Journey Of Development Research Articles

Pukekauri farm – snapshots from a sustainability journey

Pukekauri Farm is a 295 ha mixed livestock hill country property in the western Bay of Plenty. Over the last 20+ years the owners have been on a development journey with a focus on the multiple dimensions of sustainability – economic, environmental, and social. This paper seeks to document that journey, with supporting resource, production, financial and environmental data to quantify progress. Some of the most useful tools have included high quality forage crops, deferred grazing, sheep genetics, accounting software and paddock-scale soil and water resource maps. Key lessons include the value of knowledge networks and modelling tools, the power of a farm plan for optimising land use and management, the importance of both profitability and grants to underwrite development investment, and the emergence of secondary benefits from decisions focused on system-wide improvement. Over 20 years, despite areduction in grazed area of 20%, meat production has increased by 16%, EBITR/ha has increased by 6%, modelled net greenhouse gas emissions have declined by 60% and modelled N leaching has declined by 29%. Overall, the farm is easier to manage and more pleasant to dwell in.

The Phenomenon Of Democracy And Development In India

Democracy and Development is a persistent study that lays down the path for the interminable growth of the economy in developing countries. They coexist in unity with diversified circumstances and also have their own identity separate from each other. The roots of democratic rule in India can be seen in the Government of India Act of 1935. It had a design for separation of powers, elections etc. With the attainment of freedom in 1947, the makers of the Indian constitution adopted the democratic form of government for the country. In the early years after independence, predictions were made that the Indian political system would eventually collapse because of the country’s diverse population and low per capita income. India, however, has proven its critics wrong and shown the world that democracy has not only thrived and been sustained but has also deepened. Though India had all the advantages of development, due to various invasions and British rule for a very long period have made India underdeveloped. The leaders of the nation at the time of Independence had a very crucial task of developing India in all facets with the limited resources, growing population, illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, and lack of basic amenities for the population. In India, if we have to understand the journey of democracy and development we need to understand the different dimensions of democracy and development in the Indian context. We can classify them as political dimension, economic dimension, social dimension, institutional dimension, cultural dimension and environmental dimension.

Family Functioning, Peers Support, and Future Orientation in Marriage in Teenagers

Adolescents' future orientation toward marriage refers to the subjective ideas they form about the marriage they want in the future, including how they think, explore, and plan their lifetime development journey concerning marriage. Teenagers who lack future orientation in marriage frequently engage in promiscuity, unhealthy romantic relationships, and early marriages, which often result in divorce. For their future marriage to be successful, adolescents must develop a future-oriented marriage. This study examines how family function and peers support can predict the development of future orientation in marriage in class XII students of private schools in Tangerang City. This research explains the essential components needed in preparing for future orientation marriage, including romantic relationships. Through the convenience sampling technique, 212 students took part in the study. This study used three questionnaires with good validity and reliability: The McMaster Family Assessment Device (MMFAD), Peers Support, and The Prospective Life Course (PLC) Questionnaire – Future Marriage and Family. With hierarchical regression analysis techniques, this study shows that family functioning, peers support, and gender are correlated with future orientation-marriage. Students who believe that their families have healthy and effective structures, organizations, and patterns of interaction between family members are better able to develop a more focused and clearer subjective picture of the future in the field of marriage. This study also shows that students who receive high peers support are more successful in developing a clear and focused future orientation marriage. Based on this research, we suggest examining the future orientation-marriage to a wider target population using a random sampling technique so the result will have a broader generalization.

Design of experiments for the automated development of a multicellular cardiac model for high-throughput screening

Cardiovascular toxicity remains a major cause of drug attrition in early drug development, clinical trials, and post-market surveillance. In vitro assessment of cardiovascular liabilities often relies on single cell type-based model systems coupled with functional assays, like calcium flux and multielectrode arrays. Although these models offer high-throughput capabilities and demonstrate good predictivity for functional cardiotoxicities, they fail to consider the vital contribution of non-myocyte cells, thus limiting the potential for integrated risk assessment. Complex 3D hPSC-derived multicellular cardiac model systems have been growing in popularity; however, many of these models are limited to low-throughput with lengthy development timelines and high costs, which hampers their suitability to drug discovery.To optimize the development of an in vitro multicellular model system containing human-induced pluripotent stem-cell derived cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and cardiac fibroblasts, we employed the Synthace platform, which enables scientists to express complex experimental intent in a simple format (e.g. Design of Experiments) and to translate this to automation protocols using no-code. Utilizing this approach, we systematically screened the impact of multiple cell culture parameters, including the co-culture of three cell types, on cardiac contractility, with minimal hands-on time. Our platform accelerates the assay development process, providing users with an efficient means to explore and optimize the experimental space for the development of multicellular models. This is particularly valuable in scenarios involving variable biological responses and limited understanding of underling mechanisms. Moreover, users can make better use of resources, streamline their workflows, and drive data-driven decision-making throughout the assay development journey.

