Human Development Research Articles

Fluoride-related changes in the fetal cord blood proteome; a pilot study

BackgroundFluoride exposure during pregnancy has been associated with various effects on offspring, including changes in behavior and IQ. To provide clues to possible mechanisms by which fluoride may affect human fetal development, we completed proteomic analyses of cord blood serum collected from second-trimester pregnant women residing in northern California, USA.ObjectiveTo identify changes in cord blood proteins associated with maternal serum fluoride concentration in pregnant women.MethodsThe proteomes of 19 archived second-trimester cord blood samples from women living in northern California, USA, and having varied serum fluoride concentrations, were analyzed by quantitative mass spectrometry. The 327 proteins that were quantified were characterized by their abundance relative to maternal serum fluoride concentration, and subjected to pathway analyses using PANTHER and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis processes.ResultsPathway analyses showed significant increases in process related to reactive oxygen species and cellular oxidant detoxification, associated with increasing maternal serum fluoride concentrations. Pathways showing significant decreases included complement cascade, suggesting alterations in alterations in process associated with inflammation.ConclusionMaternal fluoride exposure, as measured by serum fluoride concentrations in a small, but representative sample of women from northern California, USA, showed significant changes in the second trimester cord blood proteome relative to maternal serum fluoride concentration.

Spirituality as the Basis of Human Development

Humanity possesses a unique energy absent in material existence, capable of elevating an individual beyond life's material conditions and lifting him above nature with all its good qualities. This spirit of true humanity expresses itself in high sensual phenomena such as complete trust, love, and a sense of the sacred.Spiritual feelings must have their own internal structure that generates them. If the mind moves according to the logic of objective expediency, then the manifestations of this structure – the soul – are associated with self-giving without considerations of expediency. The soul brings additional shades of harmony to nature. The spiritual principle of a person is objectively valuable to the world around him, since the human task is to spiritualize matter, refine it and bring new beauty into the material world.Hence it is clear that education is even more necessary than the transfer of knowledge. A factor of paramount importance in the process of human development is the cultivation of spiritual feelings, the formation of a true understanding of the world, training in various arts and the ability to transform reality.

Interpretation on the report of global cancer statistics 2022

In April 2024, the World Health Organization/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published the global cancer statistics 2022 in the CA: Cancer Journal for Clinicians. This report focuses on the incidence and mortality of 36 cancers in 185 countries or territories worldwide, analyzing the differences of gender, geographic region, and the Human Development Index (HDI) level. It is estimated that in the year 2022, there were 19.96 million new cancer cases and 9.74 million cancer deaths worldwide. Lung cancer (2 480 301, 12.4%) was the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 2022, followed by female breast cancer (2 295 686, 11.5%), colorectal cancer (1 926 118, 9.6%), prostate cancer (1 466 680, 7.3%), and gastric cancer (968 350, 4.9%). Lung cancer (1 817 172, 18.7%) was also the leading cause of cancer death, followed by colorectal cancer (903 859, 9.3%), liver cancer (757 948, 7.8%), female breast cancer (665 684, 6.9%), and gastric cancer (659 853, 6.8%). With demographics-based predictions indicating that the number of new cases of cancer will reach over 35 million by 2050. The Beijing Office for Cancer Prevention and Control team has collated this report and briefly interpreted it in combination with the current situation of cancer incidence and mortality in China.

