications. It is envisioned that the innovative crowd management functionalities enabled by ICT/IoT sensing technologies can be incrementally implemented as an add-on to state-of-the-art ITS platforms, which are already in use by major PT companies operating in urban areas. Moreover, it is argued that, in this new framework, additional services can be delivered to the passengers, such as, e.g., on-line ticketing, vehicle access control and reservation in severely crowded situations, and evolved crowd-aware route planning. Author
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PurposeThis study aims to investigate the response by a multi-campus private higher education provider to a major crisis. This study examined what elements of complex adaptive systems (CAS) were activated and/or developed within the organization during the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, through a retrospective analysis of organizational responses. Design/methodology/approachA retrospective qualitative approach has been used. The theory of CAS has been used as the theoretical lens to explore the organizational context, responses and behaviours during the first year of the COVID-19 crisis. A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 senior leaders across the major functions of the organization spread over multiple campuses. FindingsFindings point to coverage of the main CAS characteristics in the organizational responses to the pandemic, however, in varying degrees. There was strong evidence for the application of guiding principles, for self-organizing, for micro-diversity coupled with independent actors and new generative relationships, all brought about by the chaos the pandemic generated. This study concludes that the global pandemic presented this organization with the impetus for rapid and agile responses to what ultimately has become a constructive crisis, paving the way for key elements of CAS theory to be enacted. This study recommend embedding the conscious creation of an adaptive space within ongoing strategic organizational transformation initiatives. Originality/valueThere is scant literature on CAS as applied to crises from organizations in the higher education sector and notably from outside of the health/medical fields. As a result, this study offers a novel and original approach to applying CAS theory during a major crisis. In addition to the findings above, this study also found an emergent characteristic, that of agility, which could be further tested as a potential theoretical addition to CAS theory.
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Global value chains (GVCs) have increased efficiencies, accelerated production, reduced costs, and increased wealth and opportunities for workers, firms, nations, and the global economy as a whole. However, the benefits and efficiencies provided by these GVCs come at the cost of increasing risks. This is largely because the emergence and evolution of GVCs have been enabled by advancements in globalization, complexity, and technology, as well as the development of critical global systems that underpin these industries—such as communication, transportation, financial systems, and others. GVCs are thus only as stable as these underlying global systems upon which they depend, and are vulnerable to potential shocks to these systems.The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent global interruptions in GVCs have demonstrated the importance of applying a systems theory approach, which allows us to identify—and eventually begin managing for—the multidimensional risks that these global industries face. Studying the stability and reliability of these global industries requires not only an understanding of risks within just the GVCs but also an awareness of vulnerabilities in numerous critical underlying systems that form the infrastructure of GVCs and the global economy. As examples, we examine six such underlying systems: health care and public health, supply chain and logistics, technology and cyber, finance, sociopolitical, and the environment. Each of these examples illustrates that disruptions, fragilities, or failures in critical underlying systems can dramatically impact GVCs as a whole and make the geographic regions in which these systems are vulnerable less attractive to industry investment and expansion.Introducing methodologies and concepts from systems theory, we illustrate that these underlying global systems that expose GVCs to vulnerabilities are complex adaptive systems (CAS). As systems of systems composed of CAS, these GVCs consequently also can be modeled as CAS. We argue that not only does this CAS perspective help to mitigate the multilayered GVC risks through better understanding and the application of CAS tools like “adaptive management,” but it also empowers policymakers to better attract GVCs to their borders by prioritizing the creation of more resilient underlying systems.
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In a VUCA world, contemporary organizations are impacted by many triggers invoked due to government rules, external business environment, and at times by the interaction of people within the organization. This paper focuses on how the changing organizational culture impacts and influences the work outcomes of agile teams operating as complex adaptive systems (CAS) in pandemic situations. During the COVID19 pandemic, the organizational culture of organizations has undergone a remarkable change and more staff are working from home and this impacts the work outcome of the agile teams. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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The Smart City concept for many years has relied on the principals of stainable development and implementing of information and communication technologies (ICT) for city services. With the COVID pandemic the paradigm shifted tremendously and the city governments, as well as scientists have to focus more on resilience strategies. The city managers now should make their decisions in conditions of limited information, unavailability to see and plan future development, maintain "what if"analysis to predict the results.Considering the Smart City as a complex system the new approach and digital platform that combines both sustainable and resilient modes of behavior are presented. This platform allows to perform normally in a sustainable mode and react adaptively when unpredictable events occur in the resilient mode. © 2022 IEEE.
