Future Plans Research Articles

MyITS Services Integrated Service Innovation in Higher Education

The demands of higher education today are increasingly various and complicated as they provide technology and information-based services to students, lecturers, education staff, and alumni who need services easily and quickly. One solution is to integrate through the Integrated Service Centre, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ISC-ITS), by developing digitalization services through the myITS Services platform. The stages of innovation begin with legalisation services, translate diplomas, and graduation certificates, while future innovation development plans to expand into human capital services, finance, and cooperation. The purpose of this research is to analyze integrated service innovation in the Integrated Service Centre. This research uses qualitative methods and Albrecht and Zemke’s theory of public service innovation which examines technology-based services, human resources and service recipients. Data were obtained from observations, interviews, and documentation from service providers and recipients. The results of this study show that myITS Services can respond to the challenges of integrated service innovation needs at the Integrated Service Centre, as a university in realizing digital transformation and as an effort to implement Good University Governance (GUG), but that human resources teams must be supported and assistance provided for service recipients. As innovation continues to be carried out in public service, breakthroughs ISC-ITS come in the form of creative original ideas and adaptations and modifications to existing working methods to provide benefits, both directly and indirectly, to stakeholders. Keywords: innovation, public service, myITS Services

Determinants of acute psychiatric inpatient length of stay in Ireland.

Ireland has had an historic over-reliance on inpatient mental health care accompanied by poorly resourced community provision. There has been an increasing policy focus on provision of mental health care in the community to facilitate diversion from, or shorten stays in, inpatient care. However, little is known about the determinants of psychiatric inpatient length of stay (LOS) to allow for the targeting of community services. To use a large cross-sectional national dataset to examine the determinants of psychiatric inpatient LOS in the Irish context. Using information on 60,607 discharges from adult acute psychiatric units in Ireland between 2015 and 2019, the study employs both descriptive and regression analysis. Using negative binomial regression models, we control for patient demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics. In addition, as LOS may be related to provision of non-acute services in the patient area of residence, the analysis also controls for aspects of community service provision. The study finds that longer LOS is associated with older age, being female, and having an involuntary admission. Clinical diagnosis significantly impacts LOS, with diagnoses such as schizophrenia being associated with longer LOS. There is also significant variation in LOS across region of residence, with discharges from some regions staying up to 5days longer. The regional variation observed in inpatient LOS supports the assumption that increased provision of community services diverts or reduces the quantum of care required in inpatient settings. However, without substantive improvement in the community data collected and reported, future planning of mental health services, both community and inpatient, will be substantially curtailed.

Current Status of Logistics Infrastructure Associated with the Development of Vietnam’s Sea Tourism

With a coastline of 3260 kilometers, 2.773 islands, and 28 coastal provinces, Vietnam has a great potential for sea tourism development. One of the factors affecting this development is logistics infrastructure. This research paper aims to analyze all of the logistics infrastructure factors including highways, railways, inland waterways, seaway, and airways; and the connection between logistics transport infrastructure and marine tourism development. The result shows that coastal tourism areas have made strong investments in logistics infrastructure and future planning. However, the lack of synchronization in transport networks connecting tourist destinations, the adaptation of the seaport systems and waterway transports, along with the overall infrastructure serving the needs of accommodations and tourism services have not met the increasing demand. Based on these bases, this paperwork proposes solutions to developing the logistics infrastructure associated with the development of Vietnam’s sea tourism.

Tropical forest cover, oil palm plantations, and precipitation drive flooding events in Aceh, Indonesia, and hit the poorest people hardest.

Tropical forest loss and degradation in watersheds disrupt essential ecosystem services that regulate water flow, often causing devastating floods that impact agricultural productivity and impoverish downstream communities. Despite its importance, evaluations of the interconnectedness between the depletion of hydrological services and flooding lack an evidence-base in the Global South and, therefore, have little influence on policy dialogue. In this study, we focus on the forest-rich province of Aceh, Indonesia, using local and national newspaper articles to compile information on flood events between 2011 and 2018. We explored spatio-temporal flood patterns with a combination of climatic, topographic, and environmental factors. We compiled 2,029 reported flood events in mainland Aceh located in 20 of the 21 districts/cities, with a disproportionately high occurrence (71%) in four districts. The trend of flood events exhibited an increasing pattern between 2011 and 2018. Over this period, floods displaced ~158,000 people and damaged ~24,500 houses and ~11,500 ha of agricultural land. Our generalized linear mixed-effect model found that reported flood events were more likely to occur in areas with lower tree cover, more oil palm plantations, and higher precipitation. Areas with a lower human population density and higher poverty rates were found to be most susceptible to flooding events. Our findings highlight the critical link between forest preservation and flood prevention, and the irreplaceable role that forests play in ensuring the well-being of local communities, especially those affected by poverty. Our study underscores the importance of considering these interconnected factors in future land use and economic development plans and policies.

