Innovative Practices Research Articles

The effect of ESG ratings on corporate green innovation strategies: evidence from China

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approaches have gained popularity in academia and are typically linked to corporate green innovation. Although some scholars argue that corporate green innovation is merely greenwashing carried out in reaction to market pressure from ESG ratings, most research conducted thus far has shown that ESG exerts a beneficial influence on increasing corporate green innovation outputs overall. This study's analysis of panel data from Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2010 to 2019 demonstrates that, while ESG ratings increase the likelihood of incremental green innovation in areas of current knowledge, they diminish the percentage of exploratory green patents. The managerial myopia brought about by ESG ratings is a key mechanism leading to this result. Extensive study indicates that analysts and managers who pay greater attention to environmental issues may be able to alleviate the negative effects of ESG scores on managerial myopia and company’s incremental green innovation practices.

SYNERGY IN SECURITY: EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA IN COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM

In the face of evolving security threats, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stand at a critical juncture, where the echoes of gunfire meet the whispers of diplomacy. This study delves into the heart of Nigeria's counter-extremism efforts, examining the AFN's journey from traditional military approaches to a symphony of collaborative strategies. Through an extensive literature review, the study unravels the tapestry of stakeholder engagement woven by the AFN in their quest to combat violent extremism. This research navigates the complex terrain of Nigeria's security landscape, exploring how the AFN has transformed from a lone sentinel to a conductor of a diverse orchestra of stakeholders. It analyses key initiatives such as the National Security Strategy and the National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, viewing them as scores that guide this intricate performance of national security. The study reveals a narrative of progress punctuated by persistent challenges. It found that while the AFN has successfully harmonized efforts with civil society, religious leaders, and international partners, discordant notes of mistrust and resource constraints continue to resonate. The analysis uncovers the delicate balance the AFN must maintain – striking a chord between military might and community engagement, between national sovereignty and international collaboration. Emerging from our review is a portrait of an armed force in transition, learning to wield soft power alongside hard power. The study identifies innovative practices where the AFN has successfully bridged divides, creating unexpected alliances in the fight against extremism. However, we also highlight the unfinished symphony – areas where the collaboration falls short of its potential. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on military transformation in the face of asymmetric threats. By examining the AFN's collaborative strategies, it provides insights applicable not only to Nigeria but to armed forces globally grappling with similar security challenges. As the AFN continues to compose its response to violent extremism, this research offers both a reflection on its current performance and a prelude to future harmonies in national security efforts.

The Integration and Innovative Practice of CAD Technology and Big Data Analysis in Contemporary Daily Ceramic Design

The Integration and Innovative Practice of CAD Technology and Big Data Analysis in Contemporary Daily Ceramic Design

Enhancing Carbon Trading Mechanisms through Innovative Collaboration: Case Studies from Developing Nations

Against a backdrop of global climate change mitigation efforts, carbon trading has emerged as a critical mechanism, yet developing countries often lack the necessary infrastructure and collaborative frameworks. The research investigates how intermediaries facilitate stakeholders and employ innovative practices to foster effective carbon trading markets. Methodologically, it employs a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth case studies of four intermediaries through 32 semi-structured interviews and archival document. Findings underscore the pivotal role of digital platforms in enabling real-time trading, rigorous standardization processes to ensure market credibility, and multi-stakeholder engagement strategies that promote inclusive participation. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of carbon trading by illustrating how digital platforms and technological integration enhance resource acquisition and allocation. It emphasizes the significance of standardization and verification processes in building trust among stakeholders, crucial for effective supply chain collaboration. Practically, the study highlights the benefits of these approaches in enhancing market efficiency and transparency. It also underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement strategies and strategic alliances for creating resilient and inclusive carbon trading markets, offering actionable insights for stakeholders and policymakers alike.

