Development Perspective Research Articles

Opening doors to coach education in masters sport for lifelong sport participation

ABSTRACT Coach education directors of sport organizations are responsible for developing coaches to support quality sport participation. While adults comprise an increasingly larger cohort in many sport organizations, their programming, including coaching and coach education, is marginalized. The purpose of this collective case study was to outline directors’ perceptions of challenges and interests regarding lifelong sport participation through their perspectives of adult-oriented professional development for coaches in their sport organizations. Five directors of coach education attended webinars on coaching Masters sport and then engaged in follow-up interviews. Data were reflexively thematically analyzed. The results indicated that directors acknowledge differences in coaching adults and youth but a coaching focus on youth and high performance. They discussed the benefits of supporting Masters sport through quality coaching for lifelong sport participation and valued adult-oriented coaching approaches. Lifelong sport pathways could advance with shifts toward supporting Masters sport with quality coach education.

School leaders’ perspectives of the continuous professional development of teachers

School leaders’ perspectives of the continuous professional development of teachers

Triboelectric and iontronic dual-responsive bioinspired ionic skin for human–like dexterous robotic manipulation

Powerful tactile perception is keystone for robots to achieve human-like dexterous manipulation. However, endowing robots with tactile perception capabilities that approach or even surpass those of humans is a challenge. Organisms can perceive complex environments rapidly, and almost all perception is related to the directional transport of ions. Inspired by this mechanism, we design a flexible dual-responsive skin (FDRS) based on ions migration for proximity and tactile somatosensation, which is consisting of single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator and iontronic sensor, achieving surpassing-skin capabilities. The single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator can encode the proximity information of approaching targets into a series of voltage pulses with fast response time (100 μs). The iontronic tactile unit based on the hierarchical micro-hemispherical gel layer achieves high linearity (R2 = 0.998) over a broad range of 0–700 kPa. We demonstrate the applications of FDRS for three-dimensional object recognition and robotic control. These capabilities of the multilayer integrated FDRS provide new perspectives for the future development of human-like dexterous robotic manipulation.

Evaluation of Geoenvironment Carrying Capacity in Mineral Resource-Based Cities from the Perspective of Sustainable Development

Evaluation of Geoenvironment Carrying Capacity in Mineral Resource-Based Cities from the Perspective of Sustainable Development

Specific features of ß-catenin-mutated hepatocellular carcinomas.

CTNNB1, encoding the ß-catenin protein, is a key oncogene contributing to liver carcinogenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer in adult, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, mainly due to mutations of the CTNNB1 gene, is observed in a significant subset of HCC. In this review, we first resume the major recent advances in HCC classification with a focus on CTNNB1-mutated HCC subclass. We present the regulatory mechanisms involved in β-catenin stabilisation, transcriptional activity and binding to partner proteins. We then describe specific phenotypic characteristics of CTNNB1-mutated HCC thanks to their unique gene expression patterns. CTNNB1-mutated HCC constitute a full-fledged subclass of HCC with distinct pathological features such as well-differentiated cells with low proliferation rate, association to cholestasis, metabolic alterations, immune exclusion and invasion. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to target ß-catenin-mutated liver tumours and innovative perspectives for future drug developments.

Development Overview and Perspective of Semi‐Solid Flow Batteries

The development of efficient and cost‐effective grid energy storage devices is crucial for advancing the future of renewable energy. Semi‐solid flow batteries, as an emerging energy storage technology, offer significantly higher energy density and lower costs compared to traditional liquid flow batteries. However, the complex interplay between rheology and electrochemistry poses challenges for in‐depth investigation. With a sketch of historical development of semi‐solid flow batteries, this minireview summarizes several key issues, including particle interactions, electron transport, and the sustainability of electrochemical reactions in slurry electrodes. By tracing the technological evolution of semi‐solid flow batteries, we provide a forward‐looking perspective on their potential application in future large‐scale energy storage systems, highlighting their promising role in addressing the challenges of energy transition.

Optimal location to land banking practices in urban-rural informal land market continuum of Ghana

Land banking practices in complex informal land markets are growing in developing countries. However, the land banking (LB) literature predominantly focuses on publicly driven land banks operating within formal land markets. Against this backdrop, this study investigates optimal locations for LB projects in Ghana's complex informal land markets from the perspective of private and semi-public real estate developers. Utilising a two-stage research process, first, the study developed a conceptual framework by using: (1) suppositions regarding space under economic geography; and (2) theoretical suppositions on the use of LB and its influence on LB locational choices uncovered from an interpretive hermeneutic literature review. The second stage focused on an empirical assessment of the conceptual framework by taking four urbanised regions in Ghana. The case study stage uses primary data from 30 interviewees selected using purposive and snowball sampling, while secondary data comprised land bank inventories from the regional Lands Commissions of the case study regions. Results revealed land title security as the primary factor determining optimal locations for land banks. There are significant challenges related to land title security in urban and inner parts of peri-urban areas. These challenges are aggravating the transformation of agricultural lands into residential lands in developers' preferred land bank locations. Based on the ongoing land transformation occurrences, the study underscores the need for policy responses that enhance title security to encourage developers to diversify their land banking locational preferences beyond solely greenfield sites to a mix of green and urban brownfield sites.

