Innovative Adaptation Research Articles

Influencing Factors of Competency for Extension Practitioners in Promoting Napier Grass Cultivation Among Pastoralists in Nigeria

Purpose: This study aimed to strengthen the competency of extension practitioners through Napier grass cultivation to tackle issues of social and environmental insecurity in the country.Research Method: The study used a descriptive research design and employed Borich’s model to process the knowledge and competency of 200 extension practitioners on tasks related to Napier grass cultivation. Data analysis was done using means and ranks while discrepancy scores were also determined.Findings: The study revealed a degree of inadequacy in the practitioners’ knowledge of Napier grass cultivation, but they rated the intervention of extension practitioners as important. The study found that in-service training to improve practitioners’ competency and skill in speaking pastoralists’ language is highly required for effective communication and information dissemination of Napier grass cultivation. Identification of the competency areas will boost capacity for grassland intensification strategies among pastoralists and stimulate training programs that will enrich practitioners’ knowledge; improve their innovation for adaptation to climate change impact; and develop their mitigation ability for social and environmental insecurities.Originality/ Value: The study is novel in reporting, for the first time, the competencies of extension practitioners in promoting grassland intensification for pastoralists in Nigeria. It further reduces the paucity of empirical studies on the competency of extension practitioners, with a particular focus on their training needs.

Water scarcity: A global hindrance to sustainable development and agricultural production – A critical review of the impacts and adaptation strategies

Abstract Water is essential for sustaining life and required for carrying out basic daily activities. Even though water covers the vast majority of the earth’s surface, the availability of fresh water, which is necessary to maintain human activities, is limited, making it a scarce resource. Climate change, overexploitation of groundwater, and population growth are all putting significant pressure on natural water sources, which pose a serious threat to various sectors of society, especially in agriculture. Future projections of freshwater availability indicate agriculture production will suffer a significant shock globally, including in India, leading to a threat to food security and sustainability. To ensure the sustainability of this vital resource, it is crucial to use water sensibly. Moreover, it is essential to adopt certain strategies to manage agricultural water use effectively. This includes adopting various water-efficient techniques such as ‘micro-irrigation’, ‘irrigation scheduling’, ‘conservation agriculture’, ‘crop switching’ and so on. In this review, firstly, we discuss water scarcity and its types, causes, crisis for water shortages and hindrance to sustainable development from a global perspective emphasizing the Indian scenario as a developing nation. Secondly, we elaborated our discussion on water scarcity in agriculture including the impacts of water scarcity on agricultural production and its connection to climate change, population growth, and overexploitation of natural resources globally focusing on the Indian scenario. In addition, innovative water management practices and adaptation strategies to manage agricultural water use, constraints, and the need for further research are also covered. It is anticipated that this review will benefit researchers and policymakers by providing useful information on the impacts of water limitation and adoption strategies.

Digital talent and job satisfaction in the administrative staff of a public university with WarpPLS 8.0

Job satisfaction and digital talent are topics of growing interest in the context of digital transformation. Digitalization is changing the way organizations operate and how employees perceive their work. The state and its administrative staff is no exception, as these capabilities are essential to perform operational tasks that underpin the public institution's documentary processes. This study investigates the influence of digital talent (independent variable) on job satisfaction (dependent variable), employing structural equation modeling (SEM) using WarpPLS software. Digital Talent is broken down into three sub-variables: Digital Competencies of Employees (DCE), Capacity for Digital Innovation and Creativity (CIDC) and Adaptability and Continuous Learning (ACL), while Job Satisfaction is measured through two sub-variables: Work Environment (WE) and Professional Development Opportunities (PDO). The analyses revealed that Capacity for Innovation and Digital Creativity (CIDC) has a significant impact on Work Environment, with a path coefficient (β) of 0.13 (p = 0.01). Similarly, adaptability and continuous learning (ACL) positively influence the work environment, with a path coefficient (β) of 0.10 (p = 0.04). In addition, a strong relationship was found between professional development opportunities (PDO) and work environment, with a path coefficient (β) of 0.68 (p < 0.001). For the relationship between digital competencies (DCE) and career development opportunities, the path coefficient was 0.10 (p = 0.04). Digital talent is a key predictor of job satisfaction in administrative staff. The results suggest that investing in the development of digital capabilities, especially innovation and creativity, as well as adaptability, is essential to improve the work environment and career development opportunities.

