Developmental Research Research Articles

Media Canva Web and Google Sites on Cooperative Economics Learning

Canva Web and Google Sites are tools for website builders that can be used as an interesting learning medium. The use of digital based learning is predictable and able to overcome cooperative economics learning problems that are still textual. This research is a type of developmental research (Research & Development) that uses a 4-D model, which consists of 4 stages namely define (front-end analysis, learner analysis, task analysis, concept analysis, specification of objectives), design (preparing material, format selection, media selection), develop, and disseminate, where this research is still in the design stage. This research is to support the improvement of 21st-century skills in students, which include technology literacy, media literacy, and information literacy. This research was conducted on undergraduate students in the program economics subject of cooperative economics material. The results of observations obtained by students become the main source of data that will be written on Canva web media and Google Sites. This research needs to be updated with other learning materials to upgrade student skills.
 Keywords: Canva Web, Google Sites, 21st Century Skills, technology literation, information literation

Development Of Math Blind Game With Voice And QR-Code As Learning Media For Blind Students

Math is a lesson that is difficult for children in Indonesia to understand. Especially in children with visual or blind disorders. This disorder makes it difficult for metematics to study, for in matematics it takes sight to read material to enhance the learning system. This study was developmental research that aimed to describe the result of instructional media development of math blind game with voice and QR code and describe their understanding after using math blind game with voice and QR code as learning media at special needs elementary school. The subject of this study is blind students grade 4th – 6th . The research model used was ADDIE development model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation). Data were collected using test and questionnaire to know their understanding of math blind game with voice and QR code as lerning media. The result showed that blind students responded positively with an average score of SUS score 83,75 (grade A). Therefore, it can be concluded that math blind game with voice and QR code can be used in teaching and learning activity to improve blind students’ understanding about matematics.

Exploring the Challenges Faced by ‘Examination’ Phase of Intellectual Property (IP) Life Cycle – A Pilot Study

This pilot study delves into challenges during the 'Examination' phase of the Intellectual Property (IP) life cycle, focusing on complexities in IP search. By addressing limitations in existing databases and the dynamic nature of technology, the study aims to comprehend their impact on decision-making. Employing qualitative interviews and developmental research over 16 weeks, the study identifies challenges, explores their specific aspects, and establishes a foundation for future research. Innovators underscore the crucial role of IP search in grant timelines, commercial use, and protection, emphasizing challenges in terminology and databases. Legally, IP search challenges impact accuracy, validity, and infringement risks, necessitating engagement with legal professionals and advanced tools for compliance and precision. Private companies perceive IP search challenges as pivotal for operations, requiring advanced technologies and engagement with IP experts. IP service providers face challenges in data complexity, terminology, and cross-jurisdictional differences, investing in research and advanced tools for accurate search services. Government offices see IP search challenges as vital for promoting innovation, focusing on patent quality and supporting domestic industries. Educators encounter challenges impacting information access, emphasizing collaboration and specialized tools for teaching enhancement. Respondents in the pilot study highlight challenges in readability, articulation, and translation during IP search examination. Process standardization issues and participants' knowledge levels in legal and technical aspects are crucial considerations. Limitations in existing tools and significant efforts throughout the IP life cycle are also emphasized. Findings suggest a need for improvements in language, standardization, legal knowledge, software functionality, and educational approaches to comprehensively address IP search challenges.

Selective induction of human renal interstitial progenitor-like cell lineages from iPSCs reveals development of mesangial and EPO-producing cells

Recent regenerative studies using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have developed multiple kidney-lineage cells and organoids. However, to further form functional segments of the kidney, interactions of epithelial and interstitial cells are required. Here we describe a selective differentiation of renal interstitial progenitor-like cells (IPLCs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by modifying our previous induction method for nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) and analyzing mouse embryonic interstitial progenitor cell (IPC) development. Our IPLCs combined with hiPSC-derived NPCs and nephric duct cells form nephrogenic niche- and mesangium-like structures invitro. Furthermore, we successfully induce hiPSC-derived IPLCs to differentiate into mesangial and erythropoietin-producing cell lineages invitro by screening differentiation-inducing factors and confirm that p38 MAPK, hypoxia, and VEGF signaling pathways are involved in the differentiation of mesangial-lineage cells. These findings indicate that our IPC-lineage induction method contributes to kidney regeneration and developmental research.