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Predictions and Drivers of Carbon Storage in the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration via the PLUS-InVEST-GeoDetector Model

Land use and land cover change (LUCC) significantly influences the dynamics of carbon storage in thin terrestrial ecosystems. Investigating the interplay between land use alterations and carbon sequestration is crucial for refining regional land use configurations, sustaining the regional carbon balance, and augmenting regional carbon storage. Using land use data from the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration (PRDUA) from 2010 to 2020, this study employed PLUS-InVEST models to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and carbon storage. Projections for the years 2030, 2040, and 2050 were performed under three distinct developmental scenarios, namely, natural development (ND), city priority development (CPD), and ecological protection development (EPD), to forecast changes in land use and carbon storage. The geographic detector model was leveraged to dissect the determinants of the spatial and temporal variability of carbon storage, offering pertinent recommendations. The results showed that (1) during 2010–2020, the carbon storage in the PRDUA showed a decreasing trend, with a total decrease of 9.52 × 106 Mg, and the spatial distribution of carbon density in the urban agglomeration was imbalanced and showed an overall trend in increasing from the center to the periphery. (2) Clear differences in carbon storage were observed among the three development scenarios of the PRDUA between 2030 and 2050. Only the EPD scenario achieved an increase in carbon storage of 1.10 × 106 Mg, and it was the scenario with the greatest potential for carbon sequestration. (3) Among the drivers of the evolution of spatial land use patterns, population, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and distance to the railway had the greatest influence on LUCC. (4) The annual average temperature, annual average rainfall, and GDP exerted a significant influence on the spatiotemporal dynamics of carbon storage in the PRDUA, and the interactions between the 15 drivers and changes in carbon storage predominantly manifested as nonlinear and double-factor enhancements. The results provide a theoretical basis for future spatial planning and achieving carbon neutrality in the PRDUA.

Foresight for Sustainable Water Futures in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

The provision of clean and potable water and sanitation services remains a critical challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This is exacerbated by climate change, an ever-increasing population, urbanisation, industrialisation, and an increase in water demand, not least for agriculture. A sustainable water future requires more strategic planning and improved decision-making processes. To accomplish this, foresight plays a critical role. Foresight is the ability to study a system and its challenges, anticipate possible future trends, and make informed decisions that foster more desired futures. This paper presents a systematic review of the literature on the strategies or methodologies of foresight utilised to enhance decision-making and future planning for ensuring equitable and sustainable access to clean water in SSA amidst uncertainty and the evolving landscape of economic, social, and environmental challenges. The findings indicate that foresight research in most countries in SSA is in its early stages, is narrowly focused, uses foresight tools or approaches in isolation, and employs siloed approaches for overall decision-making. A transdisciplinary systems approach is recommended to support improved decision-making within sustainable water futures planning.

Program Implementation of the Alternative Learning System

Educational stakeholders can enhance the effectiveness and impact of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs in providing educational opportunities for marginalized and underserved populations. It is on this premise that this study aimed to evaluate the extent of the ALS program’s implementation in a large school division within Central Philippines for the 2021-2022 academic year. Data needed for this descriptive study was taken from 51 ALS teacher-respondents using a self-made survey questionnaire that passed the rigorous test of validity and reliability. The study’s focus on program implementation revealed that the Assessment of Learning component exhibited a very high extent of implementation, as evidenced by mean scores surpassing 4.5 across all assessed aspects. Similarly, Learning Resources demonstrated a high level of implementation, with the majority of mean scores exceeding 3.5. However, implementing the Learning Environment aspect was deemed moderate, signifying potential areas for enhancement. Regardless of age, both younger and older educators experienced robust implementation in the Assessment of Learning and Learning Resources aspects. Similarly, male and female teachers encountered high implementation levels in these dimensions. While family income did not significantly impact the Assessment of Learning and Learning Resources domains, it did influence the Learning Environment aspect. Specifically, higher-income individuals benefited from a more extensive implementation of the Learning Environment. The study’s outcomes have important implications for designing future capability-building plans and enhancing the educational experience within the ALS program. Keywords: Alternative Learning System, ALS Program Implementation, ALS Teachers, ALS Community Learning Center, ALS Learning Resources, ALS Assessments Negros Occidental