Building Digital Capabilities with DigitalEd.ie: Learnings from the Digital Transformation Journey at ATU

In 2019, the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Ireland (previously known as GMIT, IT Sligo and LYIT) were awarded a HEA Innovation and Transformation award to build digital capabilities across 8 campuses. The project is called iNOTE and it provides opportunities to transform the higher education experience in the CUA institutes (2019-2022). The Teaching and Learning Centre (Galway-Mayo) is leading the development of DigitalEd.ie Knowledge Platform and digital teaching and learning development initiatives (i.e., Work Package 2 of the iNOTE project).
 
 DigitalEd.ie, is a digital teaching and learning knowledge platform, which provides access to professional development pathways and a suite of digital resources, to build digital capabilities and pedagogic expertise, so that educators can design, deliver and support flexible and online learning programmes effectively.
 
 This paper will discuss: the development journey of DigitalEd.ie; building a digital education community; designing digital learning pathways; creating a digital resources directory; insights and impact of building digital teaching and learning capabilities during the pandemic; and the creation of a suite of digital education services and resources, that is transforming the higher education learning experience.
 
 The development journey of DigitalEd.ie knowledge platform uncovered several resources and learnings, including a discovery tool, digital tools to support online student engagement, meaningful and robust assessment strategies, digital badges and learning pathways, and teaching and learning techniques moving from online to hybrid delivery. In addition, 20 digital teaching and learning impact case studies were developed across eight themes (https://DigitalEd.ie/book), outlining how and why educators transformed their teaching and learning practice and the impact on student engagement. 
 
 This paper will conclude with feedback from participants who undertook digital learning opportunities through the DigitalEd.ie monthly training programme, the Discovery Tool, Digital Badge pathways, and an accredited postgraduate Certificate in Digital Teaching and Learning. The feedback gathered through the action research study provides insights on the value of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and considerations for the digital learning environment in higher education, post Covid-19.

Building Lifelong Learning Participation with the ATU Higher Education 4.0 Project: Recognising Prior Learning (RPL) and Providing Career and Learning Pathways with MyCareerPath.ie

Higher Education 4.0 (HE 4.0) is an ambitious, innovative, and collaborative project from the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland. A €12.3 million project supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in Ireland under the HCI, Human Capital Initiative. It is a vision for future agility in higher education and provides for opportunities into and through higher education. 
 
 The Careers and RPL Learning Pathways platform under HE 4.0 incorporates a regional service from the ATU for the assessment of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and the development of personalised career and learning pathways. This new university service is delivered through an online platform at www.mycareerpath.ie and an RPL information site for the ATU at www.myexperience.ie 
 
 The online MyCareerPath.ie platform involves engagement with employers and potential students to the Atlantic Technological University. The service involves advising candidates on the learning pathways available and appropriate to them, and how to achieve their career objectives or improve their employability. 
 
 This paper will explore the ATU Career and RPL learning pathways project development journey to date and how the findings emerging from the research and evaluation activities, are informing the establishment of a regional careers and RPL service, supporting lifelong learning participation and upskilling in the workforce. In addition, the process is informing enhancements to the university’s RPL assessment process, policy development and access to higher education initiatives. To conclude, industry pilot case exemplars will be discussed and their engagement with MyCareerPath.ie assessment services, an RPL assessment portfolio and a variety of micro-courses supporting the transition to higher education.

Metamorphosis of Dhaka: A Journey Through Urban Development

The urban development of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, presents a compelling case study of rapid growth coupled with multifaceted challenges. This manuscript offers an in-depth analysis of Dhaka's urban development journey, examining its historical evolution, political influences, economic drivers, and social dynamics. It also delves into the city's pressing issues, such as urban sprawl, climate vulnerability, and biodiversity loss, which are exacerbated by rapid demographic changes. Utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach, the study underscores the need for a paradigm shift in urban planning—from traditional, incremental models to more integrated and sustainable frameworks. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive planning that transcends mere infrastructural considerations to include social and environmental sustainability. This manuscript aims to contribute to the discourse on urban development in rapidly growing cities, offering insights that could inform policy and governance strategies for Dhaka and similar urban contexts.