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

The role of physiotherapists in professional football is critical for both the physical recovery of athletes and the implementation of strategies that promote injury prevention and enhance performance. With a comprehensive understanding of biomechanics and movement principles, physiotherapists can assess players’ performance and work closely with coaching staff to devise effective game tactics. Their expertise enables them to identify movement patterns and areas of stress that can lead to injuries, ultimately helping to minimize these risks. Education plays a vital part in the physiotherapist's responsibilities, as they teach athletes about health maintenance and the significance of injury prevention. This educational component is essential for ensuring that players can sustain a long and successful sports career. Despite progress in prevention and rehabilitation practices, studies reveal persistent gaps between clinical practice and scientific evidence. Increased regulation of the profession, coupled with a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates psychological support, emphasizes the growing importance of physiotherapy within football. Moreover, recognizing the psychological factors that influence recovery and utilizing evidence-based protocols are vital for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes. The physiotherapist’s influence extends beyond physical recovery; they are integral in fostering the overall health and well-being of athletes, which significantly impacts team performance. Moving forward, the field of physiotherapy in football must prioritize continuous professional development, the adoption of innovative practices, and the establishment of an environment that values both the physical and mental health of players.

The Impact of Innovative Technological Practices for Gifted Children's Education on Support Classroom Teachers' Attitudes and Opinions towards Technology Use

The aim of this study is to determine how innovative practices aimed at meeting the educational needs of gifted children, taught during activities, influence the attitudes and opinions of resource room teachers towards the use of technology in education. This study, conducted with 30 teachers working in the Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia Regions, employed a mixed-methods approach and included various activities such as animations, augmented reality, educational games, and STEAM. Data were collected through the attitude scale and diaries towards the use of technology in education. The results indicate that teachers' attitudes towards technology use did not differ by gender and that innovative applications were beneficial for all teachers. However, deficiencies were observed in teachers' ability to adapt to technologies related to coding, engineering, and STEAM. To address these deficiencies and keep technological knowledge and skills up to date, it is recommended to organize regular professional development programs and seminars.

Co-Designing in Cultural Tourism: TExTOUR ICT Services and Performance Monitoring System

The enhancement of cultural heritage for tourism can greatly benefit from the opportunities offered by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), promoting greater interaction and integration between all stakeholders and service providers. In recent years, ICT applications and platforms have tended to provide a platform to translate the strategic goals and performance metrics of cultural heritage tourism into comprehensive services tailored to stakeholders’ needs by participating stakeholders. A successful co-designed platform integrates explicit services—requiring specialized software tools—and implicit services, facilitating evaluation processes. This adaptability ensures continuous improvement and alignment with evolving strategies and business objectives. As part of the European project, the development of the TExTOUR open ICT platform marks a significant advancement in leveraging technology within cultural tourism. It exemplifies the creation of a sustainable and adaptable framework, co-designed specifically to support and amplify the strategic objectives of cultural heritage tourism. This approach not only fosters better engagement and management within the sector but also sets a new standard for innovation in cultural tourism practices.

Unravelling the Dynamics of Necessity-Driven Entrepreneurs (NDEs) and Opportunity-Driven Entrepreneurs (ODEs): A Study of Immigrant Micro Enterprises (IMEs) in the Hospitality Industry

The purpose of the study is to investigate the notion of Necessity-driven Entrepreneurs (NDEs) and Opportunity-driven Entrepreneurs (ODEs) among IME (Immigrant Micro Enterprise) owners in the hospitality industry and how changes in motivational traits influence business practices, innovation, and growth aspirations. In many geographical contexts, the ever-challenging hospitality industry is dominated by businesses that are immigrant-owned and of micro sizes that experience additional challenges compared to their native and large counterparts. Through qualitative research and interviews with 18 owners of restaurants and eateries in the IME category in eastern Norway, the study found that while NDE traits are dominant during start-ups, ODE traits also exist, revealing a dynamic relationship between the two and thus problematic to classify hospitality IMEs as either NDE or ODE. Experiences and close customer interactions rather than formal R&D activities inspire changes and innovations in business practices, growth aspirations, and perceptions of success. This study offers new insights into hospitality IME owners’ motivations and goals, which may be relevant in other similar industries and geographical contexts. It underscores the importance of understanding the interplay of NDE and ODE traits among IME owners and their impact on business success in the challenging industry in which they operate.