Impact and mechanisms of high-speed rail construction on carbon emissions: A quasi-natural experiment in China

Carbon emissions present a significant climate challenge for China. As a major source of these emissions, reducing transportation-related carbon output is essential to achieving the country's dual carbon goals. In this context, high-speed rail (HSR) emerges as a green, low-carbon alternative with an increasingly significant role in reducing carbon emissions. This paper explores the impact of HSR station construction on carbon emissions using data from 248 prefecture-level cities from 2003 to 2019, treating the construction as a quasi-natural experiment. Employing a spatial DID model, the research investigates how HSR construction affects carbon emission intensity within the region and in neighboring areas. It also considers socioeconomic factors to understand their mediating roles. The findings reveal that HSR construction significantly reduces regional carbon emissions over time, with long-term and gradually increasing effects. Spatially, HSR also has substantial spillover effects in reducing carbon emissions in adjacent regions. Numerically, HSR reduces carbon emissions by an average of 1.7% in the local region and 2.3% in the surrounding areas. The mechanism analysis indicates that the carbon reduction benefits of HSR stem from a complex interplay of multiple factors, with each selected factor playing a partial mediating role. Notably, the concentration of human capital and the flow of innovation are crucial pathways for regional carbon reduction. However, despite HSR's promotion of industrial structure upgrades and substitution of traditional transportation, these factors have not yet significantly contributed to carbon reduction under current conditions. These results underscore the critical position of HSR in carbon reduction and provide a theoretical foundation for future HSR planning and sustainable development policy formulation.

Danish and Swedish National Data Collections for Cancer – Solutions for Radiotherapy

Collecting large amounts of radiotherapy (RT) data from clinical systems is known to be a challenging task. Still, data collections outside the original RT systems are needed to follow-up on the quality of cancer care and to improve RT. This paper aims to describe how RT data is collected nationally in Denmark and Sweden for this purpose and gives an overview of the stored information in both countries' national data sources.Although both countries have clinical national quality registries with broad coverage and completeness for many cancer diagnoses, some were initiated already in the seventies, and less than one in ten includes quantitative information on RT to a level of detail useful for more than basic descriptive statistics. Detailed RT data can, however, be found in Denmark's DICOM Collaboration (DcmCollab) database, initiated in 2009 and in Sweden's quality registry for RT launched in 2023 (SKvaRT). Denmark has collected raw DICOM data for all patients enrolled in clinical trials, with files being directly and automatically transferred to DcmCollab from the original data sources at each RT centre. Sweden collects aggregated RT data into SKvaRT for all patients undergoing RT in Sweden, with DICOM files being transferred and selected alpha-numeric variables forwarded via a local intermediate storage database (MIQA) at each hospital. In designing their respective solutions, both countries have faced similar challenges regarding which RT variables to collect and how to technically link clinical systems to their data repositories. General lessons about how flexibility currently is balanced with storage requirements and data standards are presented here together with future plans to harvest real-world RT data.

Construction, assessment, and protection of green infrastructure networks from a dynamic perspective: A case study of Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China

The green infrastructure (GI) network, an important nature-based solution (NBS) strategy, is pivotal for sustainable urban development. However, current research perspectives focus on constructing a static GI network, and research on evaluating and protecting GI networks in the context of spatiotemporal changes has been limited. This research aims to comprehensively characterise the spatio-temporal changes in the GI network and protect its efficiency. We selected Dalian City as a case study and applied the Future Land-use Simulation (FLUS) model to predict its land use for 2030 and 2040. Based on predicted and historical land-use data, the 1990–2040 GI network of Dalian City was constructed utilising the Integrated valuation of ecosystem services and trade-offs (InVEST), morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, while its spatiotemporal changes were evaluated. The results revealed that the hub area exhibited positive growth over time, whereas the link lengths showed an opposite trend. Furthermore, the overall position of the GI network shifted toward the southwest. The flatness indicator detected that the direction of the GI network shape gradually became less pronounced. Consequently, the structure of the GI network shifted from multi-centre to mono-centre. Additionally, priority protection for hubs is mainly in the northeast, while links are primarily in the coastal regions. The urgency of protection for both increases over time. This research developed a dynamic GI network construction and assessment method, providing a scientific basis and reference for future rational GI network planning, ecological protection planning, and related land policy formulation.