The Effect of Gamification Mechanics on User Experiences of AdventureLEARN: A Self-Driven Learning Platform

Structured curriculum in domain-specific knowledge and personal development of graduate attributes are both important components of tertiary education. Prior gamification research in tertiary education has mostly evaluated gamification as a system and largely in structured curriculum-based learning environments. There is insufficient understanding as to how different gamification mechanics affect learning experiences in self-driven personal development areas outside of the structured curriculum. We present a study with 20 tertiary students over seven days with AdventureLEARN, a gamified online platform to engage students in a self-driven journey of continuous personal development alongside their curriculum work. Through an analysis of data collected from experience sampling and focus group discussions, we found that, amongst other findings, gamification mechanics that were meticulously contextualized to specific platform features afforded the most positive experiences across various dimensions, leading to our main insight highlighting the importance of maintaining a co-development process between individual gamification mechanics and platform features.

Does Colonial Institutional Legacy Fully Explain Why Nations Fail? Theoretical and Empirical Confrontations Using the Case of Haiti

Economic history is mobilized by neo-institutionalists to explain the different paths to development observed in post-colonial countries. Acemoglu and Robinson have considered Haiti as an archetype of colonial institutional legacy to describe why Nations fail. Is this deterministic lecture sufficient to understand the troubled development journey of the first free Black Country? In this research, we show, with empirical and historical evidence, that institutional path-dependence theory is not the best analytical framework for the case of Haiti. Critical juncture theory appears to be more appropriate to capture what is really going on in neocolonial Haiti. We also contribute to the critical juncture theory with long-term historical evidence.

A journey in drug development for fetal growth restriction

A journey in drug development for fetal growth restriction

History of primary health care in Iran.

The history of the primary healthcare system in Iran portrays a journey of strategic development and implementation that has resulted in significant advancements in healthcare access and overall population well-being. Starting in the early 1980s, Iran embarked on a comprehensive approach to health care delivery prioritizing universal access, equity, and community participation. The foundation of this system was established during the Alma-Ata Conference in 1978, which placed a strong emphasis on the role of primary health care in attaining health for all.Iran's unwavering commitment to this approach led to the creation of an extensive network of rural and urban health centers designed to offer essential health services and preventive care to all citizens. Over the years, the expansion of Iran's primary healthcare system has yielded noteworthy accomplishments. Maternal and child mortality rates have seen substantial declines, attributed to improved access to maternal care and immunization services. The effectiveness of the system in reaching diverse populations has been enhanced through community engagement and the integration of traditional medicine. Furthermore, Iran's focus on health education and disease prevention has resulted in heightened public awareness and the adoption of healthier lifestyles. Despite these achievements, challenges continue to persist. Disparities in the quality and accessibility of services between urban and rural areas remain a concern. Moreover, the ongoing necessity for infrastructure development, training of the health workforce, and efficient resource allocation underscore the continuous efforts required to strengthen the primary healthcare system. The history of Iran's primary health care system is marked by progress and achievements, underscored by an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive, community-based care. Iran's journey serves as an exemplary model, highlighting the positive impact of prioritizing primary health care in achieving better health outcomes for its population. As Iran continues to evolve its health system, addressing challenges and building upon successes, the history of its primary health care system serves as a valuable lesson in the pursuit of accessible and equitable health care for all.

Black Box Testing of Futsal Field Rental Information Systems Using Automated Testing Method

A pivotal aspect of software development is testing, which serves as the final phase preceding the release of a software or information system. The realm of software testing encompasses a diverse array of methods, and within the scope of this investigation, the focus is on black box testing. In pursuit of this objective, the study leverages the capabilities of the Katalon Studio for Automated Testing. Its application is directed towards evaluating the functionality of an information system dedicated to the rental of futsal fields in the city of Singkawang. The essence of this examination lies in affirming the integrity of each feature and menu that constitutes the futsal field rental information system. This validation process is integral to ensuring that the system aligns seamlessly with the requisites of its users. The culmination of these testing endeavors culminates in the confirmation that the information system harmoniously resonates with user expectations. Consequently, it stands primed for implementation and subsequent release, signifying the attainment of a pivotal milestone in its development journey.

