Human Development Research Articles

Lead exposure leads to premature neural differentiation via inhibiting Wnt signaling.

Heavy metals, such as Lead (Pb), are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that is a considerable problem worldwide. Increasing evidences suggest that Pb exposure negatively impact central nervous system. However, the exact toxic mechanism of Pb on early human brain development remain unclear due to the limitations of animal models and 2D cell models. In this study, we used human cortical organoids to reveal that Pb had specific early neurodevelopmental toxicity during the neural differentiation stage. We observed that short-term Pb exposure (10 days) is sufficient to induce premature neuronal differentiation. Mechanistically, Pb exposure downregulates the Wnt signaling in cortical organoids, and the activation of Wnt signaling reverses the neurodevelopmental phenotype. In support, Pb exposure during pregnancy lead to premature neuronal differentiation and reduced neurogenesis in mice. In conclusion, our study reveals the neuropathogenesis of Pb exposure and uncovers the potential intervention role of Wnt activation.

Measurement and Comparison of Different Dimensions of Renewable Energy Policy Implementation in the Agricultural Sector

The current research aims to measure the different dimensions of renewable energy policy implementation and compare these dimensions with each other, focusing on Iran's agricultural sector. This analysis makes it possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses in implementing existing policies. The five dimensions include "organizational and institutional", "incentives", "investment", "infrastructure", and "human resources development". The statistical population of this research comprised energy policy experts, whose number was 85. The sampling method was random, and 70 persons participated in answering the questionnaire using the Karjesi and Morgan table. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using Cronbach's alpha (0.916). Face validity, content validity ratio (CVR), and content validity index (CVI) were applied to determine validity. In the calculation of CVR, values ≥0.33 were considered reasonable and appropriate to confirm each item. All CVI values obtained were higher than 0.79. Multi-criteria analysis was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that organizational and institutional policies were at the highest level of unsustainability. The dimension of investment policies showed less unsustainability than other dimensions. The other three dimensions also showed significant deficiencies. It seems that policy development to eliminate the diversity and interference of organizations, fuel subsidies revision, market policy development, attracting capital, and participation of stakeholders is necessary to reduce unsustainability in this field. The development of the resources of expert forces and attention to educational policies should also be considered.

Maternal gut-microbiota impacts the influence of intrauterine environmental stressors on the modulation of human cognitive development and behavior

This review examines the longstanding debate of nature and intrauterine environmental challenges that shapes human development and behavior, with a special focus on the influence of maternal prenatal gut microbes. Recent research has revealed the critical role of the gut microbiome in human neurodevelopment, and evidence suggest that maternal microbiota can impact fetal gene and microenvironment composition, as well as immunophysiology and neurochemical responses. Furthermore, intrauterine neuroepigenetic regulation may be influenced by maternal microbiota, capable of having long-lasting effects on offspring behavior and cognition. By examining the complex relationship between maternal prenatal gut microbes and human development, this review highlights the importance of early-life environmental factors in shaping neurodevelopment and cognition.

Centralizing an ecological sport psychology through science-practice dialectics

There has been considerable discussion for more than 50 years of how scientists and practitioners in elite level sport can work collaboratively to ensure that evidence-based practice augments the sport performance and human development of elite amateur and professional athletes. The bridging of these two, often disparate competencies, science and practice, though considered at the conceptual level, continues to be scarcely evidenced within the international sport science community. Much of the research that frames the experiences of elite athletes and their consequent needs, is heavily influenced by scientists, often without direct reciprocity to bridge science, theory, and applied context. The knowledge influencing these interventions has derived from qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews, surveys, and focus groups, as well as a breadth of psychometric assessments. Though these approaches to gathering robust data are a necessary part of inquiry, they often produce decontextualized data collection strategies and results, which can lead to generalized, ineffective practices in sport performance environments. Within this submission, the first author cooperated with an international team of scientist-practitioners who are well versed in elite sport to delineate ecologically sound science-practice reciprocity. The authors consider the strengths and weaknesses of conventional qualitative research strategies in terms of their utility and the parlance of evidence into intervention and world-class performance. Two emerging, context driven approaches to inquiry are proposed; arts-based methods and an idiosyncratic approach to ethnography to encourage the reader toward an expanded selection of inquiry approaches from which better understanding and intervention can be generated. This contribution conclude with summary points to open further possibilities for innovative science to practice approaches.