The costs of school exclusion: a case study analysis of England, Wales and Scotland

ABSTRACT The cost of permanent exclusion from school is an issue that has been gaining increasing attention in recent years. However, efforts to estimate these costs have mainly focused on those incurred after the student has been excluded, such as those for alternative education providers. Less focus has been given to costs associated with processes leading up to exclusion, including the time spent by school staff and other professionals (e.g. counsellors, special education needs specialists) in efforts to prevent exclusion, or to mitigate negative outcomes. Moreover, the unpaid time and effort spent by parents/carers during this process often go unaccounted for, despite significant financial implications from foregone productivity and income. In this paper, we use a series of five case studies based on in-depth interviews with different stakeholders from England, Scotland and Wales to illustrate the potential involvement of the professionals and parents/carers in the process leading up to – or the measures preventing – permanent exclusion, and estimate the associated costs. It is important to highlight these costs for future resource planning, as well as to present a more comprehensive picture of the true costs of permanent exclusion.

Evaluation of space efficiency criteria in high-rise buildings based on functions: a case study of Türkiye

ABSTRACT High-rise buildings have become a significant solution to address the challenges posed by the rapid growth of urban populations and space limitations in cities. Efficient planning and design of these buildings, aiming to achieve more productivity, can be realized through ensuring space efficiency. This research compares architectural and structural design criteria affecting space efficiency in high-rises based on their functions, aiming to assess the degree of correlation among these criteria, space efficiency, and their interrelations. Currently, no studies examine the differences or similarities in space efficiency of high-rise buildings based on their functions. Additionally, selecting buildings from the same region as samples is a unique aspect of this study. Employing a case study method, the analysis encompasses 42 high-rises in Türkiye, ranging from 100 m to 300 m, and utilizes correlation analysis methods to examine the data. The comprehensive review of space efficiency in high-rises, based on their functions, yielded the following results: (i) Space efficiency ranged from 82.7% to 65.2% in high-rise case studies with different functions, with an average of 73.2%. (ii) A significant majority (83%) of the buildings followed orthogonal designs. (iii) Central core floor planning emerged as the preferred approach. (iv) Increasing elevator density reduced space efficiency. (v) Office buildings favored reinforced concrete frame systems, while residential buildings commonly used reinforced concrete shear wall systems. (vi) As building height increased, elevator and core areas expanded. These findings provide guidance for future high-rise building design and planning.

How do geriatricians practise comprehensive geriatric assessment in the outpatient setting: an analysis of geriatricians' letters and a comparison to the Medicare benefits schedule requirement.

Little is known about what components geriatricians routinely incorporate into outpatient comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs). This study explored what components of CGAs are routinely incorporated into geriatricians' letters and assessed their consistency with the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and a recently published survey of geriatricians. We completed a manual content analysis, supplemented by qualitative thematic analysis, of 34 letters from five geriatricians, collected as part of the GOAL Trial. While more than 80% of letters included each of the key clinical domains described in the Medicare Benefits Schedule and survey of geriatricians, only 62% included advanced care planning and 47% mentioned immunisations. Forty-seven percent of letters included goal setting. Few letters showed evidence of multidisciplinary working. Issues identified by the geriatrician centred around the themes of advance care planning, symptom identification and management, medical comorbidities, strategies to support quality of life and interventions to manage frailty. Patient concerns identified in the letters were cognition and mood, declining function, future planning and symptom management. Analysis of geriatricians' letters provides important and novel insights into usual CGA practice. The letters provide evidence of multidimensional assessments of physical, functional, social and psychological health, and most include use of standardised tools. However, less than 50% include evidence of goal setting or multidisciplinary working. The results allow consideration of how CGAs might be carried out in the outpatient setting, so that interventions focused on improving the quality and efficacy of this intervention can be implemented.

The LTAR Grazing Land Common Experiment at Platte River High Plains Aquifer.

The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) consists presently of 18 sites within the contiguous United States that are managed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and its partners. The LTAR network focuses on developing national strategies for more efficient, resilient, and profitable agricultural production systems, improved environmental quality, and enhanced rural prosperity. The Platte River High Plains Aquifer (PRHPA) LTAR site is managed jointly by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and USDA-ARS and is one of the LTAR sites that conduct research on both integrated cropping and grazing systems. The PRHPA region encompasses multiple land resource areas and diverse agricultural production systems. The PRHPA sites, predominantly located in eastern Nebraska, are designated as an integrated system focused specifically on the region's dominant production practices of row crop (corn and soybean), managed pastures, and beef cattle production. Here, we focus on C3 cool-season smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pasture grazing systems under prevailing and alternative management practices for the region. The sites evaluate continuous and rotational grazing with and without pasture fertilization (prevailing practices). In an additional treatment, cattle are supplemented with dry distillers grains plus solubles, while manure supplies fertilization (alternative practice). Main measurements at the site evaluate plant and animal productivity, forage quality, greenhouse gas fluxes, and soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. This paper describes the regional characteristics of the PRHPA site, ongoing LTAR research related to pasture and livestock production, stakeholder engagement, and future research plans.