Cloud computing-based estimation of Peninsular India’s long-term climate change impacts on rainfall, surface temperature, and geospatial indices

Realizing the intricate relationships between drought, vegetation dynamics, and climate change is essential for sustainable resource management. Although temperature and rainfall patterns are the primary determinants of these fluctuations, human activity also plays a significant role. Recent decades have witnessed significant climate change events, particularly in peninsular India. Analyzing these year-by-year variations in rainfall and temperature is essential for informed decision-making. This knowledge can guide the development of innovative adaptation strategies to ensure sustainable livelihoods in the region. This study utilizes the Google Earth Engine platform to analyze yearly climate data and relevant geographical indices from 2003 to 2023 across Peninsular India. The analysis reveals a statistically significant increase in mean annual rainfall (0.262 mm/year) alongside a slight rise in regional land surface temperature (LST) trends (0.102 °C/year). However, yearly average anomaly values for LST also show an upward trend, rising from 2.56 in 2003 to 3.23 in 2023. This suggests a potential shift in rainfall patterns, with potential consequences for water availability. Rising temperatures coupled with altered rainfall patterns can lead to water scarcity, especially in regions reliant on rain-fed agriculture. This has a direct impact on crop yields and overall agricultural productivity. Despite rising temperatures, the analysis using drought indices suggests a decline in average annual drought severity across Peninsular India, with values decreasing from 0.33 in 2003 to 2.70 in 2023. Interestingly, we found a strong positive association between rainfall and vegetation indices, while rainfall and LST exhibited a negative correlation. Interestingly, while rainfall and LST exhibited a negative correlation, a strong positive association was found between rainfall and vegetation indices. These comprehensive findings hold significant potential for informing future climate projections and promoting sustainable development in peninsular India through evidence-based applications.

English Language Teachers’ Experiences of Emotional Well-being During COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, starting in early 2020 and leading to the extensive shutdown of schools around the globe, necessitating a rapid transition to an alternative mode of teaching and learning. Amidst the digital divide regarding access and skills, shifting to virtual teaching-learning was a challenge in Nepal that caused a lot of stress for teachers. This study explores the emotional experiences of basic-level English language teachers in private schools as they adapted to this unforeseen shift. The study investigates the experiences of the English language teachers elicited through in-depth interviews and informal conversation particularly the impact of COVID-19, the sudden shift to virtual instruction on teachers’ emotional well-being and how they adapted to this new normal. The research result revealed that they felt unprecedented psychological needs and fear, underwent loneliness and social isolation, experienced teaching challenges, uncertainty and anxiety, and frustration and helplessness. Despite these challenges, they also showed emotional resilience through peer support and collaboration, family support and work-life balance, and adaptation of new technology and innovation in teaching and learning. This article informs teachers, policymakers, and practitioners about the emotional upheavals teachers experienced during the crises and the resilience displayed, implying policy formulation and teacher support mechanisms.

Transformative Solutions for Digital School Management: Guiding Educational Administrators in Vietnam's General Education System

This study investigates innovative adaptation solutions for advancing digital transformation in school management models tailored for educational administrators in Vietnam’s general education institutions. Framed by the accelerating forces of globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the research highlights the strategic integration of information technology into management and pedagogy to boost educational outcomes. It underscores the necessity for administrators to embrace forward-thinking mindsets and acquire modern digital skills. A comprehensive survey of 15 schools across diverse regions was conducted, revealing varying levels of digital transformation alongside persistent challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited financial resources, and insufficient professional training, particularly in rural areas. The research proposes actionable solutions, including the development of digital competency frameworks and training materials, the establishment of dynamic digital management and learning ecosystems, and fostering collaborative public-private partnerships to enhance technological accessibility and educational innovation. These findings offer practical pathways to facilitate digital transformation in Vietnamese schools, ensuring a robust foundation for the sustainable evolution of the nation’s education system in the digital era.