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Purpose This paper seeks to explore how a self-organised social group (SOSG) can facilitate supply chain resilience (SCRES) during an emergency condition. Design/methodology/approach A netnographic research was conducted on SONJO, an online SOSG emerging in response to problems in personal protective equipment (PPE) and food small businesses' supply chains (SCs) during the state of COVID-19 emergency in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Qualitative data of 237,010 words were extracted from the group chats among 223 SONJO WhatsApp Group (WAG) members and were analysed using template analysis. Findings This paper reveals five communicative acts through which the SOSG facilitates SCRES, namely supply chain (SC) knowledge sharing, networking, bridging, mapping, and mindfulness. The enactment of these communicative acts could foster SC collaboration and help rebuild and sustain the SC operations during the critical period of the pandemic. The SOSG also facilitates the SC actors to be heedful of their responsive actions and risky operations. Practical implications This paper emphasises the need for organisations to build and maintain relationships with social communities and to extend their social capital beyond their existing SC linkages as an alternative way to survive unexpected disruptions. Originality/value This paper offers a novel perspective to understand SCRES from an external force. It proposes that, in the face of a devastating disruption, SCRES is not a self-induced process and that the SOSG could play a pivotal role in rebuilding the disrupted SCs. It also shows how a humanitarian effort could help rebuild commercial SCs.
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Keywords: Climate change adaptation;Soft-resilience;Urban services;Adaptation services;Cross-scale interactions. Diversi parallelismi tra pandemia e climate change possono essere evidenziati: entrambi i casi sono caratterizzati da una conoscenza limitata del fenomeno stesso;da casistica ed esperienze insufficienti ad affidarsi alla statistica;un alto grado di incertezza nelle proiezioni del fenomeno e sulla sua evoluzione;da un alto grado di incertezza nella previsione degli impatti, dovuta alla complessita dei sistemi antropici;da gravi criticita nell' intraprendere azioni coordinate;da gravi criticita nella gestione dei dati e dell'informazione;da difficolta nella comunicazione del rischio;da una generale riluttanza da parte dei governi a perseguire politiche di prevenzione dell'emergenza, anche a causa di restrizioni finanziarie ed interessi politici ed economici;da una certa diffusione di negazionismo e scetticismo a livello governativo e comunitario;dal ruolo fondamentale che assumono iniziative e azioni locali e bottom-up;dal rischio di impatti piu alti per aree urbane povere e ad alta densita abitativa;dall'inevitabilita di adattarsi e dall'urgente bisogno di soluzioni e servizi smart, su misura e flessibili a supporto dell'adattamento. Approccio soft all'adattamento al cambiamento climatico Nel caso del climate change non e possibile trovare vaccini e gli effetti di qualsiasi azione di mitigazione intrapresa sono generalmente apprezzabili solo nel lungo termine, dopo decenni (Füssel, 2007): anche se le emissioni di CO2 fossero ridotte a zero oggi, le conseguenze del riscaldamento globale continuerebbero a ripercuotersi sulle generazioni future (WMO, 2016). La questione delle interazioni cross-scale e cross-level nei sistemi di Adaptation service La nozione stessa di Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) - introdotta
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According to the International Risk Governance Council, interconnectivity within and between complex adaptive systems is one of the characteristics that define and determine today's world. The systemic nature of the Coronavirus spread is widely considered a paradigmatic example of this vulnerability: the pervasiveness and modalities of manifestation of the health crisis, and the consequent cascade developments, have produced multiple impacts which, going beyond the strictly epidemiological aspect, they poured on anthropic and ecological systems, according to non-linear dynamics, growing exponentially to involve every aspect of our interdependent world (UN ODRR, 2021). Factors such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, intensively exploitation of agrifood systems, together with the resources depletion and the reduction of natural habitats, which favor zoonoses responsible for pandemic infections, are associated with widespread social, health and environmental inequalities, creating contexts of marginalization, in which the effects of crises are less controllable and therefore more devastating (Cogliati Denza, 2020). The discussion is articulated around three crucial dates: 1989 which marks the start of the single market with the definitive collapse of Communism;2020 which, with the Pandemic, brought out the limits and contradictions of the globalized society;2050, which is considered the deadline for the survival of the Planet, the horizon within which, according to the scientific community, greenhouse gas emissions must be eliminated to prevent climate change from causing the collapse of the Earth.