Context Of Development Research Articles

The role of tourism on human-jaguar coexistence in northern Pantanal, Brazil: a conceptual framework in political ecology and more-than-human perspective

ABSTRACT A political ecology lens can yield a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing human-wildlife coexistence within the context of tourism development. Here, we propose a conceptual framework that combines political ecology and more-than-human perspectives to examine power dynamics among diverse stakeholders, including scientists, local communities, NGOs, and non-human entities. This framework is applied to a case study focused on jaguars (Panthera onca) in Pantanal around the Encontro das Aguas State Park in Brazil. To disentangle these relationships, we propose a theoretical-analytical lens based on the combination of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Theory of Access (ToA). ANT emphasizes the formation of associations and networks involving both human and non-human actors. Further, ToA allows us to examine power dynamics that shape individuals’ access and control over resources. Our study offers valuable insight into the relationships between humans and nature – emphasizing the necessity of a holistic approach to conservation and nature-based tourism.

Modelo teórico de superación profesional en misiones diplomáticas orientada a la resolución de conflictos

The objective is to design a model for professional development in diplomatic missions oriented to conflict resolution. The methodology was based on systemic structural functional modeling, and collective workshops of critical and constructive analysis for the validation of the proposed model. The result was a model composed of the prescriptive subsystems of the context of professional development in diplomatic missions oriented to conflict resolution, the theoretical and methodological projection of its actions, and its professionalized transformation. From the relationships of the subsystems emerged the professional performance of the actors of the diplomatic mission for conflict resolution, as a quality of superior order of the modeled system, understood as the concretion of a whole process of accumulation of knowledge from the collective improvement of the diplomatic mission

Word Learning in L1 and L2 Acquisition: A Comparative Analysis through the Emergentist Coalition Model (ECM)

This qualitative study compared the word learning strategies of children acquiring their first language (L1) and adults acquiring a second language (L2) using the Emergentist Coalition Model (ECM) as a framework. Children (aged 4-7) and adults (aged 18-65) participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed that children relied more on implicit learning through social cues and phonological awareness, while adults adopted a more explicit and strategic approach, emphasizing semantic knowledge. These findings highlighted the influence of developmental stage and learning context on word learning strategies. By demonstrating the importance of both implicit and explicit learning for L1 and L2 learners, this study contributed to a more holistic understanding of word acquisition.

The coloniality of gender expertise in professional environment and development contexts

As international environmental research for development organizations and their funders continue to build a requirement to 'mainstream' gender equality into their programming, disquiet surrounding gender expertise has emerged among those who bring reflections from feminist political ecology into professional development contexts. The perspective offered here builds from our earlier exploration alongside 'gender experts' of the uneasy navigation of epistemic and practical dilemmas necessary in environmental research-for-environment and development (R4ED) settings in the Global South. We consider the deeper trouble that comes from the embedding (and shaping) of gender expertise within the colonial project of development. Earlier postcolonial feminisms have demonstrated the difficulty in dislodging a hegemonic gaze on the "Third World woman", that has aligned a particular kind of feminism with international development's "civilizing mission." We suggest that gender expertise in professional environment and development contexts may be subsumed in the neutrality and universality of Eurocentric scientific knowledge, which has the effect of marginalizing non-Western perspectives and indigenous ways of knowing. Thus, the 'technocratization' of gender expertise for managerial purposes depoliticizes and blunts the potential for achieving the goals of social justice. We show how these issues take particular form in technical settings, where knowledge hierarchies, funding models and everyday exchanges may be shaped by coloniality. We argue that this amplifies the coloniality of gender, narrowing transformative agendas to those based around individualized entrepreneurial freedom, crowding out the generative and care-full possibilities offered from a plurality of contextualized and situated ecological feminisms. We conclude by considering "openings" in gender transformative thinking and action ('praxis') as waymarks for those navigating the complex ethics and politics inherent in professional feminist political ecology, built around the enduring salience of 'gender expertise.'