A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF EFFECTIVE PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES TO FOSTER JOY, CURIOSITY, AND WONDER IN MATHEMATICS AT ELEMENTARY STAGE

This Study Aims To Identify And Evaluate Effective Pedagogical Practices That Foster Joy, Curiosity, And Wonder Among Students In Mathematics Education At The Elementary Stage. The Study Employs A Qualitative Approach To Investigate The Impact Of These Practices On Students' Engagement And Enthusiasm For Mathematics. A Sample Of Mathematics Teachers From 10 Schools (20, Teachers) In The Varanasi District, India, Was Selected Randomly. Intelligent Verbatim Transcription Was Used To Convert Audio Recordings Into Text, Balancing Accuracy With Clarity By Omitting Unnecessary Fillers While Preserving The Essence Of The Conversations And Using NVIVO Employed To Facilitate Efficient Coding And Visualisation Of Connections Between Themes. The Analysis Process Will Involve Organizing The Transcribed Data, Qualitatively Identifying Themes And Patterns Related To Effective Pedagogical Practices To Foster 'Joy, Curiosity & Wonder' Among The Students In Mathematics At Elementary Stage, Combining The Benefits Of Observational Data With In-Depth Teacher Perspectives. The Findings Reveal A Positive Trend Towards More Student-Centered, Engaging, And Effective Teaching Strategies In Mathematics, While Also Indicating Opportunities For Further Development In Certain Areas. These Findings Have Significant Implications For Enhancing Student Engagement, Promoting Conceptual Understanding, And Encouraging A Growth Mind Set In Mathematics. This Study Emphasizes The Need For Policy Makers To Address Resource Disparities Between Schools And For Educators To Adopt Practices That Create Joyful, Curiosity-Driven Learning Environments, Ultimately Leading To Improved Student Outcomes And A More Positive Attitude Towards The Subject. KEYWORD: Mathematics Education, Pedagogy, Joy, Curiosity, Wonder, Student Engagement, Innovative Teaching Practices

Digital Leadership Impacts on a Village-owned Enterprise Performance: A Moderation Effect of Artificial Intelligence

This study investigates the impact of digital leadership on the performance of village-owned enterprises, or VOEs emphasizing the moderating effect of artificial intelligence, or AI. As digital transformation reshapes the business landscape, effective digital leadership emerges as a crucial factor for enhancing organizational performance, particularly in rural settings. This study employs quantitative surveys and interviews from VOEs across various villages with 192 research sample size. The findings reveal that digital leadership significantly correlates with improved performance metrics, such as profitability, operational efficiency, and community values. Moreover, the integration of AI technologies further amplifies these effects, providing tools for better decision-making, resource allocation, and customer interaction. The moderation analysis indicates that the presence of AI not only enhances the effectiveness of digital leadership but also facilitates innovative practices within VOEs. This research also contributes to the understanding of how digital leadership, coupled with AI, can drive sustainable growth in village enterprises, offering practical implications for policymakers and community leaders aiming to leverage technology for rural development. Future studies are suggested to explore the long-term effects of these dynamics in diverse contexts.

The Effect of Innovative Schools and Schools' Openness to Change on Teachers' Adaptive Performance

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of teachers' perceptions of innovative schools and schools' openness to change on their perceptions of adaptive performance. Predictive correlational design was used in the study. Simple random sampling method was utilized to determine the sample. The sample consisted of 258 teachers. Personal Information Form, Innovative School Scale, Schools' Openness to Change Scale and Teachers' Perceived Adaptive Performance Scale were applied to collect the data. In data analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression analysis were used. In the study, teachers' perceptions of innovative schools and adaptive performance were found to be high, and their perceptions of schools’ openness to change were found to be moderate. It was determined that innovative school and schools' openness to change together significantly predicted adaptive performance. It was determined that the dimensions of organizational impediments, teachers' openness to change and school environment's press for change were significant predictors of adaptive performance while innovative schools and schools' openness to change were together. It was concluded that in order to increase the adaptive performance of teachers, it is necessary to realize innovative practices in schools and to increase the openness of schools to change. Suggestions were made to prevent the factors that hinder innovations in schools and to increase the openness to change of teachers and the school environment.