How Can We Best Assess Spatial Skills? Practical and Conceptual Challenges.

Spatial thinking skills are associated with performance, persistence, and achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) school subjects. Because STEM knowledge and skills are integral to developing a well-trained workforce within and beyond STEM, spatial skills have become a major focus of cognitive, developmental, and educational research. However, these efforts are greatly hampered by the current lack of access to reliable, valid, and well-normed spatial tests. Although there are hundreds of spatial tests, they are often hard to access and use, and information about their psychometric properties is frequently lacking. Additional problems include (1) substantial disagreement about what different spatial tests measure-even two tests with similar names may measure very different constructs; (2) the inability to measure some STEM-relevant spatial skills by any existing tests; and (3) many tests only being available for specific age groups. The first part of this report delineates these problems, as documented in a series of structured and open-ended interviews and surveys with colleagues. The second part outlines a roadmap for addressing the problems. We present possibilities for developing shared testing systems that would allow researchers to test many participants through the internet. We discuss technological innovations, such as virtual reality, which could facilitate the testing of navigation and other spatial skills. Developing a bank of testing resources will empower researchers and educators to explore and support spatial thinking in their disciplines, as well as drive the development of a comprehensive and coherent theoretical understanding of spatial thinking.

The feasibility of remote measurement of infant sleep and motor development

AbstractIn response to the COVID‐19 pandemic shut‐down of in‐person research laboratories, remote data collection became mainstream in developmental psychology research. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of two remote data collection methods for studying sleep and motor development in infancy and the relationship between the two. We asked 1371 parents of infants aged 4–17 months who used the Nanit baby monitor to take the online Survey of Well‐being of Young Children (SWYC) about their infants' motor experience. Nanit uses auto‐videosomnography and computer vision algorithms to calculate and report summary statistics of infants' sleep. Nanit replicated all expected developmental trends in sleep, while the SWYC only replicated some, appearing to underestimate infants at the transition between motor milestones. However, we replicated some well‐established findings regarding the relationship between sleep and motor development using both measures, suggesting that both Nanit and the SWYC can feasibly be used for remote data collection, especially if some modifications were made to how researchers explained using the SWYC to caregivers. Researchers should consider alternatives to traditional research methods not only when in‐person participation is difficult or impossible, but also when large samples are needed and/or simple measurement tools are sufficient.

Working memory program for improving language skills in older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders: A pilot study

Background: Older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders (mild NCD) have a higher risk of major NCD. Cognitive deterioration can cause a deficit in working memory and language. Recent studies have shown some involvement overlapping the brain structure of working memory and language skills. Therefore, working memory intervention effectively enhances language skills in mild NCD. However, more research on this topic in Thailand is required. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and implement a pilot study on a working memory program for improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD. Materials and methods: This study was a developmental research design with two phases. Phase one involved the development and examination of the content validity of the working memory program for improving language skills by five experts. Phase two involved piloting the program with three older adults with mild NCD. The participants were asked to provide suggestions about the clarity of content and images, language usage, font size, the comprehensibility of instructions in each activity, and the quality of audio files used to complement the program activities through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the collected data. Results: The program comprised nine activities associated with the phonological loop, visual-spatial sketchpad, episodic buffer, and central executive tasks. The program’s content validity was evaluated by five experts, resulting in a content validity index of 0.94, meeting the established criteria. Among the pilot users, three participants meeting the specified criteria indicated their ability to use and practice the program at home effectively. While most participants agreed that the images were clear and the font size was appropriate, there were concerns regarding the clarity of the training process steps and instructions. Additionally, some participants encountered challenges in accessing audio files through quick response (QR) codes. Conclusion: In summary, the pilot study of the working memory program for improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD passed the content validity test and underwent revisions based on suggestions from the pilot users. Consequently, the program could enhance the language abilities of older adults with mild NCD. The next phase will investigate its effectiveness in improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD.