What does it mean to be a 'foster parent'? -exploring Foster parent narratives using ideal-type analysis.

Foster care services in Denmark, as in many other countries, face challenges with recruitment, assessment, and retention of foster families. It is essential to understand how foster parents understand their role and how this might relate to child outcomes. This paper develops a typology of foster parent types through an ideal-type analysis of interviews with foster parents. The sample consist of 14 Danish foster parents who had participated in a quasi-randomized trial exploring the effects of Mentalization Based Therapy for foster families. Foster parents were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule, interview material was transcribed and subsequently an ideal-type analysis was performed. Based on foster parents' perceptions of their role in the children's lives, we identified three ideal-types of foster parents: 1) emotional foster parents, 2) ambiguous foster parents, and 3) professional foster parents. Foster parent perceptions of their fostering role have implications for understanding foster care as a developmental context.

Improving the quality of contacts during foster care: Learnings from foster families

Abstract Contact visit with the family of origin during foster care is a recognized right in Spain, although these contacts are often not of quality. The current study examines the changes achieved by foster families who have completed the parental education programme Visits: a context for family development to improve the quality of the visits that children in non-kinship foster care have with their birth parents. Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews before and after the intervention with six foster carers from four foster families. This study demonstrates the short-term effectiveness of the potential of this programme to improve the quality of contact visits and collaboration relationships between birth and foster families. It highlights the importance of adequately preparing foster carers to enhance contact visits quality, by promoting parenting skills, encouraging communication between the foster carers and the child, and providing resources to manage the preparation of children for visits. My Visits Book is a resource that helps foster carers to feel more engaged in collaboration with birth families. These findings are relevant for child welfare practitioners to promote positive parenting during foster care and contact, creating rewarding experiences for parties involved.

Parental and partner attachment working models in romantic relationships of nonbinary adults

Attachment working models are mental and emotional representations of the self and others. A central question within attachment theory is how best to conceptualize the relationship between different attachment working models, such as how one’s attachment to parents may influence partner-specific working models and impact romantic relationship satisfaction. Despite the robust evidence that attachment theory can be appropriately applied across developmental and cultural contexts and the functional similarity of attachment in women and men, little research has examined attachment working models among nonbinary people. The current study tested competing hypotheses replicating the work by Dugan and Fraley (2022), extended to a large sample of nonbinary adults ( N = 2,811). Similar to previous findings, our results supported the mediation hypothesis, which suggests that parental (defined as mother and father) attachment working models indirectly relate to romantic relationship satisfaction through romantic partner attachment working models. We also report comparisons of attachment overall between nonbinary people, men, and women, which showed that there were smaller mean differences between nonbinary people and women, yet more similar correlations between nonbinary people and men. These findings highlight the generalizability of attachment theory to diverse, nonbinary gender identities.

Optimal frequency bands for pupillography for maximal correlation with HRV

Assessing cognitive load using pupillography frequency features presents a persistent challenge due to the lack of consensus on optimal frequency limits. This study aims to address this challenge by exploring pupillography frequency bands and seeking clarity in defining the most effective ranges for cognitive load assessment. From a controlled experiment involving 21 programmers performing software bug inspection, our study pinpoints the optimal low-frequency (0.06-0.29 Hz) and high-frequency (0.29-0.49 Hz) bands. Correlation analysis yielded a geometric mean of 0.238 compared to Heart Rate Variability features, with individual correlations for low-frequency, high-frequency, and their ratio at 0.279, 0.168, and 0.286, respectively. Extending the study to 51 participants, including a different experiment focusing on mental arithmetic tasks, validated the previous findings and further refined bands, maintaining effectiveness with a geometric mean correlation of 0.236 and surpassing common frequency bands reported in the existing literature. This study represents a pivotal step toward converging and establishing a coherent framework for frequency band definition to be used in pupillography analysis. Furthermore, based on this, it also contributes insights into the importance of more integration and adoption of eye-tracking with pupillography technology into authentic software development contexts for cognitive load assessment at a very fine level of granularity.