Strategic leadership and management within non-profit organizations: An in-depth review of practices contributing to sustainable impact

This study provides an in-depth review of strategic leadership and management practices within non-profit organizations (NPOs) and their contribution to sustainable impact. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research aims to explore the evolving landscape of strategic leadership, define the scope of leadership and management in achieving sustainable impact, and identify innovative management practices that enhance organizational sustainability. The methodology involved a comprehensive search across peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and grey literature from 2013 to 2023, focusing on empirical evidence, theoretical frameworks, and case studies relevant to NPOs' strategic leadership and management. Key findings reveal that adaptive leadership, innovative management practices, stakeholder engagement, and technology integration are crucial for NPOs to navigate operational complexities, engage stakeholders effectively, and achieve mission-driven objectives. The study proposes strategic recommendations for NPOs to enhance their sustainable impact, including adopting adaptive leadership styles, fostering innovation, integrating technology, and building resilient organizational frameworks. The study underscores the importance of policy development to guide non-profit leaders towards best practices in strategic leadership and management. It also highlights future research directions, emphasizing the need to explore the impact of emerging technologies, globalization, and cross-cultural dynamics on NPOs. Conclusively, the research affirms that effective strategic leadership and management are indispensable for enhancing the sustainable impact of NPOs, advocating for continuous innovation and adaptability in the non-profit sector.

Learning to (not quite) buy nothing: Digital gift economies and household innovations reducing consumption

The daunting task of swiftly transitioning to sustainable modes of living presents a formidable challenge, particularly at individual and household levels, where entrenched consumption and disposal systems exhibit strong path dependency. This research investigates how individuals and households can contribute to sustainability transitions through grassroots innovations. Specifically, we ask: How do digital gift economies facilitate changes in household consumption practices and contribute to broader sustainability transitions? To address this question, we present an instructional case study of the Buy Nothing Project (BNP), a globally scaled yet locally focused digital gift economy, as a grassroots innovation enabling citizen agency within domestic spaces. BNP is a socio-technical network of hyperlocal, digital gift-giving groups that advocate for community reliance and generosity to reduce household consumption and waste and build neighbourhood bonds. Our analysis reveals that BNP's most revolutionary aspect lies in the embedded everyday sustainability practices it facilitates, particularly the social learning to reduce consumption at individual, household, and community levels through group participation and ongoing membership. We argue that this grassroots innovation enables citizen agency within domestic spaces, contributing significantly to sustainability transitions. Paradoxically, the ordinariness of these practices, combined with the gendered composition of members and that acquiring and disposing of household goods is usually considered “women's work”, may hinder recognition of BNP's potential as a powerful catalyst for sustainable transitions. This study contributes to our understanding of how digital platforms can support household-level innovations in sustainability practices and highlights the importance of recognising and valuing diverse forms of contribution to sustainability transitions.

Workshop summaries from the 2024 voice AI symposium, presented by the Bridge2AI-voice consortium