Transformative Solutions for Digital School Management: Guiding Educational Administrators in Vietnam's General Education System

This study investigates innovative adaptation solutions for advancing digital transformation in school management models tailored for educational administrators in Vietnam’s general education institutions. Framed by the accelerating forces of globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the research highlights the strategic integration of information technology into management and pedagogy to boost educational outcomes. It underscores the necessity for administrators to embrace forward-thinking mindsets and acquire modern digital skills. A comprehensive survey of 15 schools across diverse regions was conducted, revealing varying levels of digital transformation alongside persistent challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited financial resources, and insufficient professional training, particularly in rural areas. The research proposes actionable solutions, including the development of digital competency frameworks and training materials, the establishment of dynamic digital management and learning ecosystems, and fostering collaborative public-private partnerships to enhance technological accessibility and educational innovation. These findings offer practical pathways to facilitate digital transformation in Vietnamese schools, ensuring a robust foundation for the sustainable evolution of the nation’s education system in the digital era.

Membangun Startups Incubator Untuk Membentuk Ekosistem Startups Yang Inovatif Dan Kompetitif

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has driven significant changes across various sectors, with startup emerging as key players in the global economy. Despite their immense potential, many startup face significant challenges, including a high failure rate within the first five years of operation. Design Thinking, a human-centered approach, has surfaced as a solution to address these challenges by helping startup understand user needs, identify problems, and create innovative solutions. This study aims to analyse the application of Design Thinking in building an innovative and competitive startup ecosystem. Using a literature review methodology, this research identifies various tested approaches and strategies, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by startup in implementing Design Thinking. The findings indicate that the application of Design Thinking can enhance a startup's competitiveness by accelerating product innovation and improving responsiveness to market changes. The main challenges include a lack of understanding of the method and limited human resources with the necessary skills in technology and design. We suggest establishing Startups Incubator, with the framework adapted and modified to include active participation from stakeholder. The Startups Incubator will place members as strategic component of socio-economical system; will create a culture of adaptive innovation that is able to solve problems in society, in line with stakeholder needs, market realities and system complexity. By integrating some Startups Incubators, then we can create startups ecosystem that is continuously innovate and market-competitive.

Enhancing Teachers’ Creativity with an Innovative Training Model and Knowledge Management

In the post-COVID-19 era, education requires teachers to engage learners across diverse learning environments (at school or other formal institutions, at home, outdoors, or in virtual environments) using innovative learning strategies. To meet these challenges, teachers must upskill their creativity and strengthen their pedagogical digital competencies and knowledge management skills. This study introduces the innovative teacher training and support (TTS-IPCD) model to enhance teachers’ creativity and pedagogical digital competencies. This research involved a sample of 350 teachers from 75 primary and secondary schools over a four-year period. Teachers’ creativity was measured using the Kirton Adaption–Innovation Inventory (KAI), assessing key metrics such as problem-solving flexibility, openness to change, and inclination toward novel approaches. Quantitative analysis was conducted using an independent samples t-test to evaluate teacher creativity changes. The results indicated that the TTS-IPCD model enhanced teacher creativity in the direction of a stronger propensity toward innovative behaviors, including embracing diversity and change in their work, solving problems through novel approaches, and adopting a holistic perspective rather than strictly adhering to established routines. Furthermore, the TTS-IPCD model improved teamwork and collaboration, contributing to the development of more adaptive and innovative learning environments. These findings highlight the importance of continuous professional development of teachers focused on creative pedagogy and digital competencies to equip teachers for the evolving educational landscape.