Definition of the concept and the goals of sustainable development

This article examines the key aspects of the concept of sustainable development, its theoretical foundation, global evolution, and adaptation in Ukraine. Sustainable development is defined as a comprehensive process aimed at harmonizing social, economic, and environmental components to ensure the effective use, conservation, and restoration of the natural environment. It focuses on creating conditions that allow achieving a high quality of life for current and future generations. The concept emerged from the integration of three key subsystems: economic, social, and environmental, and is based on the principle of balance among them. The article highlights the global context of sustainable development, particularly the transition from the Millennium Development Goals (2000) to the Sustainable Development Goals (adopted by the United Nations in 2015). The Sustainable Development Goals – encompass 17 goals and 169 targets, aiming to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, protect the environment, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and strengthen institutional capacity. The article addresses critical aspects such as access to quality education, gender equality, healthcare, combating climate change, and preserving terrestrial and ocean ecosystems. It emphasizes that success in one goal depends on progress in others, necessitating an integrated approach. Special attention is given to the implementation of the SDGs in Ukraine. The article describes the adaptation of global goals to national conditions, the development of a national framework encompassing 86 tasks, the creation of indicators for monitoring implementation, and the establishment of target benchmarks for 2030. The political support for the SDGs is underscored, as demonstrated through strategic documents like the National Report «Sustainable Development Goals: Ukraine» and amendments to governmental regulations, integrating the achievement of the SDGs into state planning processes. The article discusses the importance of monitoring SDG implementation, improving the national statistical system, and establishing continuous oversight of indicators. It mentions Ukraine’s first Voluntary National Review on SDG implementation, presented on the international stage in 2020. The necessity of effective funding for sustainable development is also highlighted, including the attraction of international resources and optimization of existing mechanisms. The initiatives of international organizations such as UNDP, WHO, and UNICEF in collaboration with the Ukrainian government to enhance SDG financing mechanisms are described. The article emphasizes the significance of cross-sectoral collaboration, ensuring transparency, accountability, and participation of all stakeholders in the sustainable development process. It stresses the need to integrate human rights, healthcare, and environmental protection into all aspects of policy and planning. Challenges related to resource shortages, policy inconsistencies, and the need for global coordination are discussed. The article concludes that successful implementation of the SDGs is achievable only through the mobilization of financial resources, the introduction of innovations, and the strengthening of international partnerships.

Applying BIM and pedestrian simulation for architectural flow line optimization in subway stations: an empirical analysis at Chongqing Ranjiaba Station

ABSTRACT In China’s new urbanization, urban rail transit has developed rapidly. Multiline subway stations in Chongqing face issues such as high passenger flow and intersecting pedestrian flows, leading to congestion, which affects station safety and service quality. This study aims to optimize subway station architectural flow lines, defined as pathways facilitating pedestrian movement within stations, to meet passenger demands, improve service quality, and contribute to smart city development. Combining BIM technology with pedestrian simulation, this research uses quantitative data analysis to optimize subway station flow lines under non-emergency conditions, a scenario rarely addressed in existing studies that focus on emergency evacuations, and proposes optimization strategies. We constructed an optimization framework based on BIM and pedestrian simulation and conducted an empirical study at Chongqing Ranjiaba Station to verify its feasibility. This research systematically examines subway station entry, exit, and transfer systems through literature reviews, surveys, simulations, and case studies. The analysis, within the context of smart city development and transit-oriented design, identifies issues in station layout and pedestrian flow, proposing and validating optimized design schemes. The study introduces a BIM-based framework for optimizing subway station flow lines, demonstrating improvements in pedestrian safety, operational efficiency, and user experience, offering practical solutions.