IntroductionThe 2024 Voice AI Symposium, presented by the Bridge2AI-Voice Consortium, featured deep-dive educational workshops conducted by experts from diverse fields to explore the latest advancements in voice biomarkers and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare. Through five workshops, attendees learned about topics including international standardization of vocal biomarker data, real-world deployment of AI solutions, assistive technologies for voice disorders, best practices for voice data collection, and deep learning applications in voice analysis. These workshops aimed to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and healthcare to advance the development and implementation of voice-based AI tools.MethodsEach workshop featured a combination of lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions. Transcripts of audio recordings were generated using Whisper (Version 7.13.1) and summarized by ChatGPT (Version 4.0), then reviewed by the authors. The workshops covered various methodologies, from signal processing and machine learning operations (MLOps) to ethical concerns surrounding AI-powered voice data collection. Practical demonstrations of AI-driven tools for voice disorder management and technical discussions on implementing voice AI models in clinical and non-clinical settings provided attendees with hands-on experience.ResultsKey outcomes included the discussion of international standards to unify stakeholders in vocal biomarker research, practical challenges in deploying AI solutions outside the laboratory, review of Bridge2AI-Voice data collection processes, and the potential of AI to empower individuals with voice disorders. Additionally, presenters shared innovations in ethical AI practices, scalable machine learning frameworks, and advanced data collection techniques using diverse voice datasets. The symposium highlighted the successful integration of AI in detecting and analyzing voice signals for various health applications, with significant advancements in standardization, privacy, and clinical validation processes.DiscussionThe symposium underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to address the technical, ethical, and clinical challenges in the field of voice biomarkers. While AI models have shown promise in analyzing voice data, challenges such as data variability, security, and scalability remain. Future efforts must focus on refining data collection standards, advancing ethical AI practices, and ensuring diverse dataset inclusion to improve model robustness. By fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and technologists, the symposium laid a foundation for future innovations in AI-driven voice analysis for healthcare diagnostics and treatment.

Technology-Enhanced Approaches for Teaching English to Law Students: Innovations and Best Practices

This research paper summarizes an investigation into technology-enhanced English language teaching for law students in Medellín, Colombia. It briefly outlines the study's objectives, methodologies, and key findings, focusing on the improved English language proficiency, legal communication skills, and increased student engagement and autonomy due to technology-enhanced learning. Background: The study addresses the importance of English language proficiency for law students in a global legal context and the challenges in teaching English to this group. It reviews relevant literature on technology in language learning, particularly in legal education, establishing the theoretical basis for the research. Materials and Methods: The paper describes a mixed-methods approach involving 40 law students in Medellín. It explains the use of questionnaires for quantitative data and interviews and observations for qualitative data, alongside the methods of data analysis and ethical considerations of the research. Results: Findings from questionnaires indicate positive student perceptions of technology in learning and improvements in language proficiency. Qualitative data from interviews and observations highlight enhanced legal communication skills and increased engagement and autonomy in learning due to technology use. Conclusions: The conclusion synthesizes the study's findings, underscoring the positive impact of technology in legal English education. It discusses the implications for educators and suggests integrating technology into the curriculum. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research, particularly in exploring effective technology-enhanced teaching strategies.

A Practical Study on the Integration of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education and Professional Education in Higher Vocational Colleges

Innovation and entrepreneurship education is an important carrier to stimulate higher vocational students’ innovative spirit, and entrepreneurial enthusiasm and enhance vocational students’ professional quality and professional spirit. This paper analyzes the problems and challenges of the integration of innovation and entrepreneurship education and professional education in higher vocational colleges from three aspects: value connotation, innovation and entrepreneurship education system and practical teaching base. Based on the current innovation and entrepreneurship education reform practice in some higher vocational colleges, this paper puts forward the practical path of the integration of innovation and entrepreneurship education and professional education in higher vocational colleges, which provides a reference for the innovation and entrepreneurship education reform in higher vocational colleges.

Assessing the impact of financial resources on Sorghum yield in Al-Qadarif State, Sudan