Temporal insights into mega-events and waterfront industrial heritage transformation: a case study of Shanghai’s Huangpu River industrial zone

This research examines the evolution and renewal of Shanghai’s Huangpu River industrial zone after the 2010 Shanghai Expo, with a temporal focus on the profound changes and development philosophies driven by this mega-event. By investigating emblematic case studies along the Huangpu River, such as the transformative 80,000-ton silo, the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Long Museum, this research articulates how mega-events serve as pivotal moments for reimagining and repurposing industrial heritage. In the wake of the 2010 Shanghai Expo, these industrial relics emerged as focal points of urban regeneration, embodying the tensions and synergies between historical preservation and contemporary urban development. This study explores the temporal layers—from the event’s catalytic role to enduring legacies—and reveals how time influences the trajectory of urban spaces and the community’s connection to them. Through this temporal lens, the paper analyses the redevelopment process, assessing how these initiatives have reconfigured the industrial waterfront into a dynamic cultural landscape. The findings offer a dynamic perspective on the temporal dimensions that underpin the redevelopment of industrial heritage sites, providing insights into how such spaces can be continuously activated and symbiotically integrated into the fabric of the city. This paper aims to contribute to a broader understanding of the complexities involved in harnessing industrial heritage for mega-events, with implications for future urban planning and heritage conservation strategies.

Humans and hazardous asteroids: 30 years of experience in education and communication

ABSTRACT What to say to the public about asteroid hazards and how to say it to them? In this article, we relate how our small professional research institution (Klet Observatory, Czech Republic), devoted specifically to Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), together with the educational branch (Ceske Budejovice Observatory and Planetarium, Czech Republic), has developed and implemented a comprehensive educational programme to communicate about our scientific activities. In the beginning of the 1990s, we started some NEO presentations just as a public outreach of Klet Observatory work and an explanation to taxpayers of the usefulness of such research. After thirty years of gaining experience, we understand that education of the wider public, students, journalists, emergency services and decision-makers on hazardous asteroids and planetary defence belongs to the most important tasks of NEO scientists and research institutions (Ticha, J., & Tichy, M. (2018). Klet observatory: 25 years of experience in NEO public education and communication. Journal of Space Safety Engineering, 5(3-4), 209–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsse.2018.10.002). This paper presents a case study of NEO and asteroid hazard educational activities in South Bohemia, implemented through the Observatory and Planetarium in Ceske Budejovice, influenced by the long-term Klet NEO programme. We will also mention locally specific connections to NEOs and our future NEO education plans.

Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on mobility behavior of public transport passengers: the case of Metropolitan Area of Porto

Public transport systems worldwide experienced significant declines in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lockdowns and work-from-home mandates. While numerous studies have examined these phenomena, there is still a need for empirical evidence that not only documents what occurred but also provides actionable insights for future transport planning. This study aims to enhance understanding of public transport passengers’ mobility behaviors during different stages of the pandemic, using the Metropolitan Area of Porto, Portugal, as a case study. Automated Fare Collection data from 2020 were analyzed and compared with data from the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The analysis included temporal, spatial, spatio-temporal, and sociodemographic dimensions. Key patterns and trends identified include a rapid recovery of ridership post-restriction easing, homogenized daily travel patterns, varied impacts on different transport modes, and significant shifts in demographic travel behaviors. These findings highlight the resilience of public transport demand and suggest that adaptive scheduling, enhanced safety measures, targeted support for vulnerable groups, promotion of off-peak travel, investment in bus infrastructure, and encouragement of multi-modal transport are essential strategies. Implementing these strategies can help improve public transport planning and mitigate the adverse effects of future crises.

