Human Development Research Articles

Unleashing faculty and staff potential in medicine: an impact study of human resource development interventions at an academic medical center

Purpose This study aims to represent the initial impact analysis of a human resource development (HRD) intervention – the Center for Human and Organizational Potential (cHOP) – for faculty and staff at an academic medical center in the Midwestern US. cHOP seeks to unleash faculty and staff potential and advance organizational outcomes by fulfilling employees’ basic psychological needs, posited by self-determination theory (SDT, Ryan and Deci, 2000): competence, autonomy and relatedness. Design/methodology/approach Using Cianciolo and Regehr’s (2019) layered analysis framework as a guide, the authors conducted a program evaluation to analyze, in-depth, the nature and impact of two representative cHOP programs: Accelerate and BOOST. Specifically, the authors examined whether the implementation of these programs was consistent with SDT, as reflected in participants’ reported program experiences (i.e. “Did the intervention, in fact, occur as intended?”). The authors also examined program outcomes and opportunities for improvement based on program participants’ voices (i.e. did the intervention, implemented as intended, work?). Because SDT is a theory of individual motivation, the authors identified a need to evaluate outcomes at the individual level and beyond, broadly exploring what would happened if program participants’ basic psychological needs had been addressed. The aim was to determine the potential downstream consequences of intrinsically motivated faculty and staff, while promoting divergent thinking on program impact and sustainability. Findings Participants reported experiences suggest that Accelerate and BOOST addressed all three psychological needs and strengthened their intrinsic motivation to advance their leadership and career development and improve the performance of their teams and departments. These outcomes suggest the potential for impact at the individual level and beyond, such as the institution and external, professional societies. Research limitations/implications The study assessed two representative programs among cHOP’s many offerings. A comprehensive study of cHOP’s impact, directly linking psychological need fulfillment and organizational impact, is beyond the scope of a single study and requires further research. Social implications The authors suggest expanding scholarly discussions in the HRD and health professions education (HPE) literature to characterize the promise of HRD-HPE partnerships and to account for their impact more fully. Originality/value The study contributes to both HRD and HPE scholarship by providing a layered account of academic medical center (AMC) faculty and staff development using an HRD approach; and examining the impact of a theory- and evidence-based novel HRD intervention (i.e. cHOP) at the individual level and beyond in an AMC context.

Competency-based Human Resource Development Strategy

Human resources are the key to a nation's prosperity. This study aims to describe the strategy for developing human resources based on competency and how to overcome the gap in developing human resources based on competency. This study uses a qualitative method, exploring phenomena related to developing human resources based on competency. Qualitative methods also aim to understand individuals' or groups' meanings, views, or experiences and the context behind the phenomenon being studied. This study also uses a descriptive approach and a literature study. The results of this study indicate that there are eight steps in formulating a strategy for developing human resources based on competency: identification of organizational core competencies, competency gap analysis, human resource development planning, implementation of training and development programs, competency-based performance assessment and evaluation, talent management and succession planning, utilization of technology in competency development, and a culture of continuous learning. Furthermore, the results of this study also obtained eight strategies to overcome the gap in developing human resources based on competency: competency gap analysis, training and development programs, competency-based career development, use of technology and competency management systems, periodic evaluation and feedback, a culture of continuous learning, awards, and incentives, cooperation with educational institutions. The government can use the competency-based human resource development model to realize the Golden Indonesia Generation 2024.

Impact of human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria

This study examined the impact of human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria using time series spanning from 1986 to 2021 which were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and from the Statistical and Nigeria Education Management Information System, Educational planning, Research and Development office of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja. It was set out to explore the relationship between human capital indicators (primary school enrolment, government expenditure on education and government expenditure on health) and economic growth (gross domestic product). The study employed Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to Co-integration analysis to estimate the relationship among the variables used in the study. The study established long-run co-integration among the variables. The findings from the study revealed that there is strong positive long-run relationship among primary school enrolment, government expenditure on education, government expenditure on health and economic growth though not statistically significant while only government expenditure on education and economic growth is statistically significant. In line with the findings, the study recommended that government and all stakeholders should make conscious effort to curb the menace of increasing out of school children which is regarded as “a time bomb” in order to increase primary school enrolment in Nigeria. Government should also improve her expenditure on education in providing educational infrastructure, training and retraining of teachers at all levels in the country so as to sustain long-run economic growth. Furthermore, effort should be made towards increasing budgetary allocation to health sector for continuous growth sustainability.