Epistemic Justice and Neurodiversity: Mentalization–Based Treatment with Children in the Autistic Spectrum from a Dimensional Perspective

ABSTRACT Neurodiverse individuals often suffer the consequences of epistemic injustice, that lead to isolation and helplessness. By attempting to apply a mentalization lens to ASD, we seek to highlight the concept of neurodiversity as an invitation to “mentalize differences” that arise primarily as a response to the marginalization of people with autism spectrum disorders. We seek to move away from the non-mentalizing impact of the categoric deficit model, providing an integration of both existing theoretical and empirical clinical data into an intervention to address the heterogeneity of neurodiversity. An adaptation of mentalization-based treatment for children (MBT-C) to the needs of children and adolescents functioning in the Autistic Spectrum is discussed. A clinical model that integrates findings of developmental research, dyadic clinical psychodynamic intervention models and neuroscientific data with the aim to develop an integrative therapeutic intervention both relational and developmental in nature. A mentalization informed dimensional approach is applied to the scaffolding process necessary to accommodate the heterogeneity and overall unique needs of this population. The article explores the need for further empirical research which substantiates the need for both systemic and individual interventions which address the subjective experience of ASD children and adolescents and that of their families.

Father presence, adolescent girls' resilience, psychological security, and achievement goal orientation: examining direct and indirect associations.

In the developmental research, studies on the importance of fathers in the parent-child relationship is insufficient, especially the father-daughter relationship. Thus far, a few studies have investigated whether father presence influences adolescent daughters' resilience. Therefore, this study investigated the extent to which intermediary factors affect the relationship between father presence and daughters' resilience. A total of 718 Chinese female high school students participated in a questionnaire survey. The results showed father presence was positively related to resilience in female high school students. Additionally, psychological security fully mediated the relationship between father presence and daughters' resilience, whereas achievement goal orientation partially mediated this relationship; specifically, the mastery-approach and performance-approach orientations. The results highlight the importance of considering the meaning and implications of father presence and daughter's resilience in Chinese culture.

The Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on the Levels of Biomarkers in Diabetic Animal Model: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterised by hyperglycaemia, insulin secretion defects, or resistance. Most T2DM drugs help to improve glycaemic status, but the response varies among individuals. The modern lifestyle with unhealthy eating habits leads to gut dysbiosis. Altered gut microbiota can disrupt the host’s metabolic and signaling pathways, intestinal barrier integrity, and function. Probiotics could restore a healthy microbiota in the intestine, thus improving glycaemic status. Need of the study: Probiotics may assist in re-establishing a healthy microbiota composition in the intestine. Limited studies have evaluated the supplementation of probiotics for effectively managing T2DM. Aim: To investigate the effects of probiotics on biomarker levels in type 2 diabetic male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: This interventional case-control study will be conducted at the Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research (CEFTE) at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The study will involve 46 male Wistar rats divided into five groups. Diabetes will be induced by feeding the animals a High-Fat Diet (HFD) and administering a low dose of Streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Groups 1 and 2 will be on basal and HFDs, serving as negative and positive controls, respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 will be the intervention groups. The study duration will be four weeks and three days for diabetes induction and six weeks for intervention. Blood samples will be collected periodically to assess biomarkers, and at the end of the study, internal organs will be harvested for histopathological examination. Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval has been obtained. Categorical variables will be analysed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, while continuous variables will be analysed using repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A p-value of ≤0.05 will be considered statistically significant, and statistical analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.