Death Risk Response of High-Altitude Resident Populations to COVID-19 Vaccine: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Vásquez-Velásquez, Cinthya, Diego Fano-Sizgorich, and Gustavo F Gonzales. Death risk response of high-altitude resident populations to COVID-19 vaccine: Retrospective cohort study. High Alt Med Biol. 00:00-00, 2024. Background: Peru had one of the highest mortality rates caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide. Vaccination significantly reduces mortality. However, the effectiveness of vaccination might differ at different altitudinal levels. The study aimed to evaluate the effect modification of altitude on the association between vaccination and COVID-19 mortality in Peru. Methodology: A retrospective cohort, using open access databases of deaths, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and vaccination was obtained from the Peruvian Ministry of Health. Deaths due to COVID-19 were evaluated in vaccinated and nonvaccinated patients. Crude (RR) and adjusted relative risks (aRR) were calculated using generalized linear models of Poisson family with robust variances. Models were adjusted for age, sex, pandemic wave, and Human Development Index. To evaluate the interaction by altitude, a stratified analysis by this variable was performed. The variable altitude was categorized as, 0-499 m (828,298 cases), 500-1,499 m (64,735 cases), 1,500-2,499 m (106,572 cases), and ≥2,500 m (179,004 cases). The final sample studied included 1,362,350 cases. Results: The vaccine showed a considerable reduction of death risk with the second (aRR: 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.44) and third doses (aRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.20-0.23). In the adjusted and interaction model, it can be observed that medium and high altitude present a higher risk of death compared to sea level (aRR: 2.58 and 2.03, respectively). Likewise, the two doses' group presents an aRR:1.22 for medium altitude (1,500-2,499 m) and 1.6 for high altitude (≥2,500 m), compared with low-altitude population, suggesting that the action of vaccination at high altitude is altered by the effect of the altitude itself. Conclusions: Altitude might modify the protective effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine against COVID-19 death.

Proposal and Evaluation of Vertical Vibration Theory of Air Caster

Urbanization and human development have increased the exposure of seismic risk. Therefore, engineers need to develop new and more efficient technologies to protect people and objects from the disastrous consequences of earthquakes. Air casters have gained attention and have been utilized in the past decade as effective seismic vibration control devices. Although such active isolation systems perform well in mitigating horizontal input vibrations, they might cause excessive rocking motions, if not designed properly. This fact emphasizes the importance of exploring the vertical dynamic properties of air isolation systems. To gain such an understanding, this research examines and proposes a formula for the vertical stiffness and damping of air caster systems. Theoretical solutions to the vertical stiffness and damping of such systems have been explored. Computer simulations considering fluid-structure interaction have also been performed to understand the dynamic behavior of the supporting air layer. Results have been compared to validate the proposed dynamic quantities within the considered simulation range. It is also concluded that the instantaneous air layer thickness, representing the air chamber pressure, and the bearing inlet flow rate are the key factors in determining the dynamic properties of the air layer. It is concluded that to evaluate the performance of the air caster seismic isolation device and increase the probability that the qualified seismic isolation performance will be exhibited, it is necessary to investigate which parameters are greatly involved in the viscous damping coefficient and the spring constant of amass-spring-damper system equivalent to the air caster isolation system.

Influencing Factors Used for Performance Evaluation of Solar Dryers

Due to the rapid growth in human energy demand, research and development in renewable energy sources have become a top priority. Solar energy, as a renewable energy source, is widely used in the drying industry. This study examines the factors that influence the performance evaluation of solar dryers. The dryer consists of an air collector, a drying chamber, and a chimney. Experiments were conducted at the Solar Energy Laboratory of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Hungary (47.59° N, 19.36° E). The drying behaviour of single-pass and double-pass solar dryers was compared under the same environmental conditions. The analysis results indicate that the maximum solar radiation value is 950 W/m2 at 12:00. The maximum temperature difference between the top and bottom channels of the double-pass solar air collector is 9.5 °C. The average humidity in the environment, single-pass, and double-pass drying chambers is 31%, 26.5%, and 24%, respectively. The instantaneous efficiency of the single-pass solar collector reaches a peak of 56%, while the double-pass collector’s instantaneous efficiency peaks at around 60%. The collector performance curves show that the double-pass collector has a more stable performance.

A Review of Exploration and Development Technologies for Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas

Energy is the fundamental prerequisite for human survival and development, as well as the driving force behind the progress of human civilization [...]

The challenge of securing growth in times of crises: does economic complexity matter?