Timely TGFβ signalling inhibition induces notochord.

The formation of the vertebrate body involves the coordinated production of trunk tissues from progenitors located in the posterior of the embryo. Although in vitro models using pluripotent stem cells replicate aspects of this process1-10, they lack crucial components, most notably the notochord-a defining feature of chordates that patterns surrounding tissues11. Consequently, cell types dependent on notochord signals are absent from current models of human trunk formation. Here we performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis of chick embryos to map molecularly distinct progenitor populations and their spatial organization. Guided by this map, we investigated how differentiating human pluripotent stem cells develop a stereotypical spatial organization of trunk cell types. We found that YAP inactivation in conjunction with FGF-mediated MAPK signalling facilitated WNT pathway activation and induced expression of TBXT (also known as BRA). In addition, timely inhibition of WNT-induced NODAL and BMP signalling regulated the proportions of different tissue types, including notochordal cells. This enabled us to create a three-dimensional model of human trunk development that undergoes morphogenetic movements, producing elongated structures with a notochord and ventral neural and mesodermal tissues. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying vertebrate notochord formation and establish a more comprehensive in vitro model of human trunk development. This paves the way for future studies of tissue patterning in a physiologically relevant environment.

In-Depth Phenotyping of PIGW-Related Disease and Its Role in 17q12 Genomic Disorder

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis defect 11 (GPIBD11), part of the heterogeneous group of congenital disorders of glycosylation, is caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in PIGW. This rare disorder has previously been described in only 12 patients. We report four novel patients: two sib fetuses with congenital anomalies affecting several organs, including the heart; a living girl with tetralogy of Fallot, global developmental delay, behavioral abnormalities, and atypic electroencephalography (EEG) without epilepsy; a girl with early-onset, treatment-resistant seizures, developmental regression, and recurrent infections, that ultimately passed away prematurely due to pneumonia. We also illustrate evolving facial appearance and biochemical abnormalities. We identify two novel genotypes and the first frameshift variant, supporting a loss-of-function pathogenic mechanism. By merging our cohort with patients documented in the literature, we deeply analyzed the clinical and genetic features of 16 patients with PIGW-related disorder, revealing a severe multisystemic condition deserving complex management and with uncertain long-term prognosis. We consider the role of PIGW within the critical 17q12 region, which is already associated with genomic disorders caused by deletion or duplication and characterized by variable expressivity. Finally, we discuss PIGW dosage effects and a second hit hypothesis in human development and disease.

Преступление и наказание в рассказе Улика Алексея Скалдина

The article is devoted to the discussion of structural elements and motifs in the short story of the Russian modernist Aleksey Skaldin entitled Trace. In his work, the writer reinterprets certain aspects from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and punishment. It can be assumed that the two texts chosen for comparative analysis are marked by similar ideas (crime, punishment, Übermensch). The goal of the analysis is to underscore the shared and relevant contents of both literary works. The main character of Skaldin’s Trace, Ivan Vyakhirev, is guided by the theory of the division of society into outstanding and ordinary individuals, similarly to Rodion Raskolnikov. Vyakhirev can be seen as a variant of Raskolnikov. Even though he does not know the book Crime and punishment, he “develops” Raskolnikov’s theory. Vyakhirev wants to prove his own uniqueness, the final test being the murder of his old friend. Similar experiences and reasoning of the characters lead them, however, in completely opposite directions. Raskolnikov reevaluates his life and the views he held as he admits that he is not an outstanding individual above the law. Skaldin’s Trace illustrates the reverse path of human personality development. Initiatory signs appear on Vyakhirev’s path, but he is unable to see and use them, and he does not develop self-awareness. He rejects their power, embarking on a dark path. The interpretation of Skaldin’s text through the prism of the ideas contained in Crime and punishment leads to an in-depth reading of the meanings and symbols hidden in Trace (including guilt, freedom, and the female figure).