Seismic imaging of deep‐seated gold deposit and host rocks through a reappraisal of legacy seismic data in the Fochville mining area, South Africa

AbstractReappraisal of legacy reflection seismic data has shown to deliver value in mineral exploration, particularly in brownfield settings. In this work, we demonstrate how the reappraisal and processing of legacy reflection seismic data can be advantageous in the mineral exploration industry. We use today's standard seismic processing tools to improve the imaging of deep and complex geological structures that host mineral deposits. The recovered and processed 25.3 km long legacy seismic profile in this study was acquired in 1983 by the Gold Division of Anglo‐American as part of the Witwatersrand Gold Fields exploration program. This study aims to improve the imaging of the Ventersdorp Contact Reef gold‐bearing horizon (termed reef), a world‐class gold deposit (2 m thick) situated at depths between ∼2400 and ∼4100 m below the ground surface near South Deep Gold Mine in Fochville, South Africa. The final processing results from the pre‐stack time and phase‐shift migration approaches clearly reveal a dipping reflection associated with the gold‐bearing horizon and major steeply dipping faults that crosscut and displace the deposit. The final results are integrated with borehole information, 1D synthetic modelling and aeromagnetic data to constrain the structural interpretation. In particular, 1D synthetic simulation and borehole data constrain the depth position of the gold deposit. The magnetic data provides additional constraints on the complex faulted blocks of the host rocks such as the intrusions that may have a direct impact on ore resources and evaluation. The mining companies, such as South Deep Gold Mine, operating closer to the seismic profiles can use this new structural information to update the current geological models and improve future mine planning and designs, thus providing some insight into the prospectivity of unmined ground.

Birsa Harit Gram Yojana: Fostering Rural Employment through Afforestation and Sustainable Development in Jharkhand, India

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of environmental concerns and the necessity for sustainable development. The Birsa Harit Gram Yojana (BHGY), a flagship initiative launched by the Government of Jharkhand, seeks to promote rural development through environmental conservation. Drawing inspiration from the vision of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, the scheme aims to revitalize rural landscapes, enhance livelihood opportunities, and promote sustainable growth. This article provides a detailed analysis of BHGY in Jharkhand, exploring its objectives, implementation strategies, impact on environmental sustainability and its role in generating employment. Based on government reports and academic research, the article emphasizes the importance of BHGY as a transformative initiative in rural development within Jharkhand. This article examines the year over year trends in total beneficiaries, land area covered and fruit trees planted under BHGY across all districts of the state during FY 2021-22 AND FY 2022-23. Using paired t-tests, the statistical significance between the data of the two fiscal years were analyzed. The results indicate no significant changes between the two years for the total number of beneficiaries, the total area in acres pr the total number of fruit trees planted with p-values of 0.2835, 0.4369 and 0.4444 respectively. These findings suggest that the scheme outcomes remained stable across the two years with ant observed differences likely due to random variation. The results highlight the consistency in scheme implementation and offer insights for future planning and resource allocation.

“To Show That There Is Hope”: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Parent Perspectives About an Online, Co-Facilitated Parenting Program for Carers of Adolescents with Disability

Adolescence is a developmental period of significant change and increasing independence, during which parents and caregivers play a critical role guiding their teen toward adulthood. Parents of adolescents with disability face heightened challenges managing their teens’ growing independence and shift to adult-based services across health, recreation, and employment. Using a mixed-methods-treatment-group-only design, this study explored the implementation and outcomes of a program designed to build parenting capacity to support their adolescent with disability. Parents enrolled in one of ten groups were invited to attend three sessions covering content tailored to adolescent development including post-school opportunities, financial support, risk-taking and decision-making, future planning, relationships, and mental health. Surveys were administered pre-program, post-program, and six months after program participation (n = 160) to measure intervention outcomes including parenting self-efficacy, self-advocacy, adolescent self-advocacy, parent confidence to support their adolescent’s growing independence, confidence to support their adolescent through sensitive developmental stages, parental hopes and aspirations, and parental empowerment. A subset of parents (n = 11) also participated in semi-structured interviews about the program’s acceptability and usefulness, and their satisfaction with the program content and delivery. All outcome variables except parent hopes and aspirations increased significantly from pre- to post-program. Parent self-efficacy, self-advocacy, and parental empowerment remained higher 6 months after program completion. Thematic analysis identified program strengths as the co-facilitation model of program delivery, practical and actionable content, the use of narratives and the facilitator’s lived experience as parents of adolescents with disability, the use of visualizations (video, pictures, diagrams), and the service provider’s trusted reputation and credibility. In conclusion, an online co-facilitated group program for parents of adolescents with disability can contribute to positive change for families by improving parent confidence, self-advocacy, and parental empowerment.