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the moderating role of economic complexity in mitigating the negative impact of global economic and financial crises on a country’s economic growth. Utilizing panel data from 133 countries spanning from 1998 to 2021, we employ a robust empirical methodology, considering economic growth as the dependent variable and the Economic Complexity Index (ECI) as the main moderating variable. Three dimensions of ECI, namely Trade, Technology, and Research, are meticulously analysed for their impact on economic resilience during crises. Our findings reveal a consistent negative effect of global crises on economic growth across all specifications. Significantly, economic complexity emerges as a positive moderator, implying that more complex and diversified economies experiencing less severe negative impacts. The nuanced interaction with the Human Development Index (HDI) emphasises the varying importance of economic complexity across different development levels. This study underscores the vital role of economic complexity in enhancing economic resilience during crises, offering policymakers valuable insights for fostering economic diversification, innovation, and adaptability in a dynamic global landscape.

Global, regional, and national analyses of the burden of colorectal cancer attributable to diet low in milk from 1990 to 2019: longitudinal observational study.

Globally, diet low in milk is the third greatest risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there has been a lack of detailed worldwide analysis of the burden and trends of CRC attributable to diet low in milk. We aim to assess the spatiotemporal trends of CRC-related mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to diet low in milk at the global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2019. Data of mortality, DALYs, age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of CRC attributable to diet low in milk were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study. The burden of CRC attributable to diet low in milk was estimated using the ASMR and ASDR, while accounting for sex, age, country, and socio-demographic index (SDI). From 1990 to 2019, the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to clarify the temporal trends in the ASMR and ASDR attributable to diet low in milk. In 2019, there were 166,456 (95% UI = 107,221-226,027) deaths and 3,799,297 (95% UI = 2,457,768-5,124,453) DALYs attributable to diet low in milk, accounting for 15.3 and 15.6% of CRC-related deaths and DALYs in 2019. CRC-related deaths and DALYs attributed to diet low in milk increased by 130.5 and 115.4%, from 1990 to 2019. The burden of CRC attributable to diet low in milk varied notably among regions and nations. High-middle SDI regions had the highest ASDR and ASMR of CRC linked to diet low in milk, while there was a slight downward trend high SDI regions. Among geographical regions, East Asia had the highest number of CRC-related deaths and DALYs attributable to diet low in milk. Notably, the burden of CRC was highest in males and the elderly. With coefficients of -0.36 and -0.36, the EAPC in ASMR and ASDR was significantly inversely correlated with the Human Development Index in 2019. Globally, the number of CRC deaths attributable to diet low in milk has continued to increase over the last 30 years. Therefore, government and authorities should conduct education campaigns to encourage individuals to increase daily milk intake.

When Social Innovations Foster Integral Human Development: Evidence from the Impact of Theatrical Activities on Prison Inmates’ Social Skills

When Social Innovations Foster Integral Human Development: Evidence from the Impact of Theatrical Activities on Prison Inmates’ Social Skills

Strategi Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia di Lembaga Pendidikan

This study aims to find out the strategies applied by educational institutions in human resource development. This study uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method. Method. The main source of data for this study is the results of previous research published through various scientific journals and indexed on the database on Google Scholar. The data analysis technique used is qualitative data analysis consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings of this study are that human resources are the most important asset in every organization, playing a vital role in achieving goals and long-term success. The fundamental element that determines the quality of education and student development, including teachers, administrative staff, and other supporters who work together to create a conducive and inspiring learning environment is the human resources in schools. Human resource development involves various activities, such as training, education, career development, and continuous learning programs. By focusing on human resource development, organizations can increase employee productivity, innovation, and referrals, all of which contribute to the achievement of strategic goals and competitive advantage

Ontogeny and sexual dimorphism in the human hands through a 2D geometric morphometrics approach.