Coupling and Spatial Disparities of Regional Economy and Ecosystem in High-Quality Town Development

This study investigates the coordination between regional economic growth and ecological sustainability within the context of high-quality town economy development. To address the challenges of balancing economic expansion with environmental protection, a comprehensive evaluation index system is constructed, encompassing two key dimensions: regional economy and ecological environment. Using panel data from 2013 to 2022, the coupling coordination degree model is employed to quantify the interactions and synergy between these dimensions. Additionally, spatial econometric methods are applied to calculate both global and local Moran’s Index, revealing spatial clustering patterns, regional disparities, and heterogeneity. The relative development model further identifies critical factors influencing regional coordination, with a focus on the lagging development of basic infrastructure and public services. The findings demonstrate a positive temporal trend toward improved regional coordination and reduced development gaps, with a spatial pattern characterized by higher coupling degrees in eastern and central regions compared to western areas. Based on these results, this study proposes actionable strategies to enhance coordinated development, emphasizing ecological conservation, the establishment of green production and consumption systems, ecological restoration, and strengthened municipal collaboration.This revised abstract emphasizes the study’s purpose, methods, and key findings more clearly while maintaining a professional and concise tone. Finally, based on the above analysis results, the corresponding coordinated development suggestions of regional economy and ecological environment are given from the aspects of ecological environment protection measures, green production and consumption system construction, ecological environment restoration and municipal coordination.

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Legal Pathways to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the civil liability implications of errors associated with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare, with the aim of proposing comprehensive legal frameworks to regulate AI’s integration into the sector. This research seeks to align AI advancements with international standards and sustainable development goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in international human rights conventions, national legislation on data protection, and frameworks such as the World Health Organization’s guidelines and the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. These provide a robust foundation for exploring the legal and ethical dimensions of AI in healthcare. Method: A qualitative research approach was adopted, analysing legal documents, international standards, and case studies to assess the regulatory challenges of AI in healthcare. The study also reviews best practices from jurisdictions effectively addressing AI’s legal and ethical implications. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal significant gaps in existing legal frameworks governing AI in healthcare, particularly in areas of accountability and data protection. The discussion contextualizes these gaps within the theoretical framework, emphasizing the need for proactive legislative measures. Challenges such as algorithmic bias, transparency, and equitable access to AI technologies are critically examined. Research Implications: The study underscores the necessity for Omani legislators to adopt robust regulatory measures, ensuring accountability and alignment with international best practices. These measures can enhance healthcare quality and contribute to sustainable development. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the underexplored legal and ethical challenges of AI in healthcare within the context of sustainable development. It offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, emphasizing the responsible and ethical use of AI to advance medical innovation and protect human rights.

The Impact of the Assyrian Conquests on Judahite Society: The Social, Psychological, and Physical Contexts for Religious Development

The Impact of the Assyrian Conquests on Judahite Society: The Social, Psychological, and Physical Contexts for Religious Development

Youth perspectives on health, well-being, and sustainable development: A photovoice study

Summary This study examined how youth perceive their health, well-being, and working-life capacity in relation to ecosocial work within the context of sustainable development. Data were gathered using the photovoice method with two discussion groups, including 11 15- to 19-year-olds from Gävle, Sweden. Inductive thematic analysis was used to create themes from the data. The Having-Doing-Loving-Being model of well-being by Helne and Hirvilammi, and Zimmerman's psychological empowerment were applied to interpret the findings. Findings The findings indicate that the participants saw sustainable development as a “buzz concept” with low relevance for their health and well-being. The participants perceived health and well-being as “feeling good” on an individual level, with more emphasis on doing activities for self-actualization and less on working-life capacity or environmental issues. They expressed no interest in disseminating the results of their discussions to other stakeholders for collective empowerment and social mobilization, which is a crucial part of the photovoice method. The results also indicate an individualistic and hedonic life orientation among the participants. Applications The study provides social work and its practitioners an understanding of the importance of enabling youth voices and linking youth personal and collective well-being with sustainable development. The study also offers an understanding of well-being within social work discourse that incorporates environmental stewardship alongside youth's personal fulfilment.

Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) in Agile Development: Implementation Strategies and Benefits

Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) practices are proven essential foundations for the realization of Agile ideals in the field of software development. Though CI/CD is widely recognized for its potential gains regarding shortened development cycles, increased code quality, and improved team collaboration, management of CI/CD in Agile environments is still problematic. The research wants to study the following key research questions: a) What are the most effective strategies for implementing CI/CD in agile development teams? b) What are the perceived advantages and difficulties in adopting CI/CD practices in agile projects? c) How does the integration of CI/CD affect the speed, code quality, and productivity of development in agile environments? d) What are the critical success factors and best practices to maximize the benefits of CI/CD in Agile development? The research aims to provide empirical studies, case analyses, and interviews with industry practitioners in relation to the questions for meaningful actionable insights and recommendations on how CI/CD implementation strategies can best be maximized and what can be done to harness the full power of CI/CD in Agile development contexts [1],[12]. Such insights will help advance the field of practice and software development methodologies in rapidly evolving digital landscapes.

Mempertanyakan Sepuluh Tahun Pengukuran Kemampuan Berpikir Spasial dalam Penelitian Pendidikan Geografi di Indonesia (2013-2023)

The measurement of spatial thinking skills (KBS) in Indonesia requires adjustments to align with the historical context and local conditions. In geography education, the measurement of KBS generally focuses on the dimension of spatial relationships, although research shows that KBS encompasses various distinct spatial skills. Testing for specific skills does not necessarily reflect other spatial abilities, and the significant differences in measurement methods often lead to inconsistencies in findings. Furthermore, KBS research in Indonesia is not connected to its development context in Western countries and has not undergone a structured adaptation to the local culture and environment. This study aims to map the test instruments used and evaluate the practices of measuring KBS in geography education in Indonesia. The literature review follows the PRISMA 2020 procedure, as adapted by the author, with 100 articles meeting the criteria, including 28 conference papers and 72 journal articles. Most studies employ instruments developed independently, while standardized instruments for repeated use are rarely applied. KBS test instruments can be classified into seven types with two approaches. The measurement of KBS is conducted with descriptive, causal, interrelational, and instrument development objectives. Despite the variation in measurement methods, the conclusions drawn tend to be uniform, which necessitates scrutiny of the content validity of the instruments. Additionally, the measurement of KBS is often limited to the dimension of spatial relationships, with research directions being difficult to map due to the unstructured adaptation process. This study recommends reaching a consensus on the concepts, methodologies, and measurement standards that align with the local needs in Indonesia.

CD11c-Expressing Microglia Are Transient, Driven by Interactions With Apoptotic Cells.

Microglia, the parenchymal macrophage of the central nervous system, serve crucial remodeling functions throughout development. Microglia are transcriptionally heterogenous, suggesting that distinct microglial states confer discrete roles. Currently, little is known about how dynamic these states are, the cues that promote them, or how they impact microglial function. In the developing retina, we previously found a significant proportion of microglia express CD11c (Integrin αX, Itgax, subunit of complement receptor 4) which has also been reported in other developmental and disease contexts. Here, we sought to understand the regulation and function of CD11c+ microglia. We found that CD11c+ microglia track with prominent waves of neuronal apoptosis in postnatal retina. Using genetic fate mapping, we provide evidence that microglia transition out of the CD11c state to return to homeostasis. We show that CD11c+ microglia have elevated lysosomal content and contribute to the clearance of apoptotic neurons, and found that acquisition of CD11c expression is partially dependent upon the TAM receptor AXL. Using selective ablation, we found CD11c+ microglia are not uniquely critical for phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells. Together, our data suggest that CD11c+ microglia are a transient state induced by developmental apoptosis rather than a specialized subset mediating phagocytic elimination.

