Developmental Strategies Research Articles

The neoteny goldilocks zone: The evolution of neoteny in Ambystoma.

Neoteny is a developmental strategy wherein an organism reaches sexual maturity without associated adult characteristics. In salamanders, neoteny takes the form of individuals retaining aquatic larval characteristics such as external gills upon maturation. Mole salamanders (Ambystoma) occupy a wide range of habitats and areas across the North American continent, and display examples of non-neotenic, facultatively neotenic and obligate neotenic species, providing high variation for investigating the factors influencing the evolution of neoteny. Here, we use phylogenetic comparative methods to test existing hypotheses that neoteny is associated with elevational and latitudinal distribution, cave-associated isolation, and hybridisation-related polyploidy. We also test if neoteny influences the diversity of habitats a species can occupy, since the restriction to an aquatic life should constrain the availability of different niches. We find that neoteny tends to occur in a narrow latitudinal band between 20-30° North, with particularly narrow latitudinal ranges for obligate compared to facultative neotenic species (16-52° North). We also find that facultatively neotenic species occur at elevations more than twice as high as other species on average, and that species with a higher frequency of neoteny typically have lower habitat diversity. Our results suggest that evolutionary transitions between non-neotenic and facultative neoteny states occur at relatively high and approximately equal rates. Moreover, we estimate that obligate neoteny cannot evolve directly from non-neotenic species (and vice versa), such that facultative neoteny acts as an evolutionary 'stepping stone' to and from obligate neoteny. However, our transition rate estimates suggest that obligate neoteny is lost >4-times faster than it evolves, partly explaining the rarity of obligate species. These results support the hypothesis that low latitudes favour the evolution of neoteny, presumably linked to more stable (aquatic) environments due to reduced seasonality, but once evolved it may constrain the diversity of habitats.

Redefining development in Streptomyces venezuelae: integrating exploration into the classical sporulating life cycle.

Streptomyces bacteria have evolved diverse developmental and metabolic strategies to thrive in dynamic environmental niches. Here, we report the amalgamation of previously disparate developmental pathways, showing that colony expansion via exploration can proceed in tandem with colony sporulation. This developmental integration extends beyond phenotype to include shared genetic elements, with sporulation-specific repressors being required for successful exploration. Comparing this new exploration mode with previously identified strategies has revealed key differences (e.g., no need for environmental alkalinization), and simultaneously allowed us to define unifying requirements for Streptomyces exploration. The "reproductive exploration" phenomenon reported here represents a unique bet-hedging strategy, with the Streptomyces colony engaging in an aggressive colonization strategy while transporting a protected genetic repository.

Preschool Teachers’ Perceptions and Use of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention Strategies: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Investigation

Preschool classrooms serve children of varying abilities, including those who may benefit from social communication intervention. Research supports the use of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI) to effectively increase the social communication skills of young children. Yet, little is known about preschool teachers’ perspectives on and use of NDBI strategies. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to integrate data from classroom observation, teacher self-report, and qualitative interviews to understand training and support needs for increasing implementation of NDBIs in a preschool classroom context. Eight preschool teachers provided a recording of an intervention session, self-reported their use of NDBI strategies, and participated in an interview to discuss their experiences. Results indicate preschool teacher participants perceive NDBI strategies favorably although they may need targeted support understanding and using NDBI strategies. We discuss implications for practice that may support increased use of NDBIs by preschool teachers.

Extensive DNA methylome rearrangement during early lamprey embryogenesis

DNA methylation (5mC) is a repressive gene regulatory mark widespread in vertebrate genomes, yet the developmental dynamics in which 5mC patterns are established vary across species. While mammals undergo two rounds of global 5mC erasure, teleosts, for example, exhibit localized maternal-to-paternal 5mC remodeling. Here, we studied 5mC dynamics during the embryonic development of sea lamprey, a jawless vertebrate which occupies a critical phylogenetic position as the sister group of the jawed vertebrates. We employed 5mC quantification in lamprey embryos and tissues, and discovered large-scale maternal-to-paternal epigenome remodeling that affects ~30% of the embryonic genome and is predominantly associated with partially methylated domains. We further demonstrate that sequences eliminated during programmed genome rearrangement (PGR), are hypermethylated in sperm prior to the onset of PGR. Our study thus unveils important insights into the evolutionary origins of vertebrate 5mC reprogramming, and how this process might participate in diverse developmental strategies.

