Adaptation Practices Research Articles

A Scoping Review to Contribute to Knowledge About Culturally Adapting Interventions for Latino Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia.

Few interventions have focused on Latino family caregivers to persons with dementia, addressing their unique needs. This review aimed to identify best practices in cultural adaptation to make recommendations for adapting interventions for Latino family caregivers of persons living with dementia. This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review guidelines, with findings extracted and summarized from 17 studies addressing cultural adaptation. Frameworks guiding the adaptations were comprehensive, addressing cultural values and traditions and the social context faced by Latino family caregivers. Features of the adaptations included diverse teams of researchers and community members, including Latino family caregivers, to inform the integration of cultural values into the content, mode, and place of intervention delivery. Culturally adapting evidence-based interventions will increase the number of available interventions for Latino family caregivers to persons living with dementia, thus reducing inequities in caregiver support.

An Approach to Assessing Farm-Scale Adaptation to Climate Change: The Case Study of Prespa Park

Developing appropriate adaptation practices and coping mechanisms for climate change and evaluating the variables affecting households’ choices are critical for ensuring sustainable agricultural production. In addressing the above issues, this paper presents the results of a multi-method approach at the farm level conducted in the case study of Prespa Park. The data collected by a participatory process were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the 5-point Likert scale, the Delphi method, and a multinomial logit model. The typology of coping and adaptation practices to climate change preferred by households and the reasons for those who failed to adapt are presented. Results revealed that improving technologies for increasing soil health was the most preferred adaptation practice, followed by planting early maturing and drought-tolerant food crop varieties, practicing water-saving irrigation methods or technologies, planting agroforestry systems, and finally perennial agriculture. In terms of coping mechanisms, engaging in off-farm activities was the most used, followed by collecting fuel wood for sale, selling assets like livestock, increasing water storage capacity, and changing farming structure. Small farm holdings, financial constraints, limited off-farm employment opportunities, inadequate infrastructure and technology, and a lack of information about adaptation practices were identified as the main barriers to undertaking adaptation. Performing the multinomial logit analysis, the variables that positively and significantly improve households' ability to adapt to climate change were identified and evaluated. The results of this study should help policymakers and climate change planners come up with better practices for the agricultural sector to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Everyday lived experience and ‘carescape’ of women street vendors: Spatial Justice in Al-Hisba Marketplace, Ramallah/Al-Bireh, Palestine

The city’s local markets are essential for daily shopping and nurture traditions, spatial practices, and heritage. This study investigates the everyday lived experiences of Palestinian women street vendors operating in the Al-Hisba marketplace, located in the center of Ramallah/Al-Bireh. It investigates the challenges they encountered in the evolving Al-Hisba, against the backdrop of male dominance and the impediments imposed by the Israeli occupation. Within this context, they struggle to survive and to cope with transformative shifts in marketing trends. These challenges offer glimpses of resilience and opportunities to adapt to emerging informalities, the essential practices of spatial making-do, and a growing network of “carescape.” Employing a qualitative approach and actor-network theory, this study draws on the narratives of women street vendors to unravel their tactics of resilience, the dynamics of their carescape network, and the adaptive practices they employ to sustain their presence in Al-Hisba. The findings illuminate the negotiated spatial opportunities of adaptation in the face of uncertainties within Al-Hisba marketplace. This study also contributes to the realm of cultural studies and human behavior, offering insights that inform urban epistemologies. It underscores the importance of local markets in anchoring cities to principles of spatial equity and sense of place.

Assessment of genetic diversity of vegetable soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in R6 and R8 stages

India is a major soybean producer, but vegetable soybean (Edamame) is cultivated in very limited areas due to a lack of variety awareness and adaptive practices. To promote growth, a targeted breeding program is crucial, but inadequate research on the genetic diversity of edamame hinders progress. The analysis of 80 advanced soybean lines derived from crosses between grain and vegetable-type germplasm lines revealed significant correlations between seed yield, seed weight, and 100-seed weight at R6 and R8 stages. Principal component analysis further supported these findings, emphasizing traits crucial for identifying genotypes with hybridization potential. Promising lines, particularly from crosses MACS-1188 × AGS-459 and JS-SH-93-05 × Swarna Vasundhara, may be very useful in developing better-adapted, high-yield edamame varieties, fostering wider acceptance and consumption

Modeling the Impact of Climate Change on Maize (Zea mays L.) Production and Choice of Adaptation Practices in Eastern Ethiopia