Whole mount preparation and analysis of rabbit mammary gland

The mammary gland undergoes dynamic structural and compositional changes throughout life, influenced significantly by hormonal fluctuations and environmental factors. From embryonic development through menopause, this tissue adapts to accommodate phases such as postnatal expansion, pregnancy-induced lactation, and post-weaning involution. Hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and exogenous factors regulate these innate processes, affecting mammary epithelial cell proliferation and sensitivity, particularly in terminal end buds (TEB) and lobules, which are highly susceptible to endocrine disruption. Rodent models have provided invaluable insights into mammary gland biology, yet differences exist compared to human development, prompting the exploration of alternative models like rabbits. Additionally, there is momentum to move away from the use of nonhuman primates in safety assessments, increasing the need for evaluation tools for all tissues in the rabbit model. Rabbit mammary glands exhibit similarities to humans, making them promising for studying breast biology and pathology. However, protocols for whole-mount analysis of rabbit mammary glands are lacking due to the technical challenges of working with thicker tissue than rodent mammary glands. Here, we developed a methodology modified from rodent studies for preparing and analyzing rabbit mammary gland whole mounts, which is essential for advancing research in mammary gland biology and understanding the effects of hormonal and toxicant-induced disruption of mammary gland growth and function.

Strengthening the competitive advantage of MSME actors through the human resources competency development program (skill, knowledge and attitude)

This research focuses on strengthening the competitive advantage of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through human resource competency development programs, which include three main aspects: skills, knowledge, and attitudes. The purpose of this study is to identify the positive impact of human resource development programs on the competitiveness of MSME actors in an increasingly dynamic market. In the context of globalization and digital transformation, adaptability and innovation are crucial elements that support the growth of MSMEs. This study uses a quantitative method with a survey of 100 MSME actors from various economic sectors, and qualitative through in-depth interviews with business actors and HR development program organizers. The results of the study show that practical skills training, increasing business knowledge, and forming a positive attitude significantly improve the competitiveness of MSMEs. MSMEs that participate in human resource development programs tend to be more innovative in terms of products and services, have more efficient management, and are better able to face market challenges compared to those who do not. In particular, the aspect of proactive attitude and openness to change strongly supports the adaptation of digital technology in business management. Thus, this study recommends the implementation of a holistic human resource development program as one of the strategies to strengthen the competitiveness of MSMEs in the domestic and global markets.

The virtual modality and its impact on the training of medical sciences students

Introduction: The social restrictions that countries imposed to contain COVID-19 generated challenges in all areas of human development, including higher education. University institutions had to adapt abruptly to the new pedagogical demands, resorting obligatorily to the use of the virtual modality in all their academic offerings. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the virtual modality in the academic and professional training of students of Medical Sciences, in order to identify its advantages, disadvantages and potentialities in the current educational context. Methodology: A systematic review was carried out to analyze virtual health education, using databases such as REDALYC, SCOPUS, DIALNET and SCIELO. Relevant articles were identified and grouped, excluding those that did not focus on virtual education related to health careers. Several search terms were analyzed and multiple articles were obtained in each database. Results: Although there is uncertainty in the formative quality of students of health careers due to the eminently practical condition of the knowledge imparted, it is evident that telematic education has overcome acceptably the obstacles posed from the dogmatic criterion, so it should be recognized for its support to the continuity of teaching and learning processes. Conclusions: The university community is obliged to encourage the development of the virtual modality and its application for the benefit of strengthening the professions related to health.

Impact of Viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) in Early Childhood (0-2 Years) on Lung Growth and Development and Lifelong Trajectories of Pulmonary Health: A National Institutes of Health (NIH) Workshop Summary.

Viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are ubiquitous in early life. They are disproportionately severe in infants and toddlers (0-2 years), leading to more than 100,000 hospitalizations in the United States per year. The recent relative resilience to severe Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) observed in young children is surprising. These observations, taken together, underscore current knowledge gaps in the pathogenesis of viral lower respiratory tract diseases in young children and respiratory developmental immunology. Further, early-life respiratory viral infections could have a lasting impact on lung development with potential life-long pulmonary sequelae. Modern molecular methods, including high-resolution spatial and single-cell technologies, in concert with longitudinal observational studies beginning in the prenatal period and continuing into early childhood, promise to elucidate developmental pulmonary and immunophenotypes following early-life viral infections and their impact on trajectories of future respiratory health. In November 2019, under the auspices of a multi-disciplinary Workshop convened by the National Heart Lung Blood Institute and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, experts came together to highlight the challenges of respiratory viral infections, particularly in early childhood, and emphasize the knowledge gaps in immune, virological, developmental, and clinical factors that contribute to disease severity and long-term pulmonary morbidity from viral LRTI in children. We hope that the scientific community will view these challenges in clinical care on pulmonary health trajectories and disease burden not as a window of susceptibility but as a window of opportunity.

Genipin rescues developmental and degenerative defects in familial dysautonomia models and accelerates axon regeneration.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is essential for proper body function. A high percentage of the world's population suffers from nerve degeneration or peripheral nerve damage. Despite this, there are major gaps in the knowledge of human PNS development and degeneration; therefore, there are no available treatments. Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a devastating disorder caused by a homozygous point mutation in the gene ELP1. FD specifically affects the development and causes degeneration of the PNS. We previously used patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to show that peripheral sensory neurons (SNs) recapitulate the developmental and neurodegenerative defects observed in FD. Here, we conducted a chemical screen to identify compounds that rescue the SN differentiation inefficiency in FD. We identified that genipin restores neural crest and SN development in patient-derived iPSCs and in two mouse models of FD. Additionally, genipin prevented FD degeneration in SNs derived from patients with FD, suggesting that it could be used to ameliorate neurodegeneration. Moreover, genipin cross-linked the extracellular matrix (ECM), increased the stiffness of the ECM, reorganized the actin cytoskeleton, and promoted transcription of yes-associated protein-dependent genes. Last, genipin enhanced axon regeneration in healthy sensory and sympathetic neurons (part of the PNS) and in prefrontal cortical neurons (part of the central nervous system) in in vitro axotomy models. Our results suggest that genipin has the potential to treat FD-related neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative phenotypes and to enhance neuronal regeneration of healthy neurons after injury. Moreover, this suggests that the ECM can be targeted to treat FD.

