Human Development Research Articles

Hierarchical Genomic Analysis of Susceptibility to Schizophrenia in Sudanese multi-case families

Background Schizophrenia, with its diverse and complex presentation, is a prime candidate for genetic investigation. Its heritability in both familial and sporadic cases, clinical overlap with other psychiatric conditions, and individual variations in response to treatment contribute to its complexity. Numerous genes and associated biochemical pathways show significant differences at the population, familial, and individual levels. Additionally, schizophrenia may represent an evolutionary trade-off for human brain development, creativity, and intellectual performance. Material and Methods This case pseudo-control study analyzed the whole genomes/exomes of seven Sudanese families with multiple siblings affected by schizophrenia. We examined shared variants among family members, including both cases and controls, and unique variants shared between patients but not controls. These variants were filtered based on their impact on protein function, expression levels, allele frequencies, ACMG classification for rare variants, and disease associations. Networks were created to identify central genes and common biological pathways. Results and Discussion The examination of this complex disorder in Sudanese families revealed numerous variants, both common and rare, showing differences between families and between our population and those reported in the literature. This highlights the challenge of accounting for the known heritability of the disease. Our hierarchical approach demonstrates that schizophrenia’s etiology involves the cumulative effect of various interacting variants in an ascending order of influence. Common variants are shared among all samples, while rare variants are shared among two or three families, most of which are associated with schizophrenia. In conclusion The significance lies not merely in the number of detected variants but in understanding their interactive roles, step by step, to reveal the complete picture of the disease’s phenotype.

Investigating the Dynamics of Workforce Stability: The Influence of Perceived Employability on Career Resilience, Task Performance, Learning Agility and Employee Retention

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the complex interrelationships among perceived employability, employee task performance, employee retention, career resilience, and learning agility to cover this knowledge gap and provide HR practices and policies supported by evidence that can increase service sector development and contribute to Saudi Arabia's economic goals. The study used a cross-sectional quantitative design and conducted an online survey of employees in the service sector of Saudi Arabia. Snowball sampling was used during the data collection, and 403 usable responses were collected and utilized for data analysis. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and composite assessment analyses were conducted through SPSS 28. For hypothesis testing, the PLS-SEM model was used through SmartPLS4. R2adj, standardized root means square residual, Normed fit index, and Q2predict were used for model evaluation. The research findings highlighted the importance of perceived employability which is positively related to task performance and retention and show the need for organizations to train their employees so that they are characterized by career resilience and learning agility, which relate positively on their task performance and their retention within the Saudi service industry. Acquiring knowledge and understanding regarding these relationships is essential to develop targeted practices and policies to improve employee outcomes and elevate the organization's competitiveness in an economy undergoing rapid transformations. This study's findings provide practical implications regarding human resource management and organizational development strategies in Saudi Arabia that will support future research by enhancing perceived employability, building career resilience, developing employee task performance, improving learning agility, and ensuring a higher rate of employee retention, realizing the significance of each element in developing organizational goals and success. Keywords: perceived employability, employee task performance, employee retention, career resilience, learning agility.

Exploring the role of regional capacity in human resource development in Indonesia

The role of local government in regional development planning is an essential topic in the context of sustainable local development. This study aimed to analyze the role of local governments in regional development planning and their impact on the effectiveness and sustainability of development at the local level. The research method used is a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis related to regional development policies and regulations. This research was conducted in several districts/cities in certain regions, considering diverse geographical, social, and economic contexts. The results showed that the role of local governments in regional development planning is vital in coordinating various interests, resources, and related actors. Local governments act as regulators, facilitators, and implementers in determining the direction, policies, and allocation of development resources. In addition, community and private-sector involvement is also recognized as an integral part of democratic and inclusive planning processes. The impact of the role of local governments in regional development planning can be seen in increasing the effectiveness of development programs, increasing community participation, reducing regional disparities, and improving the community’s quality of life. Nevertheless, challenges such as corruption, lack of interagency coordination, and political uncertainty remain obstacles that must be overcome. This study concludes that the role of local governments in regional development planning is a critical factor in achieving sustainable regional development. Therefore, measures are needed to strengthen institutional capacity, increase transparency, and strengthen public participation to ensure sustainable and inclusive development planning at the local level.