The sorghum agricultural sector in Al-Qadarif State, Sudan, plays a pivotal role in ensuring regional food security. However, its productivity is hindered by significant constraints. Substantial improvements in sorghum yield are impeded by the intricate complexities that characterize this sector's financial resources, and agricultural practices. This study in Al-Qadarif State, Sudan, explores the relationship between financial resources and sorghum agrarian productivity. Data were collected from 200 sorghum farmers using standardized questionnaires during the 2022 season, and regression analysis was employed to investigate the association between financial factors and sorghum productivity. The findings indicate that financial accessibility considerations significantly influence sorghum productivity. This emphasizes the importance of improved financial resources for farmers to adopt innovative farming technologies and practices, leading to higher sorghum productivity levels. The study recommends the integration of digital financial services and precision agriculture technologies as a creative solution to enhance financial accessibility and sorghum productivity. By leveraging mobile money platforms and digital credit services, farmers can conveniently access financial resources, enabling them to invest in modern agricultural inputs and technologies. Additionally, the adoption of precision agriculture techniques, such as soil moisture sensors, drone-based crop monitoring, and variable rate application of inputs, can optimize resource utilization, increase yield, and reduce production costs. The combination of these innovative approaches has the potential to bridge the financial and knowledge gaps, promoting the widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. This synergistic approach could significantly improve sorghum productivity, enhance farmer livelihoods, and contribute to regional food security.

Combating food waste in the agricultural supply chain: A systematic review of supply chain optimization strategies and their sustainability benefits

Food waste represents a significant global challenge, with approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption lost or wasted annually, leading to severe environmental, economic, and social consequences. The issue not only exacerbates food insecurity but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, waste of resources, and economic losses estimated at over $1 trillion each year. This paper aims to systematically review the causes of food waste across agricultural supply chains and explore effective supply chain optimization strategies to mitigate these losses. Through a comprehensive analysis, the paper identifies critical drivers of food waste, including post-harvest losses, inefficient processing, and aesthetic standards, while proposing technological innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) as solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, it evaluates policy frameworks that support waste reduction, highlighting the role of government incentives and regulations in promoting sustainable practices. The findings underscore the importance of reducing food waste not only for environmental sustainability but also for economic profitability, as optimizing supply chains can lead to substantial cost savings and increased revenue for businesses. Ultimately, the paper emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders—including governments, industries, and non-profit organizations—to create systemic change and effectively combat food waste on a global scale. By fostering innovative practices and policies, we can pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of food insecurity and the enhancement of economic resilience.

A conceptual model for sustainable cementing operations in offshore wells

This review paper introduces a conceptual model to enhance the sustainability of cementing operations in offshore wells. Traditional cementing practices, characterized by significant greenhouse gas emissions and compliance challenges, necessitate the development of more environmentally friendly approaches. The proposed model integrates low-carbon cement alternatives, such as geopolymer cements and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), with advanced slurry designs that incorporate nanomaterials, biodegradable additives, and recycled materials. This integrated approach reduces the environmental impact and enhances the mechanical properties and durability of cementing operations. The paper provides operational guidelines for implementing this model and discusses future prospects, emphasizing the importance of continued research and collaboration among industry stakeholders. By adopting these innovative practices, the oil and gas industry can achieve significant environmental benefits and ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards, paving the way for a more sustainable future in offshore drilling.

Public Spaces are Failing Girls and Women

Public spaces are often failing girls and women, with male dominance and a lack of representation being prevalent issues. The 2030 Agenda emphasises the need for safe and accessible public spaces for women, children and other disadvantaged or marginalised groups. Nevertheless, women and girls tend to be neglected in the development of urban areas, and their specific needs and risks are not fully considered. Hence, there is a need for feminist urban planning. Feminist planning aims to understand, challenge, and change power relations in public spaces, by involving the experiences, needs, and desires of marginalised groups in the planning process in order to create more equal cities. This approach recognises the individual and collective power that women and other disadvantaged groups already possess. Social innovation is an innovative practice for meeting social needs and shares a common goal with feminist planning of promoting social change and increasing power for disadvantaged groups. However, whereas feminist urban planning – and urban planning in general – tend to end when a project has been planned and executed, social innovation has a stronger and more explicit focus on results or impact of the process or project. This is an aspect where feminist planning can learn from social innovation. By addressing the specific needs of marginalised groups and focusing on results and actual change, feminist planning can contribute to positive social change and empower women and girls in urban development processes. This viewpoint argues that feminist planning can learn from the focus of social innovation on results (i.e. output, outcome and impact of the planning), which has the potential to change planning practices and challenge gendered social norms in order to create more equal, just and socially sustainable public spaces and cities.