Design and Validity of Local-Wisdom-Based Reading Apps Using Adobe Animate CC 2022

Reading activity can be carried out by utilizing various media such as textbooks, digital books, and applications. This study aims to investigate how are the design and validity of local-wisdom-based reading application which is developed using Adobe Animate CC 2022 apps. This study is a stage in developmental research. Research samples are 270 students. The data in designing and validating the application is collected using observation, interview, and questionnaire techniques. It is analyzed using content analysis which is validated using Aiken’s V index. Results of this study in designing and validating a reading app are started from the first step of finding problems. There are three main problems in teaching early reading. The second step is to compile and distribute questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of five questions to investigate students’ needs. The third step is to develop the design and prototype of local-wisdom-based early reading apps which implements Adobe Animate CC 2022 Apps. The fourth step is to conduct evaluation. It involves two material experts of early reading and two learning media experts. Validators’ suggestions have been used to improve the developed application. The conclusion of this study is that the materials of early reading application implement Indonesian local wisdoms which have not implemented in other reading applications.

Revisiting the Chicken Auditory Brainstem Response: Frequency Specificity, Threshold Sensitivity, and Cross Species Comparison.

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is important for both clinical and basic auditory research. It is a non-invasive measure of hearing function with millisecond-level precision. The ABR can not only measure the synchrony, speed, and efficacy of auditory physiology but also detect different modalities of hearing pathology and hearing loss. ABRs are easily acquired in vertebrate animal models like reptiles, birds, and mammals, and complement existing molecular, developmental, and systems-level research. One such model system is the chicken; an excellent animal for studying auditory development, structure, and function. However, the ABR for chickens was last reported nearly 4 decades ago. The current study examines how decades of ABR characterization in other animal species support findings from the chicken ABR. We replicated and expanded on previous research using 43 chicken hatchlings 1- and 2-day post-hatch. We report that click-evoked chicken ABRs presented with a peak waveform morphology, amplitude, and latency like previous avian studies. Tone-evoked ABRs were found for frequencies from 250 to 4000 Hertz (Hz) and exhibited a range of best sensitivity between 750 and 2000 Hz. Objective click-evoked and tone-evoked ABR thresholds were comparable to subjective thresholds. With these revisited measurements, the chicken ABR still proves to be an excellent example of precocious avian development that complements decades of molecular, neuronal, and systems-level research in the same model organism.

Integrative child psychotherapy: discussion of a common core and unified theory approach

This paper explored significant advancements in integrative child psychotherapy in the UK, aiming to establish a common core and unified theory. Informed by infant-parent observations, attachment theory, neuroscience, and socio-cognitive developmental psychology research, the findings integrated clinical approaches from a developmental and family systems perspective. The objective was to provide a framework based on common factors and a unified psychogenesis theory, emphasising a therapeutic action model and understanding child development. The escalating prevalence and severity of mental health issues among children and young people (CYP) are highlighted, with factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, educational disruptions, increased digital reliance, and the current cost of living crisis contributing to the surge. The impact of these changes necessitates a holistic approach to mental health care, specifically by specialists in integrative child psychotherapy. Current data underestimates CYP mental health needs due to the absence of a national approach to data collection and analysis. Moreover, there is a lack of consensus on the assessment and case formulation in CYP mental health treatment. The diversity in practitioners' approaches, training, and understanding of child development, evidence-based practices, and CYP mental health support is noted. Critiquing the limitations of evidence-based practices, the paper argues for a systematic assessment and case formulation framework. It advocates for an evidence base that acknowledges the individuality of CYP, emphasising psychotherapy's dynamic, relational foundation. The proposed framework seeks to inform training and practice requirements, challenging the conventional mechanistic understanding of mental health treatment and promoting a more integrative and client-centred approach.

Relative brain age is associated with socioeconomic status and anxiety/depression problems in youth.