Continue your skill development journey.

Continue your skill development journey.

Understanding teachers’ self-directed development through drama-based pedagogy: a case study of one English writing classroom

ABSTRACT This qualitative case study explores the trajectory of one English writing teacher’s self-directed development. The teacher’s self-directed development incorporated the use of drama-based pedagogy, in assisting student writers’ topic knowledge development. The study shows that the teacher’s initial journey of self-directed development was zigzag, as it required him to constantly adapt his teaching based on understanding and meeting each student’s individual needs. The interaction between the student writers’ perceived usefulness of drama-based pedagogy in relation to their individual needs and the teacher’s constant agency in solving emerging issues also enhanced the teacher’s conceptualisation of the self-directed development.

Review, impact, and future of severe and extra-severe burn treatment in China

China began using the colored liquid from tea and tincture to treat burns as early as the sixth century B.C., and records of Chinese medicine for the rescue and treatment of burns date from the Jin Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Modern burn treatment medicine in China began in 1958 when national steel production began. Since then, burn patients have increased dramatically, independent burn departments have been established nationwide, and burn surgery has moved into technological development. With the combined efforts of several generations of burn medical workers in China, the clinical treatment of severe and extra-severe burns has steadily increased. Many fields, such as burn shock prevention and treatment, wound repair, and sepsis, have become world leaders in the 21st century, forming a treatment technology and theoretical system with distinctive Chinese characteristics. Burn medical professionals have conducted numerous clinical and fundamental experimental studies, founded the Burns Surgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, established academic journals, and successfully established China Burn Treatment Program. The advancement of science and technology has promoted the development of modern medicine, and 3D virtual reality technology, 3D printing technology, organoid culture, and tissue engineering skin have demonstrated potential advantages and excellent application prospects in the treatment of severe burns, providing new ideas and directions for the discipline’s development. In the new journey of development and reform, we should continue to strengthen the systematic construction of the discipline, enhance the innovative treatment capability, and create further triumph.

How do peer group reflection meetings support medical students’ learning and personal development during clinical rotations?

BackgroundMedical schools look to support students in coping with challenges and stressors related to clinical rotations. One potential approach is implementing Intervision Meetings (IM): a peer group reflection method during which students address challenging situations and personal development issues with peers, guided by a coach. Its implementation and perceived effectiveness in undergraduate medical education has however not yet been widely studied and described. This study evaluates how students perceive the effect of a three-year IM-programme during their clinical rotations, and explores which processes and specific factors support students’ personal development and learning during clinical rotations.MethodsUsing an explanatory Mixed Methodology, medical students participating in IM were asked to evaluate their experiences through a questionnaire at three time points. Questionnaire results were further explored through three focus groups. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.ResultsThree hundred fifty seven questionnaires were filled out by students across the three time points. Students perceived IM to contribute to their ability to cope with challenging situations during clinical rotations. Participants in the focus groups described how IM created an increase in self-awareness by active self-reflection supported by peers and the coach. Sharing and recognizing each other’s’ situations, stories or problems; as well as hearing alternative ways of coping, helped students to put things into perspective and try out alternative ways of thinking or behaving.ConclusionsIM can help students to better deal with stressors during clinical rotations and approach challenges as learning opportunities under the right circumstances. It is a potential method medical schools can use to aid their students on their journey of personal and professional development.

Development of consensus-driven SPIRIT and CONSORT extensions for early phase dose-finding trials: the DEFINE study