682P Differential splicing of OBSCN throughout human cardiac and skeletal muscle development

682P Differential splicing of OBSCN throughout human cardiac and skeletal muscle development

Air quality historical correlation model based on time series

Air quality is closely linked to human health and social development, making accurate air quality prediction highly significant. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is inherently a time series. However, most previous studies have overlooked its temporal features and have not thoroughly explored the relationship between pollutant emissions and air quality. To address this issue, this study establishes a historical correlation model for air quality based on a time series model—the Gaussian Hidden Markov Model (GHMM)—using industrial exhaust emissions and historical air quality data. Firstly, a traversal method is used to select the optimal number of hidden states for the GHMM. To optimize the traditional GHMM and reduce error accumulation in the prediction process, the Multi-day Weighted Matching method and the Fixed Training Set Length method are utilized. Both direct and indirect prediction modes are then used to predict the AQI in the Zhangdian District. Experimental results indicate that the improved GHMM with the indirect mode provides higher accuracy and more stable state estimation results (MAE = 13.59, RMSE = 17.59, mean forecasted value = 117.94). Finally, the air quality historical correlation model is integrated with the air quality meteorological correlation model from a previous study, further improving prediction accuracy (MAE = 11.59, RMSE = 14.87, mean forecasted value = 120.88). This study demonstrates that the GHMM’s strong ability to analyze temporal features significantly enhances the accuracy and stability of air quality predictions. The integration of the air quality historical correlation model with the air quality meteorological correlation model from a previous study leverages the strengths of each sub-model in handling different feature groups, leading to even more accurate predictions.

Regional development through innovation: a proposal for a technological hub framework

Brazil has made progress in innovation, although unevenly across its regions, with the state of Acre still facing challenges in this sector. The creation of an innovation and technology hub at Senai/AC aims to promote regional development by bringing together government, companies, and academia to stimulate local economic growth. This article proposes a strategic framework for the implementation of the Senai/AC Innovation and Technology Hub, with the goal of strengthening the regional economy and increasing industrial competitiveness. Based on a Systematic Literature Review, the best global and regional practices for the creation of innovation ecosystems were identified. The qualitative analysis of 40 articles resulted in strategic guidelines adapted to local needs, highlighting the importance of effective governance, resource mobilization, collaborative environments, human capital development, and a culture of innovation. The Senai/AC Hub has the potential to act as a catalyst for the state's socioeconomic development and strengthen local industries. Future studies can assess the effectiveness of the guidelines and the hub's impact on regional production chains, comparing it with other hubs to identify synergies and best practices.

Prevalence of high neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone levels as an indicator of iodine deficiency in the province of La Pampa: An epidemiological analysis.

Introduction. Iodine plays a key role in human metabolism, growth, and development. During pregnancy and childhood, the demand for this micronutrient increases notably. Increased neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (nTSH) levels, defined as nTSH ≥ 5 mIU/L, are a marker of iodine deficiency in a population if its prevalence is higher than 3%. Objective. To establish the prevalence of nTSH ≥ 5 in La Pampa in the 2021-2022 period, analyze its correlation with different variables, and compare it with data from a historical cohort. Population and methods. Cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study in a population of newborn infants born in the 5 health regions of the province of La Pampa in 2021 and 2022. Results. Of the 5778 assessed newborn infants, 9.6% had nTSH levels ≥ 5 mIU/L. It was reported that 70.4% of these measurements were done after the third day of life. No significant differences were observed in the frequency of high nTSH levels by year of birth, birth weight, or days until sample collection. A higher prevalence was observed among male infants (10.6% versus 8.5%; p = 0.007) and term infants (9.8% versus 6.6%; p = 0.02). The prevalence of high TSH levels was superior to that observed in the 2001-2002 cohort. Conclusions. The prevalence of high nTSH levels in La Pampa during 2021 and 2022 was 9.6%, suggesting the presence of mild iodine deficiency in the population of this province, higher that what had been reported 2 decades ago.