Virtual Screening and Pharmacophore Modeling for discovery of Biologically Active Natural Products as Inhibitors of Odorant-binding Proteins

More than 100 nations in Africa, the Americas and the Eastern Mediterranean have endemic dengue and malaria, and these bites have the potential to have inflammatory or infectious local or systemic effects. The mosquito repellents from various sources were examined and plant repellents, researchers frequently exaggerate toxicity of the mentioned compound, alleging that it poses a threat to human health or even the environment and reported by recent studies. The aim of the research article, the historical developmental strategies of synthetics and natural and those acts on certain targets as repellent property, target discovery aims to identify and validate appropriate pharmacological targets for therapeutic interventions and establishment of correlations between the molecule and its potency as repellent using various physicochemical parameters and in silico studies. From this study proved that some of the natural compounds were potent in comparison with the some of the standard insect repellents and the paradigm offers a wide variety of prospects that will fasten the lead molecular modifications influences the novel targets and ultimately result in the optimization of the molecular properties by considering the all the methodologies leads to design novel molecules.

Practices for respecting the newborn's sleep-wake cycle: Interventional study in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Premature newborns are exposed to a great deal of over-stimulation, which can affect their cerebral development. For better sleep, certain practices should be recommended. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a professional training program on the improvement of practices promoting respect for the newborn's sleep-wake cycle. This was an interventional study with a longitudinal, single-group, and before-and-after design. The experimental design followed a three-stage time series: Eight months before, three months after, then eight months after intervention. It targeted a comprehensive sample of 66 professionals. It took place between October 2020 and March 2022 at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Hassan II University Hospital in Fez, Morocco. It was based on an observation grid and a self-administered questionnaire, validated and tested with a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.91. The light environment showed significant differences between the 1st and 3rd step (3.3% vs. 45.0%; P = 0.02; confidence interval [CI] = 13.644-10.456) for knowledge and (13.3% vs. 78.3%; P = 0.01; CI = 14.412-10.888) for practices; the noise environment showed a positive improvement between the 2nd and 3rd intervention (31.7% vs. 41.7%; P < 0.001; CI = 5.954-2.913) for knowledge and (65.0% vs. 73.3%; P < 0.001; CI = 3.597-1.236) for practices, with an average of (8.98 ± 0.30-28.15 ± 0.48; CI = 3.806-1.094) between the 1st and 3rd step. Practices surrounding sleep and wakefulness reported significant improvement between the three periods (14.35 ± 0.22 vs. 18.10 ± 0.35 vs. 19.90 ± 0.35; P P < 0.001; CI = 4.647-2.853) for sleep and (13.25 ± 0.48 vs. 22.27 ± 0.59; P < 0.001; CI = 10.563-7.471) for wakefulness with statistically significant correlations between knowledge and practices (0.426**) for sleep and (0.606**) for wakefulness. The study demonstrated the positive impact of this sleep management and assessment program on the development of professional skills. Its implementation requires rigorous application of developmental support strategies for individualized care in neonatology.

A Study on Developmental Strategies for Improving the Quality of Secondary Special Education for Students with Disabilities

In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, addressing the multifaceted learning needs of students with special needs has become increasingly pivotal. This study aims to explore and enhance the quality of secondary special education, adapting to new educational methodologies in tandem with technological advancements while fostering the development of teachers and educational stakeholders. To identify the key areas necessitating development in secondary special education, interviews were conducted with special education teachers. These interviews informed the creation of a questionnaire, which was subsequently disseminated through a Google survey to special education teachers in various special schools and classes nationwide. The survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics to gain comprehensive insights. This study's findings integrate the perspectives from the interviews and survey data, leading to the formulation of strategies for the advancement of secondary special education. The analysis categorized the developmental needs into four primary domains: teacher development, curriculum enhancement, school infrastructure, and external factors related to the school environment. The paper concludes with a discussion that synthesizes these findings, offering a pathway for future improvements in the quality of secondary special education, and highlighting the importance of adapting to the changing educational landscape in the era of technological progress.

Траектория развития отечественной школы стратегирования: взгляд сквозь время

Strategy, as a relatively young science, is constantly developing and enriching itself. The Russian national school of strategizing was founded by Professor Vladimir L. Kvint. The school has already formed outstanding theoretical and methodological foundations, as well as accumulated significant practical experience as it designed and implemented developmental strategies for countries, regions, cities, industries, and enterprises. Vladimir Kvint has implemented an extensive long-term practice of teaching the theory of strategy and methodology of strategizing at Master’s Degree Programs located at Lomonosov Moscow State University with its branches in Slovenia and Armenia, Kemerovo State University, and MISIS University of Science and Technology. The programs allow specialists to develop a system of strategic thinking and professional competencies in the field of strategizing. This article celebrates Vladimir Kvint’s 75th birthday by praising his main achievements in science and academia as an outstanding theorist and practitioner of strategizing in Russia and abroad.