Unveiling the potential of digital human avatars in modern marketing strategies

PurposeThis study aims to develop a theoretical framework that marketing practitioners and scholars can adopt to enhance their understanding of how firms can effectively deploy and use digital human avatars as part of their global digital marketing strategy. By doing so, we inform investors of ongoing digital transformations of marketing practices that will equip marketeers to provide scalable, tailored, reliable and relevant digital self-service interactions to users, consequently improving the user/customer experience.Design/methodology/approachThematic analysis was used to discover factors to enable the successful implementation of digital human avatars, drawing on in-depth interviews with fourteen executives of digital human avatars developer companies worldwide and analysis of ten podcasts and webinars with artificial intelligence (AI) experts.FindingsDigital human avatars revitalise the international dynamic marketing capabilities (IDMCs) of firms by integrating advanced technologies that transform user interactions, improve engagement and facilitate knowledge acquisition, dissemination and usage across various sectors and business units globally. This integration promotes a dynamic approach to international brands, customer relationships and marketing knowledge management capabilities, offering profound value to users and firms.Research limitations/implicationsOur first limitation is a lack of diversity in data sources. As digital human avatars are an emerging field, we had to limit our study to 14 experts in AI and 10 podcasts. While this method provides deep insights into the perspectives of those directly involved in the development and implementation of digital human avatars, it may not capture the views of end-users or consumers who interact with these avatars, which can be an avenue for further research. Our second limitation is the potential bias in the interpretation of our interview data and podcasts. This study’s approach to data analysis, where themes are derived from the data itself, carries a risk of subjective interpretation by the researchers. Future studies are encouraged to investigate the impact of digital human avatars across different organisational contexts and ecosystems, especially focusing on how these technologies are integrated and perceived in various international markets.Practical implicationsThe novel framework has direct implications for innovators and marketing practitioners who aim to adopt digital human avatars in their marketing practices to enhance the effectiveness of international marketing strategies.Social implicationsThe adoption of digital human avatars can alleviate loneliest elderly and vulnerable people by being a companion. The human-like characteristics can impact sense of presence and attachment.Originality/valueThe novelty of our study lies in exploring the characteristics of technologies and practical factors that maximise the successful adoption of digital human avatars. We advance and contribute to the emerging theory of avatar marketing, IDMCs and absorptive capacity by demonstrating how digital human avatars could be adopted as part of a firm’s global digital marketing strategy. We focus specifically on six dimensions: outcomes and benefits, enhancements and capabilities, applications and domains, future implications, foundational elements and challenges and considerations. This framework has direct implications for innovators and marketing practitioners who aim to adopt digital human avatars in their marketing practices to enhance the effectiveness of international marketing strategies.

Defining human resource development: an integrative literature review

PurposeHuman resource development (HRD) poses complex challenges for scholars and practitioners due to its elusive nature in definition, scope, and boundaries. Driven by lived experiences, this integrative literature review aims to explore the complexities of HRD, focusing on its conceptualizations, boundaries, and trajectories from 1990 to 2023.Design/methodology/approachUsing Callahan’s (2014) Six Ws, Page et al. (2020) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses search process, and Lester et al. (2020) thematic analysis, 26 peer-reviewed articles from leading HRD journals and databases were analyzed.FindingsThis literature review’s findings enhance our understanding of HRD’s trajectory by illuminating its tumultuous beginnings, precarious present, and uncertain future – potentially even its demise. The author urges prominent HRD scholars to take decisive action to secure the discipline’s future before it is too late.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation is the reliance on specific articles for data analysis. The propensity to emphasize only the prevailing viewpoint is a constraint inherent in literature reviews (Dickson et al., 2011). Another limitation is this study’s reliance on articles exclusively from English-speaking literature. By focusing solely on publications in English, this study overlooked HRD literature published in other languages, potentially excluding valuable insights and perspectives from non-English-speaking regions and cultures.Originality/valueOver the years, the debates regarding the definition of HRD have been fraught with ambiguity and contradictions. The boundaries of HRD remain similarly nebulous, with scholars debating its scope and applicability across contexts. This literature review adds to this debate from a unique perspective.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Climate Change and Agriculture from 1985 to 2023

With increasing concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases, the interaction between climate change and agriculture is receiving widespread attention as part of food security and sustainable human development. However, a comprehensive summary of knowledge in the field of climate change and agriculture from a scientometric perspective is still lacking. Here, we selected 25,872 papers related to climate change and agriculture from the Web of Science Core Collection database for the period 1985 to 2023 and used VOSviewer software to reveal the research status and trends. The main results were as follows: (1) the number of papers in this field showed a rapidly increasing trend after 2007, with a clear interdisciplinary characteristic; (2) The United States was the most influential country in this field with 6819 papers and 363,109 citations. China had the second highest number of papers (3722 papers), but the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the most influential institution with the most papers. On an author level, Pete Smith was the most influential; (3) All keywords were divided into four different research topics, such as the impact of climate change on agriculture, climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture, and crop growth in response to climate change. Among them, some keywords related to climate change adaptation were the most recent topics of interest in this field. These findings provide effective scientific references for relevant scientists and practitioners to better conduct future theoretical and practical research on climate change and agriculture.