The Role of Lifelong Learning in Labour Market Competitiveness

Technological advancements and global economic shifts increasingly necessitate lifelong learning to adapt to dynamic labor market conditions. This study aims to investigate the role of lifelong learning in enhancing labor market competitiveness, professional development, and societal progress, while integrating the principles of the circular economy to highlight sustainable education practices. The research focuses on how continuous skill development fosters resilience and adaptability among workers and supports resource efficiency and sustainability goals. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining primary and secondary data. The primary research included qualitative interviews with individuals who successfully transitioned through retraining, as well as a quantitative survey targeting employed adults. These methods provided comprehensive insights into the motivations, challenges, and outcomes of lifelong learning. Secondary research involved an extensive literature review and analysis of relevant statistical data to contextualize the findings. The results emphasize the critical importance of lifelong learning in mitigating barriers to employability, such as skill obsolescence and labor market disruptions. The study reveals that integrating circular economy principles into education fosters resource-conscious decision-making and equips workers with the competencies required for sustainable development. Despite obstacles like limited time and financial constraints, participants consistently reported enhanced professional value, increased employability, and greater personal fulfillment through lifelong learning. The added value of this research lies in its interdisciplinary approach, bridging human resource development and sustainability. By linking lifelong learning with the circular economy, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and businesses aiming to create a resilient, innovative, and sustainable workforce. This alignment supports not only individual career advancement but also broader societal and environmental goals, contributing to long-term economic growth and stability.

THBS1 is a new autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment gene

BackgroundPrelingual hearing impairment (HI) is genetically highly heterogenous. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential for psychosocial development. In this study we investigated a consanguineous family from Pakistan with autosomal recessive (AR) non-syndromic sensorineural HI (NSHI).MethodsA DNA sample from an HI member of a consanguineous Pakistani family segregating ARNSHL underwent exome sequencing. Using Sanger sequencing select variants were validated and tested for segregation using DNA samples from additional family members. We further investigated RNA expression data for the candidate gene in mouse and human inner ear and human inner ear organoids using data obtained from the gene Expression Analysis Resource.ResultsWe identified thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) as a new NSHI gene. A homozygous frameshift variant [c.1470del: p.(Ile491Serfs*45)] was observed in the three hearing-impaired and in the heterozygous state in three unaffected family members. Unlike for most ARNSHI, hearing-impaired individuals had audiograms with a sloping pattern, showing more pronounced HI in the mid and high frequencies (ranging from moderate to profound) compared to the low frequencies. RNA expression data indicates THBS1 is expressed during human inner ear development. Additionally, THBS1 is expressed in the cochlear epithelium and supporting cells of the mouse inner ear during embryonic and postnatal stages. Previously, THBS1 was demonstrated to affect hearing in knockout mice by influencing the formation and function of afferent synapses in the inner ear.ConclusionsOur findings highlight THBS1 as a potential novel candidate gene for human HI characterized by a sloping high-frequency audio profile. This discovery enhances our understanding of the genetic etiology of HI and will aid in advancing molecular diagnosis.

Back to the future: primitivization, barbarization, or new scenarios of human development?