Brain age, a measure of biological aging in the brain, has been linked to psychiatric illness, principally in adult populations. Components of socioeconomic status (SES) associate with differences in brain structure and psychiatric risk across the lifespan. This study aimed to investigate the influence of SES on brain aging in childhood and adolescence, a period of rapid neurodevelopment and peak onset for many psychiatric disorders. We reanalyzed data from the Healthy Brain Network to examine the influence of SES components (occupational prestige, public assistance enrollment, parent education, and household income-to-needs ratio [INR]) on relative brain age (RBA). Analyses included 470 youth (5-17 years; 61.3% men), self-identifying as White (55%), African American (15%), Hispanic (9%), or multiracial (17.2%). Household income was 3.95 ± 2.33 (mean ± SD) times the federal poverty threshold. RBA quantified differences between chronological age and brain age using covariation patterns of morphological features and total volumes. We also examined associations between RBA and psychiatric symptoms (Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]). Models covaried for sex, scan location, and parent psychiatric diagnoses. In a linear regression, lower RBA is associated with lower parent occupational prestige (p = .01), lower public assistance enrollment (p = .03), and more parent psychiatric diagnoses (p = .01), but not parent education or INR. Lower parent occupational prestige (p = .02) and lower RBA (p = .04) are associated with higher CBCL anxious/depressed scores. Our findings underscore the importance of including SES components in developmental brain research. Delayed brain aging may represent a potential biological pathway from SES to psychiatric risk. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Standardizing CRISPR-Cas13 knockdown technique to investigate the role of cdh2 gene in pituitary development through growth hormone expression and transcription factors.

Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is characterized by the deficiency of pituitary hormones. Among CH patients, 85% lack a molecular diagnosis. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) identified a homozygous variant (c.865G>A, p.Val289Ile) in the CDH2 gene, responsible for N-Cadherin production, crucial for cell-cell adhesion. Predicted to be likely pathogenic, the variant was found in a patient deficient in GH, TSH, ACTH, and LH/FSH. Its impact on cell adhesion was confirmed in L1 fibroblast cell lines. Create a cdh2 knockdown in zebrafish for investigating its role in pituitary development through growth hormone and transcription factors expression. Utilized pET28B-RfxCas13d-His plasmid for Cas13 mRNA production via in vitro transcription, guiding Cas13 to cdh2 with three RNAs. Injected the complex into single-cell embryos for analysis up to 96 hpf. Assessed gene expression of cdh2, prop1, pit1, and gh1 using RT-qPCR. Evaluated cdh2 protein expression through the western blot technique. Knockdown animals displayed developmental delay. The cdh2 expression decreased by 75% within 24 hours, rebounded by 48 hours, and reached wild-type levels by 96 hpf. gh1 expression decreased at 48h but increased by 96 hpf, aligning with WT. No significant differences in prop1 and pit1 expression were observed. Our findings underscore cdh2's role in pituitary development and hormonal regulation, offering insights for developmental biology research.

Neuroadaptive Bayesian optimisation can allow integrative design spaces at the individual level in the social and behavioural sciences… and beyond.

Almaatouq et al. propose an integrative experiment design space combined with large samples for scientific advancement. We argue recent innovative designs combining closed-loop experiment designs and Bayesian optimisation allow for integrative experiments at an individual level during a single session, circumventing the necessity for large samples. This method can be applied across disciplines, including developmental and clinical research.

Online and In-person Science Laboratory Instructional Practices: Input to a Science Instructional Guide

This study assessed the teaching practices in the online and in-person science laboratory as input to developing a science instructional guide. It explored the instructional materials used in online and in-person laboratory instruction. It also surveyed the safety measures, pre-lab and in-lab activities implemented by the instructors, teaching methods used, and the challenges the respondents met. The study employed the descriptive method and the developmental research method. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 5 science laboratory teachers and 225 students who took science laboratory courses. The findings revealed different teaching approaches and instructional materials were used in in-person and online science laboratory courses. Safety measures in both online and physical laboratories were extensively reviewed. Instructors employed a variety of teaching methods in online and in-person labs. Pictures with captions are dominantly used in the online lab while hands-on activities are mainly implemented for the in-person lab. Students and faculty revealed social presence as a major challenge in online mode while the top-ranked answer for in-person lab is students having different competencies. The data collected were applied to develop an instructional guide recommended to be reviewed before being used accordingly.

