Human Capacity Research Articles

Enhancing Food Production Through Modern Agricultural Technology.

Food security is fundamental to human capacity building and is crucial for sustainable global development. As the global population continues to surge, the demand for food production is increasingly strained, struggling to keep pace with nutritional needs. This challenge is exacerbated by climate change effects, including extreme weather events and natural disasters, leading to significant losses in both crop yield and arable land. In this article, we delve into the innovative strategies employed by plant researchers to enhance crop resilience and productivity. These efforts have led to the development of new crop varieties that boast adaptability to varying climatic conditions, improved resistance to diseases and herbicides, and significantly increased yields. Alongside genetic advancements, the article also highlights sustainable and smart agricultural practices that are pivotal in augmenting crop productivity. These practices include optimizing water resource management during irrigation and integrating modern informational and intelligent technologies in farmland management. By synthesizing these technological and methodological advances, this article proposes a comprehensive approach to addressing the pressing issues of food security. These solutions not only aim to meet the immediate food demands but also foster long-term sustainability in agricultural practices.

Reformasi Birokrasi dalam Peningkatan Pelayanan Publik pada Dinas Perindustrian, Perdagangan, Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil Menengah Kabupaten Paser Kalimantan Timur

This study discusses bureaucratic reform in improving public services at the Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and Small and Medium Enterprises (DISPERINDAGKOP UKM) of Paser Regency, East Kalimantan. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method, aiming to understand the role of bureaucratic reform in creating more effective, efficient, and transparent public services. A sample of 15 people was taken for this study. The research findings indicate that bureaucratic reform at DISPERINDAGKOP UKM contributes to improving service quality, strengthening human resource capacity, utilizing technology, and increasing community participation. However, there are several obstacles, such as limited human resources, regulations, and adequate infrastructure. Strategic steps, such as developing a reform roadmap, strengthening institutional structures, and implementing a meritocracy system, have been undertaken to address these challenges. This study emphasizes the importance of bureaucratic reform in supporting SME growth, enhancing competitiveness, and improving public trust in local governments.

Deaf-led alarm design: technology and disability in home, work and parenthood

Domestic alarms are highly personal technological appendages that help us achieve an individual sense of safety and familial well-being—like baby monitors that help us care for children and alarm clocks...

Creative Design Approach: Developing Innovative Solutions For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to Lamanna and Meldolesi (2024), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, in which the reasons for this variation are not yet clearly understood. In this sense, there has been a significant increase in integrating technology to support therapy for children with ASD (Toma et al., 2024). Design processes have been assigned as a significant approach to solve problems by creative thinking. Therefore, since creativity is assigned as the human capacity to solve problems it is intrinsic that design process is an important innovation effort. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Creative Framework to foster innovative ideas for a case study (SisTEA). The framework was performed in a multidisciplinary group. The results point out how the Creative Framework, as a systemic process, is important to generate new and significant ideas, enabling the development of innovative solutions for the treatment of children with ASD. This work highlights the importance of synergy between design and creativity to understand the needs of children with ASD in the search for effective solutions

Fostering Rural Economic Development through Penta-Helix Collaboration: A Case Study of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDesa) in Maros Regency, Indonesia

This study examines the implementation of the Penta-Helix collaboration model in developing Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDesa) in Maros Regency, Indonesia. The Penta-Helix model involves collaboration between academics, business, community, government, and media. The research aims to provide theoretical contributions to the development of the Penta-Helix concept and practical recommendations for stakeholders in optimizing collaboration to support BUMDesa development. The study employs a qualitative approach, with data collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving representatives from each actor in the Penta-Helix collaboration. The findings reveal that each actor has specific roles and contributions, such as academics as conceptors, businesses as enablers, communities as accelerators, government as regulators and controllers, and media as expanders. Although the Penta-Helix collaboration in developing BUMDesa in Maros Regency has not reached an optimal stage, there is great potential for further development. The collaboration shows synergy and resource exchange that can drive innovation and sustainability in BUMDesa development. However, challenges remain, such as the not-yet-optimal role of media in publication and promotion, and the need to strengthen commitment and involvement of various parties in the collaboration. The study suggests several strategic steps to optimize the Penta-Helix collaboration, including strengthening synergy and coordination, increasing human resource capacity, optimizing the role of media, strengthening government support, encouraging active community participation, developing strategic partnerships, and conducting regular monitoring and evaluation. By implementing these steps, the Penta-Helix collaboration in developing BUMDesa in Maros Regency is expected to become more optimal and positively impact the welfare of rural communities through sustainable local economic development.