This study aims to conduct a thorough characterization of hand morphology. Employing a 2D geometric morphometric approach, we scrutinize individual fingers and the palm, delineating the ontogenetic trajectories for each biological sex and investigating the alterations that take place at various stages of human development. A set of thirty-two 2D anatomical landmarks were assessed in a sex-balanced sample of human hands (F = 275, M = 250 males), spanning all stages of human development. Following Procrustes registration, the data on size and shape for individual fingers and the palm were examined for each biological sex and age group. Regression analysis was utilized to quantify ontogenetic trajectories for each biological sex. The findings suggest a gradual escalation in sexual dimorphism throughout human development, with statistically noteworthy distinctions becoming apparent in size starting at the age of 3, and in shape from the age of 7 onwards. Additionally, our analyses uncover a distinctive sigmoid pattern between sexes, indicating that biological male hands exhibit a sturdier build compared to biological female hands from early childhood onward. In conclusion, this study enriches our insights into sexual dimorphism in human hands, stressing the importance of considering both size and shape across different ontogenetic stages. These findings not only expand our understanding of human biological variation but also lay the foundation for future interdisciplinary research in diverse scientific domains.

Bilateral cellular flows display asymmetry prior to left-right organizer formation in amniote gastrulation.

Bilaterians are defined by a bilaterally symmetrical body plan. Vertebrates exhibit external bilateral symmetry but display left-right (LR) asymmetry in their internal organs. In amniote embryos, the initiation of LR symmetry breaking is not well understood. Here, we study LR symmetry breaking in the chick embryo due to its easy accessibility and similarity to human development. Our biophysical approaches to quantify cellular flows inferred that LR symmetry breaking occurs prior to the formation of Hensen's node, a LR organizer, which serves as a signaling center for LR patterning programs. Our work demonstrates that quantitative biophysical parameters can help unravel the initiation of LR symmetry breaking, suggesting involvement of physical mechanisms in this critical biological patterning process.

Research on Low-carbon Layout and Planning of Urban Space Driven by Sustainable Development

Carbon dioxide emissions, leading to global warming, have threatened human development. It is urgent to control and slow down greenhouse gas emissions to maintain ecologically sustainable development. The energy demand and pollutant emissions generated in the process of urban development are the main reasons leading to climate and environmental change. Scientific planning for cities and construction of low-carbon urban development models are the first work to deal with climate and environmental issues. In view of these problems, the article takes Guangyuan City as an example of low-carbon city construction, through transforming the city's industrial structure, strengthening the energy and science and technology innovation, establishing and improving the low-carbon system and other methods to implement the specific construction of low-carbon city, to build a clean, low- carbon new urban life mode, Make Guangyuan City from 2015 to reach the exploitable hydropower installed capacity of 65% to 80% in 2020. In this paper, we propose a series of specific low- carbon urban spatial layout and planning strategies, which not only in-depth analysis of the key problems in China's urbanization process, such as energy consumption, carbon emissions, etc., but also propose targeted solutions. By implementing these strategies, we can effectively meet the challenges brought about by urbanization and promote the development of Chinese cities in a more low-carbon and sustainable direction.

Pengaruh Tingkat Kemiskinan dan Pertumbuhan Ekonomi terhadap Indeks Pembangunan Manusia Indonesia

The aim of this research is to explain the influence of poverty levels and economic growth on the human development index in Indonesia. This research is quantitative research using secondary data originating from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) with panel data which is time series data for the 2019-2023 period and cross section data from 33 provinces in Indonesia. The data analysis method uses Descriptive Statistical Tests, uses the Classical Assumption Test, and also uses Hypothesis Testing. The conclusion from the results of this test is that the level of poverty and economic growth have an influence on the human development index.

Preparation, characterization, and liver targeting evaluation of a novel sustained-release brucine self-assembled micelle mediated by glycyrrhetinic acid.