Video Lessons for the Course Introduction to Computing through Online/Offline Mode (ICOM): Its Development and Evaluation

Conducting video lessons is a common trend in today’s new normal educational setup. Hence, it is crucial to initiate efforts to evaluate this strategy. This developmental research developed and evaluated an online/offline video lesson for the course Introduction to Computing. Selected via cluster sampling, twenty first-year students from a state university, four information technology experts, two curriculum experts, and one language teacher participated in the study. A researcher-made examination and an adapted evaluation form for video materials were utilized in the study. Results showed that the three least achieved computing skills were: (a) logical and critical thinking domains like explaining the different jobs, functions, professions, and careers in the field, identifying computing hardware and others; (b) technical domains like identifying input, output, processing, and storage devices and others; and (c) analytical domains such as text alignment, addition of line breaks and others. The overall evaluation of the acceptability of the video materials was very acceptable (M = 3.69) in terms of content (M = 3.79), instructional quality (M = 3.68), technical quality (M = 3.65), presentation and organization (M = 3.64), accuracy and up-to-datedness of information (M = 3.64), and assessment (M = 3.71). The students who achieved the objectives of the video lessons experienced a more personalized learning journey. Further research on and use of the strategy in various academic settings is recommended.

Presenting the Interactive Control System Model in Knowledge-Based Companies

The aim of this study is to present a model of the interactive control system in knowledge-based companies. In the current research, three Type II knowledge-based manufacturing companies active in the field of advanced machinery and equipment production in East Azerbaijan Province were studied. Accordingly, this research follows a case study strategy, with data collection conducted from a defined statistical population. Additionally, the research employs a developmental research strategy. For the analysis of data obtained from questionnaires, the coding procedure, in line with statistical requirements, was conducted using the SPSS.V24 software, and the PLS.V3 structural equation software was used for both descriptive and inferential statistics, applying linear and multiple regression. The statistical population of this research includes managers of Type I and Type II knowledge-based manufacturing companies and faculty members from the University of Tehran's Department of Business Management, particularly those specializing in policy-making. The sampling method used in this study was snowball sampling. The results of the research indicate that regulatory uncertainties significantly impact the interactive control system of projects (0.896), technological uncertainties impact the interactive control system of projects (0.140), human and social uncertainties impact the interactive control system of projects (0.225), economic and market uncertainties impact the interactive control system of profit planning (0.476), environmental uncertainties impact the interactive control system of brand profitability (0.643), and strategic uncertainties impact the interactive control system of intelligence (0.821).

Android-based health service management application development to improve service quality at HSC UNY

This study aims to (1) design and develop an application for the HSC FIK UNY health service management information system that is used to address the limited health services that are done manually to become Android-based health services, (2) determine the feasibility of the Android-based HSC FIK UNY health service application, and (3) determine the effectiveness of Android-based health service applications on service quality at HSC FIK UNY. This research is developmental research employing the ADDIE approach model, which includes the stages of analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating. Patients, members, and visitors to HSC UNY are the subjects of this study. The trials were divided into two stages: a small-scale trial with 20 participants and a large-scale trial with 50 participants. The results of this study are (1) an Android-based HSC UNY application product, (2) The material validation assessment defines the feasibility level of this product by obtaining the average results of the material aspect assessment from two experts in the Very Suitable/Very Feasible category, as well as the results from media experts in the Very Suitable/Very Feasible category. This product also passed the small-scale and large-scale trial stages, with both receiving results in the very feasible category. As a result, it is possible to conclude that the product in this developmental research is suitable/feasible for usage, and (3) based on the effectiveness test, it is effective in improving services at HSC UNY.