Integrating Innovation and Virtue: Strategic Responses of Private Organizations Amidst Environmental Shocks

Environmental shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic force private service sector organizations to innovate while upholding virtuous practices. How do these organizations balance innovating their service with maintaining their core values during crises? Through an inductive, longitudinal case study of Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital (SSSSH), a private healthcare organization offering free paediatric cardiac care in India, we explore how it responded to the pandemic. Drawing from archival data and field observations, we develop a process model demonstrating how SSSSH navigated the crisis by combining external innovation pressures with an internal culture of resilience, empathy and integrity. The model reveals an iterative process where external shocks catalyze internal virtuous responses, leading to adaptive innovations such as telemedicine and strategic resource utilization in resource-constrained environments. This dynamic interplay between external pressures and internal virtues challenges the traditional linear views of crisis management. It suggests that virtuousness embedded in an organization’s culture enables sustained innovation during extreme challenges. Our findings contribute to research on organizational responses to crises and the role of internal virtues in shaping adaptive strategies. This study advances the understanding of how private healthcare institutions can transform external challenges into opportunities while maintaining high standards of care and ethical responsibility.

Tailoring Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Gender-Expansive Journeys.

This article introduces an innovative adaptation of interpersonal psychotherapy tailored to the needs of individuals identifying as gender diverse and navigating the complexities of gender transition. The few available therapeutic models designed for this population are reviewed, and the novel intervention, grounded in clinical insights and empirical research, is presented. Key components of this adaptation include expanding the interpersonal inventory with targeted processing questions and developing a disclosure timeline-a structured tool designed to guide patients through gender transition-while bolstering social support, reducing distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. An illustrative case vignette is included to elucidate the practical applications of this approach and to underscore essential therapeutic considerations.

Strategi Pemasaran Global pada PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk : A Literarure Review

PT Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk has become one of the Indonesian companies that has succeeded in the global market thanks to a mature marketing strategy. This article discusses global marketing phenomena, challenges, and opportunities faced by large companies, as well as the strategies that Indofood implements in expanding its market internationally. The main focus includes product analysis, innovation, and cultural adaptation carried out by Indofood. The literature review approach was used to dig deeper into the company's global marketing strategy. Through this discussion, the article provides insight into how a company can compete in the global market.

How to Implement Clinical 7T MRI-Practical Considerations and Experience with Ultra-High-Field MRI.

The implementation of clinical 7T MRI presents both opportunities and challenges for advanced medical imaging. This tutorial provides practical considerations and experiences with 7T MRI in clinical settings. We first explore the history and evolution of MRI technology, highlighting the benefits of increased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and susceptibility at 7T. Technical challenges such as increased susceptibility artifacts and RF inhomogeneity are also discussed, along with innovative adaptations. This review also discusses hardware and software considerations, including new parallel transmission head coils and advanced image processing techniques to optimize image quality. Safety considerations, such as managing tissue heating and susceptibility to artifacts, are also discussed. Additionally, clinical applications of 7T MRI are examined, focusing on neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and vascular imaging. Emerging trends in the use of 7T MRI for spectroscopy, perfusion imaging, and multinuclear imaging are explored, with insights into the future of ultra-high-field MRI in clinical practice. This review aims to provide clinicians, technologists, and researchers with a roadmap for successfully implementing 7T MRI in both research and clinical environments.

Harnessing quantum power: Revolutionizing materials design through advanced quantum computation

AbstractThe design of advanced materials for applications in areas of photovoltaics, energy storage, and structural engineering has made significant strides. However, the rapid proliferation of candidate materials—characterized by structural complexity that complicates the relationships between features—presents substantial challenges in manufacturing, fabrication, and characterization. This review introduces a comprehensive methodology for materials design using cutting‐edge quantum computing, with a particular focus on quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) and quantum machine learning (QML). We introduce the loop framework for QUBO‐empowered materials design, including constructing high‐quality datasets that capture critical material properties, employing tailored computational methods for precise material modeling, developing advanced figures of merit to evaluate performance metrics, and utilizing quantum optimization algorithms to discover optimal materials. In addition, we delve into the core principles of QML and illustrate its transformative potential in accelerating material discovery through a range of quantum simulations and innovative adaptations. The review also highlights advanced active learning strategies that integrate quantum artificial intelligence, offering a more efficient pathway to explore the vast, complex material design space. Finally, we discuss the key challenges and future opportunities for QML in material design, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize the field and facilitate groundbreaking innovations.