Objective: to analyze the current digital stage of development from the viewpoint of the social structure and manifestations of an individual in it, as the latter has acquired a new form of identity – digital nomadism. Methods: dialectical and phenomenological methods using comparative analysis. The ideas of A. A. Dydrov and R. V. Penner, G. L. Tulchinsky, M. Shpitzer, and E. L. Yakovleva served as material for theoretical understanding of the problem. Results: the analysis made it possible to identify the features of primitivization and barbarization in the modern existence of society and the electronic nomad, which began to function in the coordinate system of the two worlds. Their modus appears to be digital. At the same time, primitivization is associated with the intellectual manifestations of the electronic nomad, and barbarization is associated with their actions in the virtual space. The intersection of elements of primitivization and barbarization leads to some immoral manifestations of the electronic nomad, who allow themselves indecent deeds in the digital environment. Trying to predict the future, the authors point to the best development option associated with the cooperation of electronic nomads and robots, and the worst one, determined by the introduction of implants into the human brain. The latter scenario will make the electronic nomad fully manageable, which will be beneficial for owners of corporations and digital platforms. But there is always hope to avoid the negative option. In the situation of the electronic nomad, their gradual adaptation to the digital environment and the launch of the rationalization process will allow them to follow an optimistic path of development. Scientific novelty: due to advances in science and technology, the digitalization process is ambiguous. Despite the high level of comfort of modern civilization, the features of primitivization and barbarization appear in the existence of the electronic nomad. The authors emphasize that these characteristics are temporary in nature, associated with the society transition to a new stage of development; hence, the electronic nomad will gradually learn to function competently, work and express themselves in the digital environment. But a different outcome is also possible. In the context of the development of brain modification technologies, the electronic nomad can be integrated into a new economy, which will not allow for their development and will lead to complete isolation from the meaningfulness, awareness and reflection inherent in a self-sufficient personality. Practical significance: consists in using the research results to further study the modern stage of civilizational development associated with digitalization and the features of a new type of personality – the electronic nomad, as well as in identifying risk zones in social and individual existence in order to block or minimize them.

VENHA VER O PÔR DO SOL COMIGO! REFLEXÕES SOBRE OS MUNDOS DAS INFÂNCIAS E RESISTÊNCIA VIA TRABALHO DOCENTE

Starting from the understanding that laughter, joy, emotions and senses are central and legitimate in the education of children, the objective is to reflect on the teaching action in education in early childhood education in the search for new meanings and meanings for teaching, learning and child development. It is an essay in the light of the critical foundations of childhood education and of authors who dialogue with this theoretical basis. Organized into three sections, initially brings the conceptions of children and childhoods, emphasizing the role of the educational context in their formation, then highlights the relevance of children's experience based on teaching intentionality and, finally, presents educational organizers that can help to think the role of the educational institution and teaching work in the process of child humanization. We reiterate the need to organize teaching based on a commitment to valuing and offering meaningful experiences, which enhance and promote interaction, autonomy and daily learning, committed to expanding children's knowledge. Pedagogical work committed to the human development of children must include their participation, consideration of their ways of thinking and interpreting the world, as a way of welcoming and valuing the childlike being.

Incidence, risk factors, and epidemiological trends of tracheal cancer: a global analysis

BackgroundTracheal cancer is a rare malignancy with limited research but high mortality rates. This study aims to analyse recent data to understand the global burden, trends, and risk factors for tracheal cancer, facilitating improved prevention and treatment strategies.MethodsWe conducted a study on tracheal cancer using data from the Global Cancer Observatory and the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents databases. We collected information on the incidence of tracheal cancer, risk factors, and the Human Development Index (HDI) at the country level. The univariate linear regression was used to explore the relationship between tracheal cancer and the various risk factors. We utilised joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) in tracheal cancer incidence.ResultsThe global age-standardised rate of incidence of tracheal cancer was 2.9 per 10 million (3,472 cases in total) in 2022, with the highest regional incidence observed in Central and Eastern Europe (ASR = 9.0) and the highest national incidence in Hungary (12.5). Higher incidence was found among the males (3.8) than females (2.0); among the older adults aged 50-74 (11.9) than the younger population aged 15-49 (1.2). A higher tracheal cancer incidence ratio was associated with higher levels of smoking, alcohol drinking, diabetes, lipid disorders, and HDI. Despite the overall decreasing trends for all population groups (highest decrease in Thailand; AAPC: -15.06, 95% CI: -21.76 to -7.78, p = 0.002), there was an increase in some female populations (highest increase in Colombia, AAPC: 19.28, 95% CI: 16.48 to 22.15, p < 0.001) and younger populations (highest increase in Ireland; AAPC: 29.84, 95% CI: 25.74 to 34.06, p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of tracheal cancer, focusing on risk factors and population-level trends. There has been an overall decreasing trend in the incidence of tracheal cancer, particularly among males and older adults, while the decline is less pronounced in females and younger individuals. Further research is needed to explore the underlying drivers of these epidemiological trends.