Modeling the Impact of Climate Change on Maize (Zea mays L.) Production and Choice of Adaptation Practices in Eastern Ethiopia

Understanding the link between climate change adaptation and household food security among shrimp farmers in Indonesia

This study investigates the impact of climate change adaptation strategies on household food security in Indonesia based on a comprehensive analysis of data from 445 shrimp farmers. Employing the innovative Two Stage Predictor Substitution (2SPS) method, the research reveals key determinants influencing farmers' decisions to adopt adaptation measures. Factors such as mechanization, proximity to main roads, cultivated land area, participation in field schools, and individual perceptions of climate change significantly affect climate change adaptation. Importantly, the study uncovers a strong positive relationship between the level of adaptation implemented and household food security among shrimp farmers. This correlation means that the more intense the adaptation practices are, the better the household food security status will be. This study also demonstrates that the impact of climate change adaptation on food security is particularly pronounced among farmers with lower income levels and smaller cultivated land areas. This positive effect diminishes for households with higher income levels and larger land areas. These findings underscore the need to tailor adaptation strategies, particularly for small-scale farmers, and customize interventions to ensure food security in the face of climate change challenges.

Strengthening adaptation in coastal Bangladesh: community-based approaches for sustainable agriculture and water management

The coastal region of Bangladesh is significantly influenced by soil and water salinity, which is further exacerbated by the increasing frequency of tropical cyclones and rising sea levels. Understanding the extent of salinity and its challenges is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring access to safe drinking water. Using quantitative (soil and water parameters) and qualitative (focus group discussion and key informant interview) data, we investigated (i) soil and water salinity and soil nutrient contents; and (ii) adaptive practices in agriculture and drinking water management in three sub-districts (Assasuni, Dacope and Morrelganj) in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Results show that soil salinity levels did not significantly differ among the sub-districts, with Assasuni having slightly higher soil salinity (8.24 dS m-1) compared to Dacope (8.08 dS m-1) and Morrelganj (7.96 dS m-1). Significant differences were observed in the salinity level of pond and canal water among the sub-districts, with Assasuni having the highest levels of salinity in both pond (13.98 dS m-1) and canal water (77.85 dS m-1), compared to other sub-districts. Soil and water salinity were the major challenges reported by the respondents; however, climate-induced stresses (e.g., untimely precipitation) and outbreaks of pests during droughts have been identified as prominent issues in sustainable agriculture. Rainwater harvesting has been identified as a viable adaptive technique in drinking water management, offering a feasible solution to address water and soil salinity. The study underscores the importance of implementing adaptive practices (e.g., rainwater harvesting) to address water scarcity and salinity issues in the coastal region and promote resilient agricultural systems.

Innovative technology for converting automobile tire waste bead wires into recycled steel fibers for sustainable concrete composites: insights for the Al-Kharj Governorate construction industry

PurposeThe initiative for sustainability in the construction industry has led to the innovative utilization of automobile tire waste, transforming it into value-added products, toward decarbonization in the construction industry, aligning with the development and sustainability goals of Al-Kharj Governorate. However, the disposal of these materials generates significant environmental concerns. As a payoff for these efforts, this study aims to contribute to a fruitful shift toward eco-friendly recycling techniques, particularly by studying the transformation of tire waste bead wires into recycled steel tire fibers (RSTFs) for sustainable concrete composites.Design/methodology/approachThis research delves into how this technological transformation not only addresses environmental concerns but also propels sustainable tire innovation forward, presenting a promising solution for waste management and material efficiency in building materials. Recent studies have highlighted the superior tensile strength of RSTFs from discarded tires, making them suitable for various structural engineering applications. Recently, there has been a notable shift in research focus to the use of RSTFs as an alternative to traditional fibers in concrete. In this study, however, efforts have paid off in outlining a comprehensive assessment to investigate the viability and efficacy of repurposing tire bead wires into RSTFs for use in concrete composites, as reported in the literature.FindingsThis study examined the Saudi waste management, the geometrical properties of RSTFs, and their impact on the strength properties of concrete microstructure. It also examined the economic, cost, and environmental impacts of RSTFs on concrete composites, underscoring the need for the construction industry to adopt more sustainable and adaptable practices. Furthermore, the main findings of this study are proposed insights and a blueprint for the construction industry in Al-Kharj Governorate, calling for collective action from both public and private sectors, and the community to transform challenges into job opportunities for growth and sustainability.Originality/valueThis study pointed to thoroughly demonstrate the technological advancement in converting tire waste to reinforcing fibers by evaluating the effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and practicality of these fibers in eco-friendly concrete composites. Besides, the desired properties and standards for RSTFs to enhance the structural integrity of concrete composites are recommended, as is the need to establish protocols and further study into the long-term efficacy of RSTF-reinforced concrete composites.