Evaluating and elevating the role of wildlife road crossings in climate adaptation

Beyond the well‐established benefits of wildlife road crossings and associated infrastructure—improving driver safety, reducing animal mortality, reconnecting habitats—there is another important but often underappreciated benefit: supporting wildlife and ecosystems in adapting to climate change. We explore this potential by (1) synthesizing the literature surrounding climate adaptation and wildlife crossings, (2) presenting a case study on how crossings support shifting animal migrations, and (3) describing key considerations for incorporating climate information into crossing prioritizations. Among other climate‐adaptive benefits, research suggests crossings can support species range shifts and protect access to resources even as drought and human development compromise that access. Our case study outlines an approach for prioritizing crossing locations most likely to support animal migration both today and into the future. By accounting for such dynamics, wildlife crossings can be a cost‐effective tool that protects wildlife as well as motorists and enhances the resilience of infrastructure and ecosystems in a changing world.

The impact of tobacco taxes, VAT, and affordability on the human development index: a global perspective on future economic trends

The impact of tobacco taxes, VAT, and affordability on the human development index: a global perspective on future economic trends

Understanding the Relationship between Humans, Culture, and Civilization in Islamic

Abstract This research aims to explore the relationship between humans, culture, and civilization through literary studies. This study is based on the necessity to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these three entities interact across various social and historical contexts. By collecting and analyzing various sources such as books, journal articles, and other relevant materials, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics of this relationship. Literary analysis reveals the defining role of culture as a shaper of human identity and the social structure of civilization. The research findings also highlight the impact of globalization, technology, and socio-political changes on the relationship between these three entities. Emphasis on the importance of a deeper understanding of the dynamics of human interaction, culture, and civilization to respond to the challenges and opportunities in building a sustainable future for humanity. The importance of this understanding is attributed to the progression in time and changes occurring globally. Together, this study highlights the complexity of the relationships between people, culture, and civilization, and the importance of understanding their dynamics to create a broader understanding of human development as a whole. Thus, this study makes an important contribution to the development of a more comprehensive perspective on the interaction between these three entities in human society. Together, this study highlights the complexity of the relationships between people, culture, and civilization, and highlights the importance of understanding their dynamics to create a broader understanding of human development as a whole. Keywords: Civilization, Culture, and Human

Effects of Educational and Socio-economic Factors on Child Marriages in India: A Statistical Analysis

Child marriage poses a significant threat to a child’s freedom, right to education, health and overall development potential. This study examines the influence of educational factors and socio-economic development on the prevalence of child marriage in India. Using reliable data sources, a Pearson product–moment correlation analysis and a two-tailed significance P test were conducted to reveal relationships between child marriage, education and socio-economic factors. Additionally, artificial neural network structures were employed to develop a regression model that further validates these associations. This study demonstrates that regions with strong educational systems, high enrolment rates (especially for girls) and increased educational spending significantly reduce child marriage prevalence. In contrast, high student-to-teacher ratios and dropout rates exacerbate the issue. The analysis reveals a strong negative correlation between child marriage prevalence and socio-economic factors such as urbanisation, life expectancy, per capita income and the Human Development Index. Conversely, factors such as Hindu population percentage and infant mortality rates show a significant positive association. These findings underscore the necessity of investing in education and promoting socio-economic development to combat the deeply harmful practice of child marriage. Targeted interventions in these areas have the potential to protect children’s rights and create a brighter future for generations to come.

The Role of Islamic Finance in Sustainable and Green Transition

This study examines the role of Islamic finance in advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on often-overlooked conflicts among these goals, such as the tension between poverty alleviation (SDG 1), hunger eradication (SDG 2), and environmental sustainability. It emphasizes the need for balanced progress across SDGs, particularly in Muslim societies where welfare aligns with religious principles. The study advocates for a Green Economic Transition (GET) aimed at achieving high human development while respecting Maqasid Shariah and ecological limits. GET, it suggests, should be the core of climate-conscious policies and business strategies. Recognizing shifts in the global financial system to reconcile economic and social development with environmental goals, the study underscores the need for policies aligning these aspects. It also explores the contribution of Islamic economics and finance-including commercial finance (banking, takaful, Sukuk, Shariah-compliant equity markets) and social finance (Zakah, Waqf, charities, Qard)-in fostering sustainable green finance. Noting the gap where these tools are still tied to conventional finance, the study proposes a framework for developing coherent climate policies within Islamic finance and identifies opportunities for Islamic sustainable green finance.