Rural Early Childhood Educators’ Perception of Music-Based Pedagogy in Teaching Communication Skills to Children

Early childhood care and Education is an important phase for impacting communication skills to children for building a strong sense of identity and belonging. The South African National Curriculum Framework (NCF) regards communication skills as one of the six early learning and development areas considered for Early Childhood and Education (ECCE). Caps Grade R admonishes educators to support learners with interpersonal Communication Skills and to develop their Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency by engaging them in activities that focus on rhymes. Thus, South African children need skillful educators to employ developmental implementation strategies to support their acquisition of these skills. Research shows that subjects like Life Skills, English Language, Civic Education, and Mathematics are successfully implemented using music-based pedagogy. However, because ECCE is relatively new in South Africa, there is no strong structure to support the ECCE/ECD (Early Childhood Development) educators in employing music-based pedagogies to teach communication skills to the children. This article focuses on the rural ECD/ECCE educators’ perception and experiences in employing music-based pedagogy to support the children’s acquisition of communication skills. The study was conducted at two ECD/ECCE centres in Northern Cape province, South Africa.This is participatory visual research where Six ECD/ECCE Educators were engaged in semi-structured interviews and reflective activities on how they facilitate communication skills using music. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. The educators supported music-based pedagogy, however, inadequate musical training, non-availability of musical resources, and non-inclusion of music as an independent subject in the CAPS/NRF documents are their constraints. In their pre-service teacher education programs, almost all South African institutions include creative arts training; the course is typically taught over one semester, and music is merely one of the various creative arts subfields. As a result, the pre-service teachers lack the necessary musical background to implement music-based instruction. In conclusion, the study recommends musical intervention training to empower ECD/ECCE educators. Keywords: Early Childhood Development, Rural Context, Music-Based Pedagogy Communication Skills.

The impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on green innovation and innovation modes: empirical evidence from Chinese listed enterprises

Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), promoting green innovation in enterprises has been the central focus of the developmental strategy for China and countries along the Belt and Road to ensure sustainable development in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the environment and development. This paper examines the driving factors and heterogeneous mechanisms of the BRI in green technology innovation, especially in collaborative vs. independent innovation modes, utilizing a multi-period difference-in-difference model (DID) and micro-level panel data of Chinese listed enterprises spanning from 2007 to 2021. We find that the BRI has significantly stimulated the number of green innovations of participating enterprises, primarily through the adoption of collaborative innovation mode, and the BRI policies are more likely to induce green innovation behavior of enterprises with high research and development (R&amp;amp;D), high quality of environmental information disclosure, and non-state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as well as in heavy-polluting industries. The implementation of the BRI has led to increased support from the government, financial institutions, and scientific research organizations to the participating enterprises, which helps alleviate their financial constraints and enhance patent transformation efficiency, and thus facilitate green innovation. These results are robust across different regression specifications. This study contributes to the existing literature on BRI’s environmental impact and green innovation with firm-level evidence, and has important policy implications for the Chinese government when promoting green innovation and internationalization of Chinese enterprises.

Exploring human resource management in the top five global hospitals: a comparative study.

The pivotal role of Human Resource Management (HRM) in hospital administration has been acknowledged in research, yet the examination of HRM practices in the world's premier hospitals has been scant. This study explored how the world's leading hospitals attain operational efficiency by optimizing human resource allocation and melding development strategies into their HRM frameworks. A comparative analysis of the HRM frameworks in the top five global hospitals was undertaken to offer a reference model for other hospitals. This research offers a comparative exploration of the HRM frameworks utilized by the top five hospitals globally, underscoring both shared and distinct elements. Using a multi-case study methodology, the research scrutinized each hospital's HRM framework across six modules, drawing literature from publicly accessible sources, including websites, annual reports, and pertinent English-language scholarly literature from platforms such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science. The analyzed hospitals exhibited inconsistent HRM frameworks, yet all manifested potent organizational cultural attributes and maintained robust employee training and welfare policies. The design of the HR systems was strategically aligned with the hospitals' objectives, and the study established that maintaining a sustainable talent system is pivotal to achieving hospital excellence. The HRM frameworks of the five analyzed hospitals align with their developmental strategies and exhibit unique organizational cultural attributes. All five hospitals heavily prioritize aligning employee development with overall hospital growth and place a spotlight on fostering a healthy working environment and nurturing employees' sense of achievement. While compensation is a notable performance influencer, it is not rigorously tied to workload in these hospitals, with employees receiving mid-to-upper industry-range compensation. Performance assessment criteria focus on job quality and aligning employee actions with organizational values. Comprehensive welfare and protection are afforded to employees across all five hospitals.