The Liturgical Transformations in Karaite Prayer in the First Half of the Twentieth Century

This study aims to trace the evolution of the Karaite daily prayer from its original Hebrew and Jewish form to a Turkic and Christian version in the first half of the twentieth-century Eastern Europe. Using liturgical sources, the spiritual and religious leaders of the Karaite community, who strictly adhere to the Hebrew Bible, aimed to redirect Karaite worship from traditional Hebrew prayers to the newly revised ones. These prayers integrate the withering Turkic language of the Karaites and even include the Lord’s Prayer. The study of this innovative adaptation is intended to shed light on the process of de-Judaisation within the Karaite community.

Finding Common Ground a comparison between coastal nature-based solutions in the Netherlands and British Columbia, Canada

Many coastal communities worldwide are facing challenges caused by increasing sea levels. However, urban development, population growth and industrialisation in low-lying delta regions persists. This includes the Netherlands and British Columbia, Canada. Both regions explore new and innovative flood risk and adaptation strategies by initiating nature-based solutions (NBS) pilot projects and integrating research and community initiatives. The aim of this paper is to learn from the experiences with these NBS pilots and support practitioners with insights and knowledge about the prospectives and implementation process of NBS. Our study takes a bird's eye view by diving into four NBS case study projects that try to enhance flood defence and quality of life while considering ecosystems and community values simultaneously. To better understand current initiatives on NBS, we first describe the historical trajectories of flood risk management and climate adaptation policy in both countries. Then we analyse two urban and two suburban case studies to identify and compare enablers and barriers that surround the implementation of NBS. We use the Pilot Paradox as a framework to reflect on the enablers and barriers, and to formulate recommendations for barriers that are common ground. We found that upscaling of the pilots forms an important challenge in both countries. We also found that Canada is interested in exchanging technical knowledge, experiences, and insights with other countries through the involvement of international researchers, consultants, and students in projects. Such collaboration between countries, communities, practitioners, and academics could accelerate the development of innovative climate adaptation strategies worldwide.

Using implementation science to evaluate longitudinal assessment of entrustable professional activities in dental education.

To evaluate the implementation of a longitudinal assessment framework utilizing entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in dental education during the initial 2-year implementation. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was utilized to evaluate contextual factors influencing implementation across the following domains: innovation, outer setting, inner setting, individuals, and process. Purposive sampling was used to ascertain a diverse pool of participants and various perspectives. Inclusion criteria required engagement for>12 months at the time of the study. A semi-structured interview guide was developed. Two focus groups of faculty and staff and four individual leadership interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams, transcribed, and thematic analyses were performed using MAXQDA. Fifteen participants described innovation design details, adaptability, complexity, and relative advantage. The contextual fabric of the setting was evaluated, highlighting the influence of the pandemic, institutional culture, structural shifts, and the pivotal role played by champions. The implementation process was investigated with a focus on training, engagement, access to information, faculty capability, motivation, learner experience, and continual assessment of implementation processes. Data suggests the framework was multi-dimensional, evolving, and learner-centered. It facilitated early identification of learners requiring support, provided comprehensive information guiding entrustment and practice readiness decisions and demonstrated preliminary evidence of effectiveness of the innovation. Engaging in longitudinal assessment using EPAs is multifaceted and influenced by implementation context and intrinsic motivation prevalent among faculty members. The study identifies areas for refinement in support of continuous quality improvement and implementation of this innovative assessment framework in dental education, including technological support, training, and ongoing alignment.