Background: Cancer is a serious threat to human life, health and social development. In recent years, nanomicelles, as an emerging drug carrier material, have gradually entered people's field of vision because of their advantages of improving bioavailability, maintaining drug levels, reducing systemic side effects and increasing drug accumulation at target sites. Methods: In this study, B-GPSG nano-micelles were prepared by film dispersion hydration method using brucine as model drug and glycyrrhetinic acid-polyethylene glycol-3-methylene glycol-dithiodipropionic acid-glycerol monostearate polymer as nano-carrier. The preparation process, characterization, drug release in vitro, pharmacokinetics and liver targeting were investigated. Results: The results showed that the range of particle size, polydispersion index and Zeta potential were 102.7 ± 1.09nm, 0.201 ± 0.02 and -24.5 ± 0.19mV respectively. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading were 83.79 ± 2.13% and 12.56 ± 0.09%, respectively. The drug release experiments in vitro and pharmacokinetic experiments showed that it had obvious sustained release effect. For pharmacokinetics study, it shows that both the B-GPSG solution group and the B-PSG solution group changed the metabolic kinetic parameters of brucine, but the B-GPSG solution group had a better effect. Compared with the B-PSG solution group, the drug was more prolonged in rats. The half-life in the body and the retention time in the body of B-GPSG are more helpful to improve the bioavailability of the drug and play a long-term effect. The tail vein injection results of mice indicate that B-GPSG can target and accumulate brucine in the liver without affecting other key organs. Cell uptake experiments and tissue distribution experiments in vivo show that glycyrrhetinic acid modified nano-micelles can increase the accumulation of brucine in hepatocytes, has a good liver targeting effect, and can be used as a new preparation for the treatment of liver cancer. Conclusion: The B-SPSG prepared in this experiment can provide a new treatment method and research idea for the treatment of liver cancer.

A qualitative data analysis for investigating barriers of knowledge sharing and transfer in power station projects sector at Kuwait Ministry of Electricity and Water and Renewable Energy

This paper presents an investigation into knowledge sharing and transfer (KST) barriers in the Power Station Projects Sector (PSPS) at the Kuwait Ministry of Electricity and Water and Renewable Energy (MEWRE) and contributes to the growing literature on the application of KST in the public sector by providing insights and understanding into KST barriers, as well as potential solutions framework to support possible strategic change. This study used a qualitative research method. A semi-structured interview was constructed with an average of 20 questions, the study interviewed 15 engineers with varying experience levels. The thematic analysis process is used to analyze the process. Qualitative results showed that KST barriers in PSPS include four categories individual, team, organizational, and technological. Each category causes a modest to extreme impact on PSPS learning performance. The qualitative study reveals that PSPS employees primarily share and transfer knowledge informally to support their routine functions since PSPS lacks KST policy and strategy. The article emphasizes the need for implementing KST practices in PSPS to stimulate employee collaboration and support accomplishing the vision of the MEWRE of enhancing administrative and human development.

Healthcare Seeking Behavior of People Below Poverty Line: Pattern and Determinants

ABSTRACT The severity and type of morbidity largely define the health-seeking behavior of an individual, although the socioeconomic determinants also play an important role. In this paper, the health-seeking behavior of individuals from the “Below Poverty Line” is analyzed by using the individual-level data of the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS)-II (2011–12). The trend and pattern of both major and short-term morbidity among the individuals from the “Below Poverty Line” are analyzed along with the comparison with individuals from the “Above Poverty Line.” Further, The logit regression model is used to determine the prominent socioeconomic factors of health-seeking behavior among individuals from “Below Poverty Line” and the decomposition analysis is conducted to determine the factor contributing to widening or narrowing the gap in getting treatment by individuals from both income groups. The result shows that individuals from the “Below Poverty Line” have a comparatively lower burden of major morbidity but also get lower treatments. The condition of women is more concerning. Socioeconomic factors such as “place of residence,” “education,” marital status, “age,” and “caste” are significant to the health-seeking behaviors of individuals from the “Below Poverty Line.” Further, “education” and “primary activity” are two major factors for both major and short-term morbidity that widen the gap in the health-seeking behavior of individuals from both income groups. However, factors such as “place of residence” and caste increase the gap in case of only short-term morbidity.