Current trends and future prospects of drug repositioning in gastrointestinal oncology.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers comprise a significant number of cancer cases worldwide and contribute to a high percentage of cancer-related deaths. To improve survival rates of GI cancer patients, it is important to find and implement more effective therapeutic strategies with better prognoses and fewer side effects. The development of new drugs can be a lengthy and expensive process, often involving clinical trials that may fail in the early stages. One strategy to address these challenges is drug repurposing (DR). Drug repurposing is a developmental strategy that involves using existing drugs approved for other diseases and leveraging their safety and pharmacological data to explore their potential use in treating different diseases. In this paper, we outline the existing therapeutic strategies and challenges associated with GI cancers and explore DR as a promising alternative approach. We have presented an extensive review of different DR methodologies, research efforts and examples of repurposed drugs within various GI cancer types, such as colorectal, pancreatic and liver cancers. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of employing the DR approach in GI cancers to inform future research endeavors and clinical trials in this field.

Editorial – Contemporary security challenges

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the significance of discussing and understanding security issues cannot be overstated—particularly as countries like Albania confront a multitude of security challenges. This discourse not only informs but also engages the public and policymakers, fostering a broader understanding of the complexities that nations face in maintaining stability and safety. It helps to better appreciate the nuances of the security strategies that nations must adopt, amidst threats that range from traditional military confrontations to modern challenges like cyber threats, environmental crises, and socio-economic disparities. Security challenges have evolved from the traditional state-based conflicts to a much wider and more complex range of threats. Today’s critical security concerns include geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity threats, criminal organizations, and nuclear proliferation, alongside issues such as health, poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity. Addressing these challenges to ensure the stability, prosperity, and well-being of nations and individuals demands a multifaceted approach that extends beyond military solutions. Such an approach includes diplomatic, economic, and developmental strategies, as well as increased international cooperation.

ІСТОРІЯ СТАНОВЛЕННЯ КОМПАНІЇ APPLE НА МІЖНАРОДНОМУ РИНКУ

Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, Apple Inc. started in a California garage and swiftly became a major player in the global information technology market. This unassuming garage, resonating with the echoes of innovation, became the crucible where the seeds of a global technological revolution were sown. Apple's growth illustrates successful entrepreneurship and strategic innovation in global business. Known for its unique product design and technological prowess, Apple has released iconic products like the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, redefining consumer electronics and garnering worldwide customer loyalty. Apple's journey highlights key developmental stages and strategies for global market entry, significantly impacting the tech landscape and consumer habits. Its global expansion involved strategic alliances, targeted marketing, and product localization. Technological milestones, such as the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, underscored Apple's commitment to innovation and user experience. Apple's influence extends to consumer behavior, evident in its integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, and services, enhancing user experience and brand loyalty. Despite challenges like competition and market dynamics, Apple's focus on quality and design excellence solidified its leadership in the tech world. As Apple evolves, initiatives like Apple Silicon, augmented reality, and sustainability show its future-shaping dedication. Apple's cultural impact goes beyond products, influencing design trends and consumer expectations, with its design language and brand symbolizing innovation and aspirational living. In summary, Apple's rise from a startup to a global tech giant underscores the power of innovation, strategic vision, and consumer-centric design. Its international success stems from a commitment to excellence and addressing consumer needs worldwide, leaving a legacy that transcends its products and shapes global technology engagement.This article examines the history of Apple's emergence in the international market, looking at key stages of its development, strategies for entering global markets, and the impact of its products on the technological landscape and consumer behavior. The history of the formation of Apple in the world market is a fascinating path of innovation and change. However, there are several unresolved issues that deserve attention and additional research. One of the key areas of interest is the impact of cultural differences on the successful use of Apple products. Geopolitical challenges are also in the spotlight. How do global political events affect Apple's strategy in the world market? How does the company deal with geopolitical risks and changes in world politics? Finally, in the context of Apple's future, it is important to consider the challenges and prospects for innovation. What are the challenges for Apple in the global innovation market? What development prospects and challenges await the company in the future? Studying these aspects will not only deepen the understanding of Apple's history, but also raise important questions for further research and reflection in the field of international business and technological innovation.

The Developmental Trajectory and Support Strategy for Children’s Empathy from the Perspective of Embodied Cognition

The Developmental Trajectory and Support Strategy for Children’s Empathy from the Perspective of Embodied Cognition

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).

Obstetrics care in Indonesia: Determinants of maternal mortality and stillbirth rates.