Community Adaptation in Facing Landslide Risk in Bandungan District, Semarang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

Data from BPBD Semarang Regency shows that the increase in landslide disasters is always followed by an increase in losses in the form of casualties and property. From 2019 to 2022, the incidence of landslides in Semarang Regency continues to increase. In 2019, there were 69 landslides, in 2020 there were 122 landslides, in 2021 there were 141 landslides and in 2022 there were 147 landslides. In 2020, 6 landslides occurred in Bandungan subdistrict, while in 2021 there were 17 landslides. This needs serious attention from the Government and the community. The community not only faces threats before a disaster occurs, but also has to bear the risk of loss of life and property due to disasters, so it is necessary to make efforts to minimize disaster risks including “adaptation innovation” in the face of disasters. This research is an observational study that was analyzed descriptively quantitatively. Data on landslide hazard, terrain vulnerability, community capacity in dealing with landslides and “adaptation innovation” in dealing with landslides were analyzed by scoring and map overlay analysis with ArcGIS technology. Based on data analysis, variations in the level of avalanche hazard/threat and “adaptation innovations” in dealing with avalanches were produced.

THE ROLE OF DESIGN THINKING IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DISRUPTION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

This research aims to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Design Thinking in supporting digital transformation in various sectors, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency. The study also seeks to analyze the relevance of both approaches in business and academic contexts, particularly in creating creative and human-centered solutions in the era of technological disruption. To achieve these objectives, this study used a systematic literature review method, by analyzing ten accredited and indexed articles in reputable international journals. The results showed that AI acts as a disruptive technology that not only improves efficiency but also accelerates digital transformation. Studies such as the one by Di Vaio et al. (2020), which received 1015 citations, highlighted how AI supports the development of sustainable business models. Additionally, research by Verganti et al. (2020) identified that Design Thinking remains relevant as an adaptive innovation approach, especially in the face of challenges posed by AI. The integration between AI and Design Thinking is also reflected in the study of Pham et al. (2022), which shows how creative approaches can maximize the potential of advanced technologies such as big data. Overall, this study confirms that the combination of AI and Design Thinking offers a comprehensive solution to deal with the complexities of digital transformation across various sectors.

Smart Cities and Resident Well-Being: Using the BTOPSIS Method to Assess Citizen Life Satisfaction in European Cities

With rapid urbanization, maintaining a high quality of life (QoL) for city residents has become a critical challenge for policy-makers and urban planners. Smart cities, leveraging advanced technologies and data analytics, present a promising pathway to enhance urban services and promote sustainability. This paper introduces an innovative adaptation of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, integrating a Belief Structure (BTOPSIS) to improve the evaluation and interpretation of survey data. Our approach effectively addresses the distribution of responses across categories and the uncertainty often present in such data, including missing or ambiguous answers. Additionally, we perform a sensitivity analysis to assess the stability of the BTOPSIS rankings under varying utility function parameters, further validating the robustness of our method. We apply this framework to the 2023 ‘Quality of Life in European Cities’ survey, analyzing diverse urban factors such as public transport, healthcare, cultural facilities, green spaces, education, air quality, noise levels, and cleanliness. Additionally, our study offers a comparative analysis of BTOPSIS against other multi-criteria methods used for evaluation data from this report, showcasing its strengths and limitations in addressing the dataset’s complexity. Our findings reveal significant variations in residents’ perceived QoL across European cities, both between cities and within countries. Zurich and Groningen rank highest in satisfaction, while Tirana, Skopje, and Palermo are ranked lowest. Notably, residents of cities with populations under 500,000 report higher satisfaction levels than those in larger cities, and satisfaction levels are generally higher in EU and EFTA cities compared to those in the Western Balkans, with the highest satisfaction observed in northern and western Member States. To aid urban planners and policy-makers, we propose a ranking tool using the BTOPSIS method, capturing nuanced resident perceptions of living conditions across cities. These insights provide valuable guidance for strategic urban development and advancing the smart city agenda across Europe.