Wacana Program Bansos untuk Korban Judi Online dalam Tinjauan Al-Maṣlaḥaḥ Al-Mursalah Perspektif Wahbah Az-Zuḥaili

The Minister of Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Muhadjir Effendy, opened the opportunity for victims of online gambling to be included in Social Welfare Integrated Data (DTKS) so that they could receive social assistance. The victims are family members or close relatives who have been financially harmed by online gambling perpetrators. This programme sparked support and opposition from various circles. The emergence of these differing views is influenced by varying perspectives on assessing the maṣlaḥaḥ (public interest) of the program. Indeed, in the context of Islamic law, maṣlaḥaḥ can be used as a basis for legitimizing something, a method known as al-maṣlaḥaḥ al-mursalah. However, according to Wahbah az-Zuḥaili in Uṣūl al-Fiqh al-Islāmi, the measure of maṣlaḥah is not human logic but the legitimacy of syariat regarding a particular form of maṣlaḥah. According to Wahbah az-Zuḥaili, human reasoning will always differ in assessing maṣlaḥah, as seen in the differing opinions of some scholars regarding the maṣlaḥah of social assistance programs. The aim of this study is to analyze the discourse surrounding the social assistance program for victims of online gambling from the perspective of al-maṣlaḥaḥ al-mursalah, according to Wahbah az-Zuḥaili. To achieve this goal, the research method used was qualitative, with a library research approach. The data collection technique involves reviewing various literature, including classical and contemporary scholars' books, scientific articles, and other relevant sources. The results of this study indicate that this program is in line with the standards of the concept of al-maṣlaḥaḥ al-mursalah, as outlined by Wahbah az-Zuḥaili.

Overcoming the Silencing of Doxycycline-Inducible Promoters in hiPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes

Background Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are pivotal for studying human development, modeling diseases, and advancing regenerative medicine. Effective control of transgene expression is crucial to achieve temporal and quantitative precision in all of these contexts. The doxycycline (dox)-inducible OPTi-OX system, which integrates the Tet-On 3G transactivator and dox-responsive transgene at the hROSA26 and AAVS1 genomic safe harbors (GSHs), respectively, offers a promising solution. Yet, transgene silencing, particularly in hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), limits its utility. Methods To address this, we evaluated strategies to enhance dox-inducible transgene expression. We compared two promoters, TRE3VG and T11, for activity and stability, and investigated the addition of a Ubiquitous Chromatin Opening Element (UCOE) to reduce silencing. We also tested relocating the transgene cassette to the CLYBL GSH, and employed sodium butyrate (SB), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, to restore promoter activity. Transgene expression was assessed via flow cytometry and real-time quantitative PCR. Results TRE3VG exhibited higher activity than T11, but both were prone to silencing. UCOE did not enhance promoter activity in hiPSCs, but modestly reduced silencing in hiPSC-CMs. Targeting the CLYBL locus improved promoter activity compared to AAVS1 in both hiPSCs and hiPSC-CMs. SB restored activity in silenced inducible promoters within hiPSC-CMs, but compromised hiPSC viability. Unexpectedly, Tet-On 3G was silenced in some clones and could not be reactivated by SB. Conclusions These findings underscore the need for integrating multiple strategies, including careful GSH selection, improved cassette design, epigenetic modulation, and clone screening, to develop robust dox-inducible systems that retain functionality during hiPSC differentiation.