The Indonesian Healthcare Program starting in 2014 enabled access to healthcare delivery for large population groups. Guidance of usage, infrastructure and healthcare process development were the most challenging tasks during the implementation period. Due to the high social impact obstetric care and related quality assurance require evidence-based developmental strategies. This study aims for analysis of outcome and maternal health care utilization, as well as differences related to demographic and economic subgroups. For univariate group comparison ANOVA method was applied and combined with Scheffé procedure and Bonferoni correction for post-hoc tests. Meanwhile, multivariate approaches through regression analysis based on insurance reimbursement data antenatal, perinatal and postnatal care were performed at the province level. Maternal mortality (MMR) and stillbirth rates were used for outcome. Demographic characteristics, availability of obstetricians (SPOG), midwifes and healthcare infrastructure were included for their determinants. Specialized hospital facilities (type A/B) for advanced care covered a large part of uncomplicated cases (~35%). Differences between insurance membership groups (poor, non-poor) were not seen. Availability of human resources (SPOG, midwifes) (R2 = 0.728; p<0.001) and rural setting (R2 = 0.288; p = 0.001) are correlated with reduced insufficient referral. Their presence within provinces was related to lower occurrence of complicated cases (R2 = 0.294; p = 0.001). However, higher SPOG rates within provinces were also related to high C-section rates (p<0.001). MMR and stillbirth rates can be predicted by availability of human resources and C-section rates explaining 49.0% of variance. Improvement of perinatal outcome should focus on sufficient referral processes, availability of SPOG in provinces dominated by rural/remote demography and avoidance of overtreatment by high C-section rates. It is very important to regulate the education of obstetricians and gynecologists in Indonesia as well as distribution arrangements regarding to solve the problems with pregnancy complications in remote and rural areas.

Issues with the Development of Professional Preschool Teaching Staff in China and Developmental Strategies

Teaching in preschool institutions is a specialized profession that requires professional expertise and techniques. Currently, certain issues with the professionalization of early childhood education practitioners have negatively impacted the quality of Chinese preschool education. This article analyzed the necessity of professionalizing pre-primary teachers and pinpointed the challenges faced by China’s educational community in building professional preschool education staff. Relevant strategies were also proposed for strengthening China’s pre-primary teaching force.

Strategy of Islamic Religious Instructors in Religious Development of the Da'wah Village Community at Punggur District

Islamic religious counselors generally engage in oral preaching. However, the needs of the community are not limited to intellectual and spiritual aspects alone, thus requiring a developmental strategy in the form of actions or initiatives. This research discusses the strategies employed by Islamic religious counselors in empowering the community of Kampung Dakwah in the Punggur District of Central Lampung Regency. The study aims to analyze the strategies of Islamic religious counselors, identify challenges, and examine the outcomes achieved through the implementation of the strategies used by Islamic religious counselors in empowering the community in Kampung Dakwah. This research is qualitative in nature and employs observation, interviews, and documentation as methods of data collection. The data sources are divided into two categories: primary data sources and secondary data sources, which will be analyzed using data triangulation and conclusion drawing methods. The findings of this research indicate that: (1) The strategies employed by Islamic Religious Counselors in community empowerment in Kampung Dakwah are carried out through stages of awareness raising, transformation of intellectual improvement, and strategy evaluation. (2) The challenges faced include the limited capability of religious counselors in the field of economic empowerment. (3) The outcomes achieved include the reduction of social issues, improved economic conditions for productive-aged poor families, and a decrease in illiteracy rates in reading the Quran in Kampung Dakwah.&#x0D; Keywords: Strategy of Islamic Religious Instructors. Religious Counselor, Community Development

The Organization of Turkic States and Post-Colonialism in Central Asia: Possible Contributions, Prospects, and Limitations

This paper explores the Organization of Turkic States’ (OTS) support in aiding Central Asian republics to address their historical legacies, focusing on the period following Russian influence from the 18th century. Employing a postcolonial theoretical lens, it examines the post-independence phase of these republics, highlighting the OTS’s role in promoting regional cooperation, cultural revitalization, and social unity. The paper discusses the challenges faced by these nations in various sectors such as economics and linguistics, assessing the OTS’s capacity to support their development, given its resources and relative position amidst other significant regional entities. Additionally, it delves into broader regional developmental strategies and their implications for the OTS’s objectives. The paper underscores the importance of strategic autonomy for Central Asia in the context of evolving regional dynamics. It concludes by recognizing the OTS’s potential in contributing to the region’s progress, presenting a comprehensive view of the intricate regional landscape and the OTS’s part in fostering growth and development in Central Asia.