DSKIPP: A Prompt Method to Enhance the Reliability in LLMs for Java API Recommendation Task

ABSTRACTIn the realm of software development, selecting the appropriate Java application programming interfaces (APIs) from a vast pool remains a significant challenge for developers. This research addresses this complexity by tackling the limitations of current API recommendation methods, which often struggle to align API suggestions with the specific queries and development contexts. In this paper, we introduce a novel prompt method named DSKIPP (Development Scenario, key Knowledge and Intention's Progressive Prompt), designed to enhance the efficiency of large language models (LLMs) in Java API recommendations. Firstly, we devise an overview of DSKIPP which conducts LLMs through a sequential process: first, inferring the package level, followed by the class level, and ultimately the method level as an API comprises three distinct components at varying levels—package, class and method. Secondly, at each level, DSKIPP assists LLMs in deducing the development scenario associated with a query and the essential key knowledge relevant to that scenario. This approach enables LLMs to gain a more profound contextual understanding of the query's intention. Moreover, during the inference process at the class and method level, we implement a self‐check mechanism enabling LLMs to validate the results and ensure a more reasoned and reliable outcome. To validate the efficiency of DSKIPP, comparison and ablation experiments are both conducted within Java programming environment. The comparison results affirm that our method outperforms the current state‐of‐the‐art technologies in API recommendation tasks, while the ablation results shed light on why DSKIPP can enhance the reliability of API recommendations in LLMs. This research contributes to the field by offering a more reliable and context‐sensitive solution for API recommendation in software development.

Principles of integrating modern waste processing facilities into the structure of large cities

The necessity for effective and coherent integration of utilitarian industrial enterprises into the urban environment is driven by the increasing ecological and urban planning requirements of large cities regarding the development of waste disposal technologies. To develop new methods and approaches to integrating solid waste processing facilities into the structure of Tyumen, Russia. An assessment of design practices in both international and Russian contexts highlights the following contemporary methods of integration into the urban environment: functional, communicational, and aesthetic. The study demonstrates the urban planning scales of integration within a large city, spanning the urban framework, the structure of urban districts, and the architectural context of development. An experimental model was developed in the study for the integration of a waste processing facility into the historical city center, taking into account the high demands for ecological sustainability of modern technologies. This model can serve as a prototype for creating a network of industrial enterprises that also incorporate social functions. The design concept of the new facility is complemented by requirements for its integration into the surrounding landscape, utilizing terracing techniques in the configuration of primary functional volumes. As a result, the stages of development and integration of modern waste processing facilities for municipal solid waste have been identified and characterized. The paper introduces principles for their integration into the urban environment, which serve as the foundation for future changes in the architectural appearance of such enterprises within the context of large cities.

Ambivalent partnership of the Drosophila posterior class Hox protein Abdominal-B with Extradenticle and Homothorax.

Hox proteins, a sub-group of the homeodomain (HD) transcription factor family, provide positional information for axial patterning in development and evolution. Hox protein functional specificity is reached, at least in part, through interactions with Pbc (Extradenticle (Exd) in Drosophila) and Meis/Prep (Homothorax (Hth) in Drosophila) proteins. Most of our current knowledge of Hox protein specificity stems from the study of anterior and central Hox proteins, identifying the molecular and structural bases for Hox/Pbc/Meis-Prep cooperative action. Posterior Hox class proteins, Abdominal-B (Abd-B) in Drosophila and Hox9-13 in vertebrates, have been comparatively less studied. They strongly diverge from anterior and central class Hox proteins, with a low degree of HD sequence conservation and the absence of a core canonical Pbc interaction motif. Here we explore how Abd-B function interface with that of Exd/Hth using several developmental contexts, studying mutual expression control, functional dependency and intrinsic protein requirements. Results identify cross-regulatory interactions setting relative expression and activity levels required for proper development. They also reveal organ-specific requirement and a binary functional interplay with Exd and Hth, either antagonistic, as previously reported, or synergistic. This highlights context specific use of Exd/Hth, and a similar context specific use of Abd-B intrinsic protein requirements.