Scaffolded Rumination: The Case of Problematic Smartphone Use

AbstractDebates in 4E and scaffolded cognition have been centered on cases in which human cognitive or affective capacities are enhanced through technology. Recently some authors have noted that this may not always be the case: the technologies and environment around us can negatively impact cognitive and affective abilities. In the first part, I elaborate on this change of perspective in the debate. In the second part, I discuss a case of technology scaffolding maladaptive psychological processes. More in detail, I will focus on the role of smartphones in scaffolding ruminative processes. To illustrate this claim, I introduce four core features of rumination and discuss how they may be supported by problematic smartphone use in light of existing evidence.

Large language models surpass human experts in predicting neuroscience results.

Scientific discoveries often hinge on synthesizing decades of research, a task that potentially outstrips human information processing capacities. Large language models (LLMs) offer a solution. LLMs trained on the vast scientific literature could potentially integrate noisy yet interrelated findings to forecast novel results better than human experts. Here, to evaluate this possibility, we created BrainBench, a forward-looking benchmark for predicting neuroscience results. We find that LLMs surpass experts in predicting experimental outcomes. BrainGPT, an LLM we tuned on the neuroscience literature, performed better yet. Like human experts, when LLMs indicated high confidence in their predictions, their responses were more likely to be correct, which presages a future where LLMs assist humans in making discoveries. Our approach is not neuroscience specific and is transferable to other knowledge-intensive endeavours.

Beyond dissonance: the transformative power of thought analysis in philosophical practice

This paper provides a comprehensive examination of thought analysis as a contemporary practice within philosophical inquiry, exploring its theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and practical implications. Rooted in classical philosophical traditions yet acutely relevant to modern life, thought analysis—officially conceptualized by Tianqun Pan—serves as a bridge between knowledge and action, addressing the cognitive dissonance that often hinders personal growth and rational decision-making. Through an analysis of historical and recent sources, including case studies from the laboratory of thought analysis at Nanjing University, we investigate whether logical reasoning is an innate human capacity or developed through education and practice, highlighting the importance of fostering logical skills in thought analysis. Ethical considerations, such as trust between analyst and visitor and the principle of value neutrality, are critically examined to underscore the necessity of maintaining visitor autonomy and preventing bias. We explore the relationship between thought analysis and therapeutic practices, emphasizing that while thought analysis is not inherently therapeutic, it possesses qualities that can lead to psychological relief and personal development through the clarification of thought. Comparative analyses with Logic-based Therapy and Logotherapy illustrate the unique position of thought analysis within philosophical practice. By reframing thought analysis as a form of humanistic care rather than clinical therapy, the paper advocates for its role in promoting clear thinking, self-awareness, and ethical living, thereby contributing to individual well-being and social harmony. Ultimately, the study affirms thought analysis as a transformative practice that aligns philosophical inquiry with practical life, empowering individuals to achieve greater coherence between their beliefs and actions.

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy study of hemodynamic in the prefrontal and motor cortices and its implications for endurance capacity

This study investigates the primary cortical areas that influence endurance capacity in humans by monitoring cerebral hemodynamics in the prefrontal and motor cortices during endurance exercise. Participants engaged in incremental load endurance exercise while equipped with a functional near-infrared spectroscopy to assess cortical activity. Hemodynamic in the prefrontal and motor cortices were continuously monitored, with a particular emphasis on cortical activation at both the onset and termination of exercise, as well as their relationships with exercise duration and other cortical regions. Results showed that both the prefrontal and motor cortices exhibited significant activation during the onset and termination of exercise, with activation intensity and areas increasing in response to elevated exercise loads. Notably, cortical activation in these cortices at the onset of exercise did not show a significant correlation with exercise duration. However, activations in specific aeras of the motor cortex-FC1h, FC2h, C1h, and C2h-at the termination of exercise were significantly correlated with endurance duration and showed extensive interconnections with other areas in both the prefrontal and motor cortices. These results suggest that FC1h, FC2h, C1h, and C2h in the motor cortex might play a crucial role in regulating endurance capacity. Enhancing the functionality of these cortical areas might contribute to further improvements in endurance performance.