Understanding individual heat exposure through interdisciplinary research on thermoception

Extreme heat events are more frequent and more intense globally due to climate change. The urban environment is an additional factor enhancing the effects of heat. Adults above 65 years old are especially at risk due to their poorer health, physiology and socio-economic situation. Yet, there is limited knowledge about their experiences of summer heat, their actual heat exposure and how they negotiate their thermal comfort through different adaptation practices. In conventional research on heat exposure and thermal comfort, very little attention is given to individual behaviour and subjective experiences. To understand how older adults feel the heat in the city we study their thermoception, which we conceptualise as an embodied knowledge about bodily sensations, thermal environments and adjustments to heat. This article stems from interdisciplinary research conducted in Warsaw and Madrid in the summers of 2021–2022. We combine and juxtapose data from ethnographic research and from physical measurements of temperature gathered in people’s homes, to show on a microscale how we can study and understand the diversity in individual heat exposure more holistically. We demonstrate that to understand the consequences of heat for vulnerable populations it is crucial to study thermoception, the subjective experiences of heat, in addition to analysing their thermal environments. With the use of a unique methodology, this article shows how similar weather conditions are experienced differently by people from the same cities, depending on the materiality of their dwellings, availability of cooling devices, as well as everyday habits and their individual bodies. We discuss the social, material and temporal adjustments participants made to deal with heat, to showcase their agency in affecting their individual heat exposure. The article emphasises the role of social sciences and qualitative methods in research on individual heat exposure and argues for the co-production of knowledge on the topic.

IJCH – COVID-19 in the Arctic: special issue

ABSTRACT The Circumpolar region, comprising the Arctic territories encircling the North Pole, is home to diverse Indigenous cultures facing unique socio-economic challenges. Indigenous communities such as the Inuit, Sámi, Athabaskan, Gwitchin, and Russian Arctic groups exhibit rich traditions and adaptive practices tied to their environments. Environmental diversity, from icy tundra to boreal forests, influences livelihoods and biodiversity, while significant socio-economic disparities persist, impacting access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. Against this backdrop, the global COVID-19 pandemic accentuated the intersection of environment, culture, and health in remote Arctic regions, presenting distinct challenges and opportunities. Initiated by a collaborative research project led by Fulbright Arctic Initiative Alumni, this special issue of the International Journal of Circumpolar Health explores the impacts of COVID-19 on Arctic Indigenous and rural communities. Building on previous work and recommendations, the issue features community case studies, highlighting community experiences and collaborative approaches to understand and address the pandemic’s effects. The authors highlight both positive and negative societal outcomes, presenting community-driven models and evidence-based practices to inform pan-Arctic collaboration and decision-making in public health emergencies. Through sharing these insights, the special issue aims to privilege local and Indigenous knowledge systems, elevates community responses to complex and multifaceted challenges, and contributes to the evidence base on global pandemic response.

Climate Risks of Irrigation Developments in the Nariarle Sub- watershed in Koubri, Nankanbé Basin, Burkina Faso

Irrigation schemes in the Nariarlé sub-watershed, Nankanbé basin in Burkina Faso are exposed to climatic risks. These risks are accentuated by the combination of several natural, biophysical and anthropogenic factors. The objective of this study is to assess the climate risks of developments in Burkina Faso. The absence of a previous study assessing the risks of the basin highlights the originality of this article. Documentary research and the processing of satellite images served as methodology. This methodology is supported by field surveys of 160 farmers, questionnaires and interview guides. The climatic analysis shows an evolution of minimum and maximum temperatures and a persistence of deficit years. The climate risks identified are: risks of vulnerability to climatic hazards (water stress, soil erodibility, flooding of irrigated areas, heatwaves), risks of exposure (demographic pressure, increase in the level of CO 2 content of developments, economic deficit). Climate risk assessment provides decision support tools, guidance, effective adaptation practices and techniques.