Explainable automated debugging via large language model-driven scientific debugging

Automated debugging techniques have the potential to reduce developer effort in debugging. However, while developers want rationales for the provided automatic debugging results, existing techniques are ill-suited to provide them, as their deduction process differs significantly froof human developers. Inspired by the way developers interact with code when debugging, we propose Automated Scientific Debugging (AutoSD), a technique that prompts large language models to automatically generate hypotheses, uses debuggers to interact with buggy code, and thus automatically reach conclusions prior to patch generation. In doing so, we aim to produce explanations of how a specific patch has been generated, with the hope that these explanations will lead to enhanced developer decision-making. Our empirical analysis on three program repair benchmarks shows that AutoSDperforms competitively with other program repair baselines, and that it can indicate when it is confident in its results. Furthermore, we perform a human study with 20 participants to evaluate AutoSD-generated explanations. Participants with access to explanations judged patch correctness more accurately in five out of six real-world bugs studied. Furthermore, 70% of participants answered that they wanted explanations when using repair tools, and 55% answered that they were satisfied with the Scientific Debugging presentation.

Dengue lethality and inequalities in the Region of the Americas between 2014 and 2023Letalidade da dengue e desigualdades na Região das Américas entre 2014 e 2023

Evaluate the differences in the dengue case fatality rate among the different subregions of the Americas in the period 2014-2023 and explore their relationship with the human development index (HDI) in each subregion. Longitudinal ecological study based on open-access data from each country, grouped into the corresponding subregions to calculate the different indicators. In addition, a linear regression was performed between the mean case fatality rate in each region and the weighted regional HDI. There are large differences in dengue lethality by subregion and considerable variability by year. These differences in lethality are not directly correlated with the incidence recorded in each region. The regional HDI shows a close relationship with lethality: a higher HDI is generally associated with a lower case fatality rate. The observed differences in lethality and their relationship with subregional development levels indicate that a broad and multifactorial perspective should be taken when designing a dengue control strategy.

Sanctions against russian science: Pros and cons

This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of imposing sanctions on russian science, along with the measures enacted to penalize or restrict it. Proponents of sanctions argue that accountability is essential, and a tangible cost must be imposed for russia’s actions. Sanctions can serve as a signal to end war and aggression, weaken russia’s economic foundation, and exacerbate brain drain, potentially hindering the development of military technologies and reducing russia’s capacity to sustain its aggression. Furthermore, some russian academics openly support the war and should be held accountable for their stance. However, significant opposition to sanctions exists. A prevailing argument, often mirrored in fields like sports and culture, is that science should remain apolitical. Critics contend that sanctions disrupt the free exchange of ideas, penalize innocent individuals, and may harm global scientific progress and human development, given russia’s integral role in international research. Additionally, sanctions are often criticized as costly and inefficient. Despite these debates, a variety of restrictive measures targeting russian science have been implemented. These include funding cuts, suspension of collaborations, termination of joint projects, and exclusion of academics linked to the russian regime. Other measures involve companies closing R&amp;amp;amp;D facilities in russia, restrictions on scientific equipment and reagents, boycotts of russian-organized conferences, and the suspension of international research partnerships. This study synthesizes the arguments for and against sanctions on russian science and provides an analytical discussion to shape a nuanced perspective on this complex issue.

Prosodic changes with age: a longitudinal study with three public figures in European Portuguese

Purpose The analysis of acoustic parameters contributes to the characterisation of human communication development throughout the lifetime. The present paper intends to analyse suprasegmental features of European Portuguese in longitudinal conversational speech samples of three male public figures in uncontrolled environments across different ages, approximately 30 years apart. Participants and methods Twenty prosodic features concerning intonation, intensity, rhythm, and pause measures were extracted semi-automatically from 360 speech intervals (3-4 interviews from each speaker x 30 speech intervals x 3 speakers) lasting between 3 to 6 s. Results Twelve prosodic parameters presented significant age effects at least in one speaker. Group mean comparisons revealed significant differences between the youngest (i.e. 50 years) and the oldest age groups (i.e. 80 years) in seven parameters. The results from the analysis point to a lower and less variable fo, higher fo minimum, wider fo peaks, more vocal effort and more variable global intensity, slower speech and articulation rate, and also more frequent and longer pauses in older ages. Conclusion This longitudinal study has the potential to contribute to the characterization of the normal aging process, proving to be significant in the domains of human-machine communication, speech recognition systems, applied linguistics, or the implementation of strategies in communicative contexts with older adults