BackgroundEarly phase dose-finding (EPDF) trials are crucial for the development of a new intervention and influence whether it should be investigated in further trials. Guidance exists for clinical trial protocols and completed trial reports in the SPIRIT and CONSORT guidelines, respectively. However, both guidelines and their extensions do not adequately address the characteristics of EPDF trials. Building on the SPIRIT and CONSORT checklists, the DEFINE study aims to develop international consensus-driven guidelines for EPDF trial protocols (SPIRIT-DEFINE) and reports (CONSORT-DEFINE).MethodsThe initial generation of candidate items was informed by reviewing published EPDF trial reports. The early draft items were refined further through a review of the published and grey literature, analysis of real-world examples, citation and reference searches, and expert recommendations, followed by a two-round modified Delphi process. Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) was pursued concurrently with the quantitative and thematic analysis of Delphi participants’ feedback.ResultsThe Delphi survey included 79 new or modified SPIRIT-DEFINE (n = 36) and CONSORT-DEFINE (n = 43) extension candidate items. In Round One, 206 interdisciplinary stakeholders from 24 countries voted and 151 stakeholders voted in Round Two. Following Round One feedback, one item for CONSORT-DEFINE was added in Round Two. Of the 80 items, 60 met the threshold for inclusion (≥ 70% of respondents voted critical: 26 SPIRIT-DEFINE, 34 CONSORT-DEFINE), with the remaining 20 items to be further discussed at the consensus meeting. The parallel PPIE work resulted in the development of an EPDF lay summary toolkit consisting of a template with guidance notes and an exemplar.ConclusionsBy detailing the development journey of the DEFINE study and the decisions undertaken, we envision that this will enhance understanding and help researchers in the development of future guidelines. The SPIRIT-DEFINE and CONSORT-DEFINE guidelines will allow investigators to effectively address essential items that should be present in EPDF trial protocols and reports, thereby promoting transparency, comprehensiveness, and reproducibility.Trial registrationSPIRIT-DEFINE and CONSORT-DEFINE are registered with the EQUATOR Network (https://www.equator-network.org/).

A Systems View of Career Development for Systems Engineering Leadership

AbstractSE leaders' career development journeys are primarily driven by their experiences that shape their capability, qualities, and perspective; however, the pathways that individuals take are not only broad and varied, but also equally affected by personal life decisions and external factors. This paper describes a two‐fold study that aimed to: a) provide insight into commonalities in the career journeys of SE leaders, and b) ascertain how key areas affect career development. Five key areas were explored: education, technical experience, soft skills experience, job satisfaction and work‐life balance. A mixed and multi‐method approach was taken, gathering data from sixty‐one participants through interviews, surveys and facilitated workshop. The study found that although there was no ‘blueprint’ that yields successful SE leadership, there were themes/trends that were common. An influence model was developed to highlight these trends in the form of the key areas, factors affecting them, and the interrelationships between them.

A propensity to thrive: Understanding individual difference, resilience and entrepreneurship in developing competence and professional identity

Introduction: This paper draws on a study and its findings that set out to explore why some students appear to thrive, turning placement experiences into positive empowering opportunities despite the challenges, where others may not. Findings established a broader application beyond placements to inform curriculum design and delivery that nurtures professionalism, competence and identity from pre-admission to transition into practice as a journey of growth and development. Method: A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Questionnaires and interviews gathered data from two cohorts in traditional ( n = 25) or role-emerging placements ( n = 13). An interpretive approach was employed for the qualitative data. The quantitative data underwent statistical analysis. Findings: Students in role-emerging placements scored higher in resilience prior to and developed greater resilience as a consequence. These students scored higher in traits of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness and were more emotionally stable compared with students in traditional placements. Agreeableness was positively correlated with greater resilience in these students. Conclusion: Curricula design and delivery should embed opportunities throughout programmes of study enabling students to nurture an openness to new experiences, with positive risk taking, building an ability to thrive. Understanding individual differences in students informs the development of competence and identity pivotal for transition into practice.

Student teachers’ experience of participating in a research and development project in Norway

This study investigates student teachers’ experience of participating in a research and development project named Learning, Assessment and Boundary-crossing in Teacher Education (LAB-TEd). LAB-TEd is a tripartite collaboration project between student teachers, practice teachers and university teachers from two universities in Norway. Framed by cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT), participatory data analysis workshops, known as Change Laboratories, have been used to ensure the relevance of the student teachers’ thesis work for professional development, and to uncover obstacles and barriers to change. Recent research highlights that teachers are typical participants in Change Laboratories implemented in teacher education and schools. There are few studies that highlight student teachers as participants in such interventions, and this may indicate that this is a field of research that is important to investigate. The purpose of the article is to provide insight about how student teachers’ experience participating in a research and development project grounded in CHAT. The data material consists of qualitative interviews with 34 student teachers. Findings from this study indicate that student teachers experienced a development journey by participating in the project. The following are the main findings from the study: The student teachers experienced that their own drive and motivation went from self-interest as the driving force for participation, to a more collective understanding. The student teachers first experienced tripartite collaboration as non-existent, later to become tripartite collaboration. The student teachers experienced how their role in the project’s tripartite collaboration developed from serving as a communication link between university and school, to becoming an actual participant. The student teachers also experienced how their role in Change Laboratories changed from being voiceless participants to becoming more equal partners in the project. The discussion elaborates on the development journey that the participants experienced.