Cultural Perspectives on Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture an Ethnoecological Study

In an era where climate change is becoming increasingly apparent, adaptation in the agricultural sector is becoming more crucial. This research adopts a literature study approach to explore the cultural perspective on climate change adaptation in agriculture through the lens of ethnoecology. Through searching and analyzing relevant literature, the main findings indicate that local culture plays a significant role in shaping farmers' adaptation practices. These practices include the utilization of traditional knowledge, cultural values, and local knowledge systems to respond to the challenges of climate change. It is found that local wisdom is not merely an additional resource but an integral aspect in strengthening the resilience of farming communities. However, challenges such as limited access to resources and economic uncertainty remain barriers to adaptation efforts. Therefore, the integration of local knowledge into policy planning and the development of local capacity are relevant recommendations to enhance climate change adaptation in agriculture. This research provides insights into the complexity of the relationship between culture and climate change adaptation in agriculture, highlighting the importance of strengthening the involvement of local communities in mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Ethnoecological Perspectives on Agroforestry Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

This research investigates the ethnoecological perspective of agroforestry practices for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Through a literature review method, we analyze relevant literature from various sources to uncover the relationship between local wisdom and agroforestry practices in addressing the challenges of climate change. Findings indicate that the ethnoecological perspective plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable and adaptive agroforestry practices by integrating local knowledge of local ecology and climate patterns with modern scientific knowledge. Agroforestry not only contributes to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage but also provides effective adaptation solutions through season-based planting arrangements and the cultivation of species resilient to extreme conditions. By recognizing the value of local wisdom and knowledge and actively involving community participation in agroforestry management, we can strengthen the resilience and sustainability of agroforestry systems in facing climate change.

Adapting to climate change: what really drives the choices of the producers of Geographical Indications?

In an era of rapid climate change, there is an increasing call for the efforts directed at detecting best practices of climate change adaptation in agriculture and understanding the factors behind producers’ willingness to implement adaptation strategies. Many studies consider solely traditional agriculture and specific sectors (e.g., wine), while little attention has been paid to certified and high-quality products, as a whole. To fill this knowledge gap, in 2022 a questionnaire-based online survey was administered to 137 producers of agri-food Geographical Indications in the Veneto Region (north-eastern Italy). Using a multinomial logit model, this study highlights the factors explaining adaptation strategies distinguishing three cases: (i) farmers who have implemented adaptation strategies; (ii) farmers intending to implement them in the future; (iii) farmers neither having implemented nor willing to do so. Results suggest that socio-demographic characteristics, particularly education, matter, with producers holding a high school degree in agriculture showing a greater willingness to adapt. Also, being full-time farmer couples with higher probability of having already implemented adaptation strategies. Lastly, also a direct observation of climate change in the production area affects farmers’ adaptation decisions.

Development and Standardization of an Adaptation Index to Assess the Climate Resilient Practices by Paddy Growers

India is prominently recognized as the foremost producer of paddy, cultivating this crop over 47.83 million hectares and generating 135.75 million tonnes of paddy, thus playing a substantial role in the worldwide paddy output. However, there is an anticipated decline in paddy production yields due to the projected effects of climate change, estimated to range from 10% to 30% by 2030. In recent times, adaptation to climate change has become a major concern to farmers, policy makers and researchers. Climate resilient rice production practices need to be enhanced at the farm level in order to aid rural residents in improving their household food security. Against this backdrop, the proposed research seeks to fill this crucial knowledge gap by developing and constructing adaptation index tailored specifically for paddy growers in India. Through a literature review and discussions with experts, we have identified indicators and sub-indicators using the indicator approach method. These indicators will help us understand how paddy growers are adapting to climate change and implementing climate resilient practices. The relevancy rating score was obtained from 30 experts in the concerned area. Based on the relevancy score, 8 indicators and 23 sub-indicators of 0.80 and above were considered for inclusion in the adaptation index. To compute the index values for each of the identified indicators, their relative importance in the adaptation practices was worked out by assignment of index values to indicators through Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the high factor loadings exceeded 0.5 of sub-indicators were considered and the findings revealed that disease and management had highest index value of 3.461, followed by methods of paddy establishment (2.195), crop rejuvenation techniques (2.10), altered planting dates (2.049), water saving and management techniques (1.987), nursery management (1.562), paddy varieties (1.342) and spacing (1.214).

Hybrid use of the building as a method supporting epidemic safety

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changing organisational and technical requirements in the operation of treatment facilities. This paper summarises the available knowledge on the principles of hybrid design of the architecture of treatment units to ensure that different levels of sanitary and hygienic safeguards can be implemented. The basis of this narrative overview is an analysis of the existing Polish legislation on required personnel protection measures and the European Commission's recommendations for the long-term optimisation of building operating costs. In addition, due to the multifaceted and complex nature of the issue, the review was extended to include an example of practice in the technical adaptation of medical buildings for hybrid use in the event of a pandemic of an aetiological agent of risk category III, as a confirmation of the postulate regarding the need to modify the guidelines for the architectural design of the space of medical units, particularly those involved in the care of the elderly. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3):269-278.