Resilient livelihoods in Africa's pastoral-agropastoral transition zones will increasingly depend on heat stress adaptation and systemic change.

Pastoral-agropastoral transition zones across the African continent are projected to face crop production difficulties due to climate change. A greater emphasis on livestock production may be an appropriate response in some places. Here we explore how heat stress may impact livestock productivity and human work capacity. While adaptations can alleviate some of the challenges related to heat stress, data-driven, systemic changes and multi-stakeholder participation are needed to accommodate the complex socio-economic factors involved in shaping a vision for pastoral and agropastoral food systems and to enact local-and effective-change.

Strategic Resource Management and Workforce Training and Development of Indigenous Oil and Gas Service Firms in Nigeria

Purpose: The study aimed to examine the influence of strategic resource management on workforce training and development of indigenous oil and gas service firms in Nigeria. Methodology: The study which adopted survey research design at the organisational unit of analysis used a self-developed five-point Likert scale questionnaire as instrument of primary data collection from management level respondents. The population of the study was 1827 indigenous oil and gas service firms in four randomly selected South-South States of Nigeria with sample size of 328 determined with Taro Yamane’s formula and proportionally allocated with Bowley’s formula. The scale of measurement reliability was determined with Cronbach’s Alpha and its construct validity tests were with Pearson’s r, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sample adequacy and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Microsoft Excel Software Package version 2016 and IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 software application tools respectively and the research hypothesis tested with simple regression analytical techniques. Results: The results of regression analysis showed that strategic resource management significantly and positively influenced workforce training and development of indigenous oil and gas service firms in Nigeria. Therefore, the study concludes that strategic resource management has significant and positive influence on workforce training and development of indigenous oil and gas service firms in Nigeria. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Based on the results, the study recommended that owners/managers of indigenous oil and gas service firms in Nigeria and other parts of world should continuously invest in their strategic resource management capabilities with special attention to human capacity development in technical skills and talent acquisitions and retention.

An ode to poets

ABSTRACT This poem celebrates the transformative potency of poetry, elevating it as an indispensable therapeutic avenue for the human spirit. It venerates poets spanning epochs and cultures, unearthing their profound capacity to empathize with the plethora of human afflictions and extend solace through the lyrical beauty of their verse. These literary titans are depicted as the quintessential healers of the soul, wielding their art as both sanctuary and armor amidst the tumultuous vicissitudes of life. In a celebration of luminary figures—including the illustrious Iranian poets Hafez, Sadi, Rumi, Rudaki, Nezami, Attar, Parvin, and Forough, alongside other eminent global literary giants— this poem underscores the universal resonance of poetic expression as a conduit for healing and communion. Amid the contemporary societal challenges besieging Iranian women, poetry emerges as a potent vehicle for dissent, offering a nuanced mechanism for individual and collective expression, articulated through richly layered metaphors. For Iranian women, the therapeutic dimensions of poetry provide a sanctuary for exploring and articulating complex emotional landscapes, enabling them to navigate societal constraints while fostering empowerment on their journeys toward emancipation and enlightenment. Ultimately, this ode not only extols the indomitable strength of poetry and its architects but also illuminates the enduring human capacity for resilience and revival through artistic expression. It poignantly acknowledges poetry’s pivotal role in nurturing the spirit, particularly in the contexts where voices are silenced and the pursuit of freedom remains an ardent aspiration. In this regard, poetry transcends mere art; it becomes a radiant path of hope and a formidable catalyst for transformative change.