Controlled Dynamic Microfluidic Culture of Murine, Bovine, and Human Embryos Improves Development: Proof-of-Concept Studies

Classical preimplantation embryo culture is performed in static fluid environments. Whether a dynamic fluid environment, like the fallopian tube, is beneficial for embryo development remains to be determined across mammalian species. Objectives of these proof-of-concept studies were to determine if controllable dynamic microfluidic culture would enhance preimplantation murine, bovine, and human embryo development compared to static culture. This prospective randomized controlled trial tested static versus controlled dynamic culture of preimplantation mouse (n = 397), bovine (n = 242), and human (n = 512) zygotes to blastocyst stages with outcome measures of embryo cleavage, cellular fragmentation, apoptosis, and blastocyst conversion rates. Dynamic culture of mouse and bovine zygotes with microfluidics significantly improved embryo development. Mouse placental imprinted gene expression was significantly different between embryos derived in vivo, by static culture, and by dynamic culture. Using human sibling zygotes, this dynamic microfluidic culture system increased the number of blastomeres per cleavage-stage embryo, reduced cellular fragmentation or apoptosis, improved blastocyst conversion rates, and enhanced blastocyst developmental stages. In conclusion, species-specific longitudinal studies demonstrated that dynamic microfluidic culture significantly improved embryo development, independent of culture media composition, temperature, and gaseous environment. These cellular indicators represent improved embryo development that can translate into higher pregnancy rates in transgenics, domestic livestock and endangered species and treating human infertility.

Remote Sensing Image Interpretation for Coastal Zones: A Review

Coastal zones, where land meets ocean, are home to a large portion of the global population and play a crucial role in human survival and development. These regions are shaped by complex geological processes and influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors, making effective management essential for addressing population growth, environmental degradation, and resource sustainability. However, the inherent complexity of coastal zones complicates their study, and traditional in situ methods are often inefficient. Remote sensing technologies have significantly advanced coastal zone research, with different sensors providing diverse perspectives. These sensors are typically used for classification tasks (e.g., coastline extraction, coastal classification) and retrieval tasks (e.g., aquatic color, wetland monitoring). Recent improvements in resolution and the advent of deep learning have led to notable progress in classification, while platforms like Google Earth Engine (GEE) have enabled the development of high-quality, global-scale products. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of coastal zone interpretation, discussing platforms, sensors, spectral characteristics, and key challenges while proposing potential solutions for future research and management.

Integrating Multiple Theoretical Perspectives on Informal Field-based Learning: The Self-regulated Informal Learning Cycle (SILC)

Informal field-based learning (IFBL)—a subset of work-related learning that is informal, intentional, and self-directed—is a developmental process in which motivational, behavioral, and cognitive mechanisms interact. Despite the consensus on the role of cognitive processing in learning, research on informal learning is dominated by a behavioral focus on learning activities, while the cognitive perspective remains sidelined. In the Self-regulated Informal Learning Cycle we introduce here, we use metacognitive and memory system lenses to zoom into the (meta-)cognitive IFBL processes, considering intention as a motivational starting point of the learning process. Specifically, we draw on self-determination theory, achievement goal theory, memory concepts, and self-regulated learning models. Our cycle distinguishes five phases—preparation, action, encoding and consolidation, performance, and self-appraisal—and elaborates on IFBL processes at the intentional, behavioral, cognitive, and metacognitive level. Theoretical implications for human resource development, including the often-neglected role of time in IFBL, are discussed.