Aboriginal-led development – the case of the Warlpiri Education and Training Trust

ABSTRACT This case study explores the developmental practices and institutional environment which have supported the Warlpiri Education and Training Trust to build a sense of Aboriginal agency and ownership over efforts to promote development in remote central Australia. Drawing on interview data with practitioners and Aboriginal participants, the study demonstrates that flexible, adaptive practices which embrace learning and prioritise respectful relationships in pursuit of culturally appropriate fit-for-purpose governance is conducive to supporting Aboriginal-led development. The study further identifies the importance of institutional settings that enable this work, including relational leadership, long-term commitment, risk appetite, creating space for reflection and adaptation, and appropriate recruitment. It also identifies the constraints on the Warlpiri Education and Training Trust (WETT) within the contemporary political economy of Indigenous affairs, which limit the extent to which such practices and institutions can, by themselves, further Aboriginal-led development approaches.

Predicting climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices using machine learning: A prime exploratory survey

The paper aim and novelty is the development of technology-based tools able of providing realistic insights on farmers’ future adaptation decisions by developing an ML algorithm to predict Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and highlight modeling challenges to account for. And proposing a theoretical approach that grounds the selection of data (i.e. input and response variables) with well stablished theories on adaptation decision making process; with the aim of demonstrating ways of improving data science and ML publication quality in the field of agricultural economics. Data used are farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, farms’ features, agro-ecology’s features, climate indicators (temperature, rain, etc.), etc. In this paper, the optimized Gradient Boosting ML was trained and tested using households’ level data from Rakai district in Central Region of Uganda. The modeling approach was framed in climate adaptation analytical frameworks. Data extracted allows generating CSA clusters giving two response variables (i.e. yCSA_pratices and yCSA_clusters), used separately to train two different algorithms. The developed CSA predictive algorithm demonstrates that adaptation practices can be predicted using households’ level parameters. And both models are revealed to have fair performance metrics, with yCSA_clusters algorithm reaching up to 60% of accuracy. To further improve accuracy scores, deep-learning algorithms are suggested in future research. The developed CSA prediction algorithm could be used at both households and value chain levels, to select appropriate adaptation strategies, to plan adaptation, to estimate adaptation costs and develop investment’ plans.

The Survey of Professional Development Practices for the Emerging Trends among Academic and Research Librarians in Lagos State

The field of librarianship is undergoing profound transformation in response to the digital revolution and evolving user needs. Developing knowledge and skills is therefore essential to remain relevant and effective. The study investigated the professional development practices for adaptation to the emerging technologies and trends among academic and research librarians (ARLs) in Lagos state. It also determined the sources of their professional development strategies and sponsors, and the training need of the academic and research librarians. Descriptive statistics of frequency and simple percentages were used to analyse the data collected. The study revealed that librarians are aware of the emerging trends, they are committed to their professional development through self-sponsored and also have challenges facing them. It was recommended that librarians should be encouraged to be more committed to their profession development, the library should be involved in generating funds to support professional development to alleviate the problem of fund scarcity.

‘Peace and quiet and open air’: Performing weathering in New York screen musicals of the COVID-19 pandemic

This article sets out a methodology for performance meteorology by analysing the weather in the urban pastoral imagery of diegetic and non-diegetic ‘open-air performances’ in three screen musicals set in New York City: Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story, Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of In the Heights and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s adaptation of Tick, Tick… BOOM!. Together, these films depict the aerial environment of New York as the context for open-air performances, generating distinct representations of how the weather conditions life in the cultural home of musical theatre. The New York performers and performances represented in these pieces cultivate their identities with the weather, as do the creatives who represent them. They indicate the growing climate anxieties that came to substrate the COVID-19 pandemic, when the premium on access to the open air was brought into renewed focus. Crucially, these iterations of West Side Story, In the Heights and Tick, Tick… BOOM! do more than use the medium of film to record how bodies respond to the weather. They capture the cultural zeitgeist of the New York climate at a crucial juncture between environmental and social history. Beyond the record that they will long provide of the prevailing sense of the city’s climate as culture, they attest to adaptive practices of weathering the city in their expressions of performance in the open air.