The process of strategizing the formation and development of agglomerations in the Kemerovo region – Kuzbass

The article deals with various approaches to interpreting the essence of agglomerations of Kuzbass (geo-urban, legal, managerial and strategic), which ensure finding more effective methods to implement the acceleration of the region’s economic development. The author uses the theory of strategy and methodology of strategizing by Professor V.L. Kvint to analyze the targeted programs of the Kuzbass agglomerations determining the prospects for their development. The peculiar features of economic development are determined by the basic economic indicators of the region such as the volume of investment, budget revenues, and the volume of gross regional product. The author supposes that the drawback of the formation of the agglomerations development programs is the lack of forecast that could reveal global, industry and regional trends directly connected with the prospects for agglomeration. The article contains the definition of the mission and vision essential for developing strategies of agglomerations in Kuzbass; a critical analysis of goal setting has been carried out. In the perspective of development of each goal of the strategy, it is necessary to provide for the measures aimed at supporting agglomerations taking into account their demographic situation and the peculiar features of the settlement system, the level and dynamics of development of municipal bodies and natural and climatic conditions. It is important to provide for financing the reconstruction of the previously lost competitive advantages and the development of technological trends. Intermunicipal coordination development councils of the agglomerations created are recommended to take into account the lack of clear definition of the qualitative characteristics of the tasks set. The implementation of the priority directions of the social and economic transformation of Kuzbass is likely to ensure the new quality of life of the region’s population.

Optimizing Prussian Blue Analogues for Potassium‐Ion Batteries: Advanced Strategies

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), with the merits of abundant resources and low cost, have rapidly garnered attention as a potential candidate for large‐scale energy storage. Among the various contenders, Prussian Blue analogues (PBAs) are considered the most suitable cathode materials owing to their relatively easy and economical synthesis as well as the open 3D framework which facilitates fast potassium ions intercalation without causing drastic volume expansion. Despite these advantages, integrating PBA as a cathode material for PIBs presents substantial challenges, which hinder their further practical applications. Herein, a fundamental review on the development and advance of PBAs in PIBs is presented with the elucidation of their synthesis methods, structural characteristics, and optimization strategies. Particularly, key areas of focus include regulating crystal structures, doping transition metals, engineering interfaces, and employing innovative techniques such as high‐entropy approaches are highlighted. Finally, critical perspectives for future development of PBAs toward practical potassium‐based energy storage devices are proposed.

Principals’ conceptions of mathematics instruction: Co-constructing sophisticated instructional vision through professional development

ABSTRACT Objectives Although a principal’s instructional vision is recognized as important for schoolwide improvement efforts, little is known about how principals conceive of mathematics instruction or how professional learning opportunities shape their instructional vision. This article explores principals’ conceptions of mathematics instruction after participating in learning experiences designed to support the development of a vision of high-quality instruction. Methods Through a design-based research approach, we created classroom-based learning experiences for six elementary school principals to develop their vision of high-quality mathematics instruction in the context of a research-practice partnership. Transcripts from the learning experiences and follow-up interviews were analysed qualitatively. Results Findings illustrate nuances in participating principals’ conceptions of mathematics instruction and how their role shaped their vision. Principals attended to the importance of the teacher in actively shaping learning experiences, but were less consistent in describing other dimensions of high-quality instruction such as mathematics tasks. Findings suggest that principals’ conceptions aligned with features of high-quality instruction to the extent they were discussed or elevated during the professional learning experience. Conclusions Our analysis highlights the importance of considering principals’ unique perspectives in professional development around high-quality mathematics instruction and has implications for future practice-embedded principal learning opportunities.