Social Work's Role in Sustainable Agriculture: Driving Economic Self-Sufficiency and Social Integration

In the context of the social challenges of the global space for implementing projects to promote sustainable agriculture in rural areas, agriculture represents significant potential due to its multifunctionality (economic, social, ecological). In the context of agricultural projects - farms - this type of assistance can increase the labour market potential of disadvantaged populations. This is mainly through employment or social activation activities, which help improve the quality of life of socially disadvantaged people, their economic self-sufficiency, and their integration into society. In the context of sustainable development, agricultural projects play an essential role in maintaining social stability and reliability at the macro level. This paper aims to highlight the importance of social work and its position in projects promoting sustainable development. On the one hand, social work represents the position of a "transfer mechanism" between the management of economic and ecological processes with an agricultural orientation and the disadvantaged clients of social projects on the other hand. Keywords: sustainable agriculture, disadvantaged groups, client-family, human capital development, global space

Extracellular vesicle-mediated trafficking of molecular cues during human brain development

Extracellular vesicle-mediated trafficking of molecular cues during human brain development

A path to cleaner energy: the nexus of technological regulations, green technological innovation, economic globalization, and human capital

Ensuring environmental sustainability is paramount for achieving sustainable development and leaving a habitable world for future generations. In this regard, the transition to green energy plays a critical role by reducing environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel use and promoting environmentally friendly energy sources. Technological regulations, green technological innovation, economic globalization, and human capital are pivotal factors influencing the success of the green energy transition. Technological regulations can encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly practices through the establishment and enforcement of environmental standards. Economic globalization expands international trade and investment opportunities, supporting the transition to green energy. Human capital development ensures the availability of skilled labor and can foster knowledge creation to advance green energy initiatives. This study examines the influence of human capital, green technological innovation, technological regulations, and economic globalization on the green energy transition in 19 OECD countries from 1990 to 2019. According to the results, human capital reduces the transition in Germany and increases it in Poland; green technological innovation boosts the green energy transition in Belgium; technological regulations support it in Finland, Poland, and Panel; economic globalization reduces it in Italy. OECD countries should diversify their environmental policies with technological regulations to achieve SDG7.

A Virtual corporate training through e-learning platforms for the personnel of a refinery of the National Refining System of PEMEX in Mexico

This project focuses on the design of a personalized corporate training program through the use of e-learning platforms based on the theory of connectivism and oriented to the upskilling of the collaborators of the human development coordination area of one of the refineries of the National Refining System of Petróleos Mexicanos in Hidalgo. Mexico. To detect the training needs, a survey was applied to the personnel of the area to know their perception in this regard and a checklist was designed based on the description of each of the positions that make up the area in order to evaluate the skills that each employee demonstrates when executing the activities of the position they occupy. The designed program had a positive impact on the perception of 100% of employees and generated a 31% increase in the development of soft skills.

COMBINED DEVELOPMENTAL EXPOSURE TO ESTROGENIC ENDOCRINE DISRUPTOR AND NUTRITIONAL IMBALANCE INDUCES LONG TERM ADULT PROSTATE INFLAMMATION THROUGH INFLAMMASOME ACTIVATION.

Increasing number of studies suggested that environmental deleterious impacts (such as estrogen-like endocrine disruptors, EDCs, unhealthy diet) during early human development affect the risk of developing non-communicable diseases including prostate cancer (PCa) later in life. To test if the combination of EDCs and unhealthy induces adult prostate lesions, we developed an experimental model of adult male Sprague Dawley rats exposed during gestation (from day 7) to weaning to high fat diet (HFD 60% fat), or to a xenoestrogen (estradiol benzoate, EB, 2.5µg/d) from post-natal days 1 to 5, or to a combination of both. EB and EB+HFD exposures induced decreased prostate weight in adult rats along with inflammatory status. A white blood cell infiltrate was observed after EB exposure and more dramatic lesions were observed with the combined exposure, along with a gland destruction. The lesions, following EB or EB+HFD exposure, are associated with elevated mRNA levels for TNFa, IL6 and CCL2/MCP1 pro-inflammatory cytokines while the levels of the anti-inflammatory IL10 cytokine remained unchanged. This activation of NLRP3 and elevated levels of CASP1 were observed following EB or EB+HFD exposures associated with elevated mRNA levels for IL1b, substrates for the NLRP3 complex. HFD exposure alone has mild if not pro-inflammatory effects in adult prostate. In conclusion, we showed that developmental combined exposure to EB and HFD programmed prostate inflammatory lesions in adult prostate. Since proliferative inflammatory atrophy and chronic inflammation of prostate may drive cell to become cancer cells, our model might be useful for study onset of PCa.