The impact of poverty, malnutrition, and household income on human development in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia: A panel data analysis

Central Sulawesi has been grappling with significant challenges in human development, as indicated by its Human Development Index (HDI). Despite recent improvements, the region still lags behind the national average. Key issues such as high poverty rates and malnutrition among children, particularly underweight prevalence, pose substantial barriers to enhancing the HDI. This study aims to analyze the impact of poverty, malnutrition, and household per capita income on the HDI in Central Sulawesi. By employing panel data regression analysis over the period from 2018 to 2022, the research seeks to identify significant determinants that influence HDI and provide evidence-based recommendations for policy interventions. Utilizing panel data regression analysis with a Fixed Effect Model (FEM), the study reveals that while poverty negatively influences with HDI, underweight prevalence is not statistically significant. In contrast, household per capita income significantly impacts HDI, with lower income levels leading to declines in HDI. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive policy interventions in nutrition, healthcare, and economic support to enhance human development in the region. These interventions are crucial for addressing the root causes of underweight prevalence and poverty, ultimately leading to improved HDI and overall well-being. The originality of this research lies in its focus on a specific region of Indonesia, providing localized insights and recommendations that are critical for targeted policy making.

Investigate the Impact of Carbon Dioxide Emissions on Total Fertility Rate in Taiwan: Human Development Index as Mediator

This study is to investigate the dynamic relationships among carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the Human Development Index (HDI), and the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Taiwan from 1992 to 2021 by using an innovative method, called quantile mediation analysis. Our findings show that CO2 emissions negatively directly affect TFR. We also find that HDI, which measures the overall development of a country, has a partly mediation effect at the distribution of TFR within 0.2 to 0.6 quantiles. Moreover, the results reveal that there exists a U-shaped relationship between CO2 emissions and TFR, and between CO2 emissions and HDI at the higher 0.8 quantile level. According to these results, we suggest that the Taiwanese government continue investing in education, healthcare, and gender equality as critical human development sectors. Such investments can mitigate the negative impact of CO2 emissions on TFR, and balance environmental factors and demographic outcomes. These policy implications are crucial for policymakers and researchers in environmental science, public health, and social policy.

Systematic review of mitigation approaches in Ethiopia's energy sector: Strategies for sustainable development and climate resilience

Abstract The global energy sector is a primary contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, predominantly through fossil fuel combustion for electricity, heating, and transportation (IEA, 2021). This study systematically reviews Ethiopia’s energy sector mitigation approaches, focusing on renewable energy strategies and energy efficiency initiatives. While Ethiopia has made significant progress in hydropower, accounting for over 90% of its electricity generation, challenges remain in diversifying its energy mix to include geothermal and wind energy (Ethiopian Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Energy (2019) and African Development Bank, 2020). The Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy sets ambitious targets for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, challenges remain in diversifying its energy mix to include geothermal and wind energy (Benti, Woldegiyorgis, et al., 2023 and Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, 2011), yet its implementation faces barriers, including financial constraints, technological gaps, and weak institutional capacity (Silitonga et al., 2020). The study highlights the potential of Ethiopia’s vast renewable energy resources, such as geothermal and wind, to enhance energy security and foster economic growth through job creation. Despite the hurdles, opportunities exist for scaling up mitigation efforts, particularly through public-private partnerships and improved policy frameworks. This review underscores the importance of addressing barriers to achieve a sustainable energy transition in Ethiopia, contributing to local and global climate mitigation goals. Thus, the policymakers should boost investments in solar, wind, and geothermal energy, reduce reliance on hydropower through incentives, and establish an inter-agency task force for policy alignment. And also, exploring green bonds and fostering human capital development through training and partnerships are essential. A strong monitoring and evaluation framework is crucial for tracking progress towards energy sustainability goals.