The National Plan to Fight Poverty and Human Development: A look from the missionary and extension curricularization of UNAN-Managua

En el contexto del Plan Nacional de Lucha contra la Pobreza y para el Desarrollo Humano 2022-2026, se resalta la trascendental relevancia de la Educación Superior Pública, Gratuita y de Calidad como un pilar fundamental para la gestión universitaria integral. La UNAN-Managua, en su papel de institución educativa, se posiciona estratégicamente para contribuir con recursos académicos, de investigación y humanos, facilitando la implementación efectiva de las estrategias gubernamentales.

Elucidating managerial, staff and client perspectives on the Speech and Language Therapy service in Malta.

Speech and language therapy (SLT) services are fundamental for communication, academic and social development. Evidence shows that demand for services is increasing, and this can adversely affect the quality of care. There are limited published studies in relation to the demand and quality of speech and language services in Malta. To elucidate the perspectives of speech-language pathologists (SLPs), service managers and parents of clients about the impact of factors pertaining to human resource development (HRD), human resource management (HRM) and the environment on the quality of the children's SLT service in western Malta. Also, to outline the beneficial strategies or recommendations to improve the quality of the service provided. A mixed-method study was used. Quantitative data provided by the Speech and Language Center (SLC) were analysed to determine demand over time using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data from one-to-one interviews using a bespoke questionnaire with managers, SLPs and parents were transcribed and analysed. Common and distinct themes in relation to the quality of services were then formulated and evaluated. Quantitative results highlighted that clients were not receiving the required number of the therapeutic sessions. In total, nine themes in relation to the quality of the SLT service were identified by parents, SLPs and managers. The factors affecting the service quality were outlined and subdivided under three branches: HRD, HRM and the environment. All factors within these subgroups are expected to enhance the quality of the service provided if they are enhanced and improved upon. Additionally, the results showed that a discrepancy between the perceived and offered SLT services was felt from the managers' and SLPs' perspectives; however, this was not felt by parents. For parents, the main concern was the availability and frequency of the therapeutic sessions provided. Insights from SLPs, managers and parents of clients highlighted the barriers and enablers of quality of service in SLT services for children. These findings can be used to improve services in Malta and other countries with similar contexts, mainly by altering time management, reducing demands and improving availability. What is already known on the subject SLT is proven to enhance a child's communication skills. Increasing demands for therapy can affect the quality of the service provided, ultimately affecting the child's progress. There is a gap in the evidence base regarding the quality of speech and language services for children in Malta and the factors which affect the quality of the service. What this study adds to the existing knowledge This is the first study of its kind in Malta. It seeks to identify the quality of SLT services for children from three different perspectives: service managers, SLPs and parents. In addition, this study investigated what affects the quality of SLT services positively or negatively. Through this study, the impeding factors were divided into three domains; HRD factors, HRM factors and environmental factors. These domains were mentioned by all three groups of participants because they affected the service negatively or positively. The main negative aspects included bad time management, high demands, and reduced availabilities and accessibilities, whilst positive aspects included improved support, relationships and the environment. What are the practical and clinical implications of this work? This study suggests reducing the managerial and administrational demands on SLPs and improving session frequency would enhance the quality of service. In relation to the three domains, the HRD factors that would enhance the quality of service are: SLPs' and parental competencies, enhancing SLPs' positive characteristics, positive attitudes and cooperation from all personas; for HRM resources the factors important for quality are strategic and risk management, workforce and recruitment; and for the environmental factors the physical environment and resources are important as they affect the service depending on their condition, that is, improved resources result in improved service. Such alterations would reduce the SLPs' demotivation and burnout due to reduced responsibilities, whilst improving accessibility and availability, ultimately enhancing the quality of the service provided.