Systematic review of cost-effectiveness studies on cervical cancer screening across Europe

IntroductionCervical cancer (CC) is a type of cancer with poor prognosis when diagnosed in advanced stage with a big socioeconomic burden. The incidence rates have wide variations among European countries depending on the implementation or not of screening, vaccination programs and the human development index (HDI). Most studies on cost-effectiveness of CC screening programs are carried out in countries with a high HDI, however more recent reviews of screening approaches are coming from countries with lower HDI aiming to identify the best screening strategies. Our study aims to identify which are the currently applied and most cost-effective strategies of CC screening in Europe. Materials and methodsThis is a systematic review conducted in three different databases (PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect) and reported following the PRISMA guidelines. General key terms for all databases were the following: cost-effectiveness, cervical cancer, screening, Europe. We included studies in English, Italian, Spanish and Bulgarian, published in the last 25 years, reporting data on cost-effectiveness of CC screening, costs and outcome measures. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated with a standardized tool. ResultsA total of 262 studies were identified and 22 studies were included in the final analysis. In 90.1 % of the economic studies, the new screening strategy was shown to be more cost-effective compared to the current one or compared to no screening. The optimal strategy mostly involved primary HPV testing, combined with cytology or as stand-alone screening technique. Several scenarios differing on starting age and periodicities for CC screening, combination of techniques and triage, were found to be cost-effective and below the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold. The methodology of all included studies was assessed from 10 to 11 on the JBI standardized tool and Drummond 11-point checklist. ConclusionNumerous cost-effective options for CC screening in different European countries were identified in this systematic review. HPV testing, with or without cytology, mainly starting at 30 years of age and repeated every 5 years or more was the most cost-effective technique. Future studies should focus on the most appropriate CC screening approach for each context and setting, also considering HPV vaccination in Europe.

Recalculation of the Human Development Index via Multiplicative Data Envelopment Analysis

Recalculation of the Human Development Index via Multiplicative Data Envelopment Analysis

IPSC-derived and Patient-Derived Organoids: Applications and challenges in scalability and reproducibility as pre-clinical models

Recent advancements in stem cell technology have led to the development of organoids – three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that closely mimic the structural and functional characteristics of human organs. These organoids represent a significant improvement over traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures by preserving native tissue architecture and cellular interactions critical for physiological relevance.This review provides a comprehensive comparison between two main types of organoids: induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-derived and Adult Stem Cell (ASC)-derived (also known as Patient-Derived Organoids, PDOs). iPSC-derived organoids, derived from reprogrammed cells, exhibit remarkable plasticity, and can model a wide range of tissues and developmental stages. They are particularly valuable for studying early human development, genetic disorders, and complex diseases. However, challenges such as prolonged differentiation protocols and variability in maturation levels remain significant hurdles. In contrast, ASC-derived organoids, generated directly from patient tissues, faithfully recapitulate tissue-specific characteristics and disease phenotypes. This fidelity makes them indispensable for personalized medicine applications, including drug screening, disease modeling, and understanding individualized treatment responses.The review highlights the unique advantages and limitations of each organoid type, emphasizing their roles in advancing biomedical research and drug discovery. It addresses key challenges in organoid technology, such as scalability, reproducibility, and the need for standardized culture protocols. Furthermore, it explores recent innovations in scaffold-guided organoid engineering and the integration of organoids with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and high-throughput screening.The integration of organoids with cutting-edge technologies holds promise for enhancing their utility in modeling complex human diseases and accelerating drug discovery and development. By providing more physiologically relevant models of human organs, organoid technology is poised to revolutionize biomedical research, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Maternal mortality in Brazil: an analysis of temporal trends and spatial clustering.

This article aims to analyze spatial and temporal patterns of maternal mortality in Brazil during the period 2010-2020 and identify related socioeconomic indicators. We conducted an ecological study of the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Brazil's municipalities using secondary data. Temporal analysis was performed using the joinpoint method. Bayesian statistics, spatial autocorrelation, the Getis Ord Gi* technique and the scan statistic were used to identify spatial clusters, and multiple non-spatial and spatial regression models were used to assess the association between factors and the MMR. There was an increase in the MMR in 2020 and an increase in deaths in the North and Southeast. Clusters were found in Amazonas, Tocantins, Piauí, Maranhão, Bahia and Mato Grosso do Sul. The following indicators were negatively associated with the MMR: cesarean section rate, Municipal Human Development Index, and per capita household income of people who are vulnerable to poverty. The MMR was stable up to 2019, followed by a sharp rise in 2020 coinciding with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. It is essential that efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Brazil extend beyond the promotion of improvements in antenatal, childbirth and postpartum care to address the social determinants of the problem.