Assessment the Antecedent of Sustainable National Economy Growth (Green, Blue, Brown & Orange Economy) through Green Business Management Practices in Developing Countries: Evidences from Indonesia

Current research investigates the impact of green, blue, brown and orange economy on National Economy Growth. Putting forward the sustainability in the global context, these economies become crucial paradigm to leverage inclusive and sustainable economy development. GE focused on carbon emission reduction, increase resources efficiency, ecosystem protection, BE emphasized on the marine sustainable resources to push growth. Brown referred on traditional economy model that dependable on natural resources (unrenewable) and produced high greenhouse gas emissions, while OE is dealing with economy creative covered industries (art, culture, entertainment and innovation). Deploying quantitative method approach with secondary data from multi resources, such as government report, national data statistics and also Indonesia large scale enterprises. The analysis conducted to measure the contribution of related economy on national economy development through Green Business Management Practices as intervening variable. Research findings showed the economy categories had huge potency to increase national economy performance. The findings also highlighted the integration of four economies into national strategy development as pivotal step to maintain long term sustainability. Policy recommendation suggested to increase investment, environmental technology, human capacity development, strengthening cooperation within sectors and collaboration among countries and natural resource management.

A predictive human model of language challenges traditional views in linguistics and pretrained transformer research

AbstractThis paper introduces a theory of mind that positions language as a cognitive tool in its own right for the optimization of biological fitness. I argue that human language reconstruction of reality results from biological memory and adaptation to uncertain environmental conditions for the reaffirmation of the Self-as-symbol. I demonstrate that pretrained language models, such as ChatGPT, lack embodied grounding, which compromises their ability to adequately model the world through language due to the absence of subjecthood and conscious states for event recognition and partition. At a deep level, I challenge the notion that the constitution of a semiotic Self relies on computationalreflection, arguing against reducing human representation to data structures and emphasizing the importance of positing accurate models of human representation through language. This underscores the distinction between transformers as posthuman agents and humans as purposeful biological agents, which emphasizes the human capacity for purposeful biological adjustment and optimization. One of the main conclusions of this is that the capacity to integrate information does not amount to phenomenal consciousness as argued byInformation Integration Theory. Moreover, while language models exhibit superior computational capacity, they lack the real consciousness providing them with multiscalar experience anchored in the physical world, a characteristic of human cognition. However, the paper anticipates the emergence of newin silicoconceptualizers capable of defining themselves as phenomenal agents with symbolic contours and specific goals.

Unraveling the nexus: intellectual capital, Fintech innovation, competitive agility, and financial inclusion

Purpose This study empirically explores the impact of human capital, structural capital, relational capital and absorptive capacity on Fintech innovation. This study aims to investigate the potential impact of Fintech innovation on competitive agility and financial inclusion. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from 283 participants in Jordan. Smart PLS software was used to test the hypotheses. Findings The findings reveal that human capital, structural capital, relational capital and absorptive capacity plays a significant role in Fintech innovation. Also, the outcome of path analysis confirms a significant impact of Fintech innovation on competitive agility and financial inclusion. Originality/value This study emphasizes the practical value of intellectual capital in fostering Fintech innovation for managers, banks, financial institutions and policymakers. Prioritizing investment in human, structural and social capital enhances organizational innovation.

Evaluation of the HR Management and Organization Capacity of Bapenda for Optimizing Regional Fiscal Independence

This research aims to evaluate the capacity of the Tegal Regency Regional Revenue Agency as a regional tax management organisation based on the two OECD pillars, namely human resource management, and organisational management, to assist the Tegal district government's efforts to increase fiscal independence. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Primary data sources are interviews with seven respondents at the Regional Revenue Management Agency of Tegal Regency and secondary data in the form of documents related to the research topic. The results of the research show that the condition of human resource management capacity and organisational management of the Tegal Regency Bapenda still requires further capacity development, especially capacity in the medium and significant categories. Some of the problems that still need further capacity development include those related to the competence of employees at Bapenda who do not fully fulfil tax administration functions, the division of tasks and authority that is still not effective. Also, there are still policies that have not been evaluated and updated regularly. This research is expected to provide an overview of the condition of human resource management capacity and the Tegal Regency Bapenda organisation's management of regional taxes so that it can be used as a reference in planning organisational capacity development in an effort to achieve regional fiscal independence.