Evaluating the spatiotemporal land ecological changes in the Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion Project area.

As a fundamental component of human existence, land is inextricably linked to human development, and its ecological functions are closely associated with multiple sustainable development goals. This paper presents a framework for constructing and optimizing ecological function space, with the Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion Project area serving as a case study. A comprehensive land ecological index system is established, encompassing natural foundation, land degradation, land production, ecological structure, and ecological protection. An identity-discrepancy-contrary connection method is employed to investigate changes in regional land ecological functions before (2013) and during (2017, 2020, and 2022) the project's construction based on remote sensing data. The results indicated that the mean values of the land ecological index for each period were 0.1883, 0.1981, 0.2253, and 0.1370, respectively. The study calculated the connection, differences, and contradictions in the land ecological impacts across the counties, revealing a gradual decrease in differences and a growing prominence of contradictions. The land ecology of the Yangtze-to-Huaihe Water Diversion Project area is affected by the project construction, particularly within the construction area, showing an overall improvement. Most counties exhibited a trend of ecological improvement compared to the land ecology before the project's construction. However, after the project implementation, most districts demonstrated a trend of ecological deterioration. As the distance from the construction canal increases, the characteristics of each section and stage vary, generally exhibiting an exponential decrease in the land ecological index. The study highlighted the significance of enhancing the land ecological pattern, improving water quality, increasing water supply along the project, and alleviating groundwater overexploitation. The study can serve as a reference for land ecological protection and restoration in water transfer areas and river basins worldwide.

Government Policies and Urban-Rural Behavior in the Puno Region, Peru

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the elements that make up the urban-rural behavior of the inhabitants of the 13 provinces of the Puno region today. Theoretical framework: The present research had the need to contribute through a social anthropological proposal on urban and rural behavior in the Puno region of Peru. Method: To this end, the documentary design and the qualitative method were used, documents related to the subject of the research and the selection of informants according to the criteria of the research were analyzed, as well as semi-structured interviews were applied to 13 representatives of the provinces of the Puno region. Results and discussion: The results revealed that in the Puno region the population dynamics tend towards the growth of the city and the abandonment of rural areas, which is caused by bad government policies in relation to rural spaces, also the authorities differentiate rural areas and city areas through the recognition of the population in terms of access to education, to economic participation. Implications of the research: Pollution and lack of economic diversification are the reasons that have ended up shaping the urban image of the Puno region, the response to these problems, being a region with centralized services and that it redefined in a mandatory way. Research implications: The research contributes to the understanding of human development, both epistemologically and geographically, and as a consequence the reinterpretation of coexistence, social groups and the perception of traditions and customs.

THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN DISTRICTS / CITIES OF RIAU PROVINCE

The purpose of this study is to see the data and then analyze how big the role of education is with its indicator Average Length of Schooling (RLS) in improving human development with its indicator Human Development Index (HDI) in the Districts/City of Riau Province. By using data sourced from the BPS of Riau Province, namely Secondary data. And using a descriptive analysis method then strengthened by simple regression testing using panel data, using the Eviews 13 Statistics application. So based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the role of Education plays a very important role in Human Development in the Districts/City of Riau Province. Proven in partial testing, education (RLS) has a positive and significant influence on human development (HDI) which is indicated by a Prob value of 0.0000 which is less than 0.05. Meanwhile, the magnitude of the influence can be seen from the value of the calculation results obtained by the Determination Coefficient (Adjusted R2) in this study, which is 93.97%. Of course, in this study there are still limitations in problems that are not discussed thoroughly. However, the results of this study can be a reference in government policy to increase the role of education in human development in Riau Province.

A Call for Human Resource Development Scholars to Reinvigorate the Study of Cultural Syndromes and Individual Dimensions

During the 20th century, there was significant growth in the development and understanding of the nuances of identity, behavior, and personality. As globalization has increased, scholarly attention to cultural attunement and cross-cultural studies has also increased. However, despite significant research in the latter half of the 20th century in the areas of the culture syndromes of collectivism and individualism, and the related individual factors of allocentrism and idiocentrism, the development of this body of research has largely plateaued. Human resource development scholars have long touted the importance of their research to be of the nature to benefit practice directly. There is an opportunity to reinvigorate the study of the attributes of these constructs, specifically in the field of human resource development. The body of literature on these individual and cultural dimensions offers promise to enhance organizations’ ability to be strategic in their business development efforts.