Normative Agency and Cross-Cultural Human Rights in East Asia

Abstract According to James Griffin (2008) human rights should be grounded in an account of human dignity, based on “normative agency” – the human capacity to choose and pursue a conception of a worthwhile life. In this paper we take up Griffin’s insight that key legitimate human rights are designed to respect and protect this basic capacity, but reject his assumption that normative agency should always and everywhere be understood in a Western way. We argue that “normative agency” is an indeterminate concept that can be differently understood in different cultural contexts and that thinking about human rights in East Asia should be guided by a Griffin-style approach coupled with an account of normative agency with East Asian characteristics. In developing this idea, we contrast our account with recent, moralized conceptions of Confucian dignity and respond to Griffin’s tacit worries about how to concretely implement views like ours in institutional practice.

Sensory stimulation enhances visual working memory capacity

Visual working memory (vWM) plays a crucial role in visual information processing and higher cognitive functions; however, it has a very limited capacity. Recently, several studies have successfully modulated vWM capacity in humans using entrainment with transcranial alternate current stimulation (tACS) by targeting parietal theta in a frequency-specific manner. In the current study, we aim to expand upon these findings by utilizing sensory instead of electrical stimulation. Across six behavioral experiments (combined N = 209), we applied rhythmic visual and auditory sensory stimulation at 4 Hz and 7 Hz, aiming to modulate vWM capacity. Collectively, the results showed an overall robust improvement with sensory stimulation at either frequency, compared to baseline. However, contrary to our prediction, 7 Hz stimulation tended to slightly outperform 4 Hz stimulation. Importantly, the observed facilitatory effect was mainly driven by the low-capacity sub-group of participants. Follow-up experiments using the Attention Network Test (ANT) and pupillometry measures did not find evidence that this effect could be directly attributed to modulation of phasic or tonic arousal. We speculate that our results differed from those obtained with tACS due to targeting functionally different theta oscillations, or the modulation of participants’ temporal expectations.

The Future Of Human-Ai Collaboration In Software Development: A Narrative Exploration

Investigating how artificial intelligence technologies are changing conventional development methods and the role of human developers, this study investigates the changing dynamics of human-AI collaboration in software development. The research explores the opportunities and difficulties brought about by the incorporation of AI tools into software development processes using a thorough investigation of secondary data sources and the body of current literature. The results show that AI is going beyond simple automation in software development, creating a mutually beneficial partnership in which developers become strategic managers of AI-driven workflows and AI enhances human creativity and cognitive capacities. The transition from routine coding to higher-order problem-solving, the rise of new development models, and the increasing significance of ethical considerations in AI implementation are some of the major themes identified in the study. Important issues are also covered, such as the need for improved developer education in AI literacy, bias prevention, and transparency in AI decision-making. The study concludes that effective human-AI cooperation necessitates a well-rounded strategy that makes use of AI's processing capacity while preserving human supervision and originality. Among the suggestions include funding developer education, creating transparent AI systems, encouraging teamwork, and establishing moral standards for integrating AI. This study advances our knowledge of how artificial intelligence will influence software development in the future by indicating that the way forward is to establish an environment in which human knowledge and AI capabilities work in tandem to promote creativity and productivity in software development.

Tocqueville and Democratic Historical Consciousness

ABSTRACT This article assesses to what extent the future of democratic liberty depends upon its citizens employing a proper approach to the past, by analyzing Tocqueville’s views of three kinds of historical consciousness—aristocratic, revolutionary, and democratic. It is argued that democracies require certain aristocratic assumptions about historical dynamics to cultivate a historical consciousness that fosters liberty. Key to this is the belief in the human capacity to influence the trajectory of history. Tocqueville’s historical approach, which blends aristocratic and democratic elements, is identified as the most effective method for tempering the fatalistic tendencies of the democratic point of view. Thus, for democracies to maintain liberty, citizens should recognize the dual role of general causes and human agency in directing the course of historical events. Tocqueville’s insights on the effects of historical consciousness on the future of democratic liberty remain particularly relevant today when Western democracies confront internal polarization and external anti-democratic challenges, whether neoliberal, illiberal, populist, or fascist.