Economic and Governance Dimensions of ESG Performance: A Comparative Study in the Developing and European Countries

ABSTRACT: This research delves into the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics on economic practices, focusing on a comparative analysis between developing countries and Europe from 1960 to 2021. It explores how ESG metrics, once peripheral in economic analyses, have become pivotal in shaping economies and societies globally. The study highlights the emerging importance of ESG in understanding economic resilience, societal well-being, and investment priorities, especially in the context of a globalized landscape. Employing a robust mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses to examine ESG metrics’ evolving role. Utilizing World Bank data, it encompasses a comprehensive review of 239 regions and nations over a span of six decades. The quantitative component includes descriptive and time series analyses, alongside correlation and regression techniques. Complementing this, a qualitative cultural and economic synthesis provides deeper insight into the data, positioning ESG criteria at the crossroads of financial imperatives, societal obligations, and cultural dynamics. The study uncovers significant correlations between higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) levels and advanced ESG practices in Europe, indicative of societal values that emphasize sustainability. It reveals varying ESG performances across Western and Eastern European countries compared to developing nations, influenced by distinct cultural economies. The research highlights how regional geopolitical events, cultural norms, and values have shaped diverse trajectories in ESG metrics’ evolution. These findings offer nuanced insights into the complex influences of ESG metrics across different economic, sociopolitical, and cultural landscapes. The study’s outcomes are vital for policymakers and investors, unveiling the intricate nuances and implications of ESG trends. It underscores the need for nuanced policy strategies that consider the unique cultural and economic backgrounds of regions, particularly in developing countries. The research advocates for a cultural-economic perspective in sustainable development, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between society, culture, and economy. The findings suggest that embracing diverse ESG applications can lead to more effective and culturally sensitive approaches to economic development and governance. Conclusively, this research offers a comprehensive cultural-economic perspective on the role of ESG metrics in shaping sustainable development. It serves as a foundational analysis for future studies and policy formulations, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of ESG criteria in diverse economic and cultural settings.

Gender Perspectives in Politics, Peacebuilding and Development in Nigeria

Gender Perspectives in Politics, Peacebuilding and Development in Nigeria

Structure, properties, forming, and applications of alginate fibers: A review

Alginate has gained extensive attention due to its versatile properties and numerous applications in different fields. Due to the abundant availability of raw alginate in nature and its advantage of being easily recycled, alginate-based materials are conducive to advancing the shift away from an economy dependent on fossil fuels to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable one. In addition, its inherent biocompatibility makes alginate a fascinating biomedical material. This comprehensive review presents a detailed analysis of alginate, focusing on its structural characteristics, physicochemical and biological properties, current processing technologies, and modification strategies. This review explores the diverse applications of alginate-based materials in biomedicine and healthcare, considering drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and wound dressings. Additionally, this review looks into the environmental applications of alginate in biosensors and waste-water treatment. The challenges associated with alginate utilization and future perspectives for research and development are also presented. This review provides a comprehensive overview of alginate, offering valuable insights into its properties, applications, and potential for future applications across various industries.

Life cycle perspective in design and product development

Abstract Eco-design is one of the cornerstones of the modern economy, as reflected in the policies aimed at implementing the principles of design for the environment in the European Union legislation. A life cycle perspective is a feature of eco-design. The study aimed to determine whether and to what extent the selected companies operating in manufacturing sectors consider life cycle perspectives when designing and developing the products they offer. The main research area discussed in the following article focused on the question: What kind of activities related to the idea of life cycle thinking in product policy can be identified in the analysed enterprises? Qualitative research was conducted using the individual in-depth interview method with representatives of selected industries located in Poland. Eight manufacturer groups were invited to participate in the study. Based on the recruitment process, 24 companies were chosen for the interview. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using Microsoft Teams, following the ICC/ESOMAR Code 2016 standards. Based on the results, most companies that participated in the study considered the life cycle perspective when designing or further developing products. However, their activities varied in scope. The activities of the ten interviewed companies could be regarded as advanced. For six companies, the advanced activities targeted the product’s use phase. Two companies undertook such activities at more than one life cycle stage. The study provides evidence that the surveyed companies are beginning to think beyond operational boundaries and changing their pro-environmental orientation, albeit unimpressively. The paper provides evidence that eco-design requirements are an unquestionable driver for activities from a life cycle perspective. All surveyed manufacturers of energy-powered products are taking measures to reduce energy intensity with less activity, for example, ensuring the durability/reliability of products and finding solutions to facilitate disassembly and recycling.

Influence of perceived harm due to substance use on the relationships between positive psychotic experiences and suicidal experiences in people with non-affective psychosis.

The ways in which perceived harm due to substance use affects relationships between psychotic and suicidal experiences are poorly understood. The goal of the current study was to redress this gap by investigating the moderating effects of harm due to substance use on pathways involving positive psychotic symptoms, the perceived cognitive-emotional sequelae of those symptoms, and suicidal ideation. The design was cross-sectional. Mediation and moderated mediation pathways were tested. The predictor was severity of positive psychotic symptoms. Cognitive interpretative and emotional characteristics of both auditory hallucinations and delusions were mediators. Suicidal ideation was the outcome variable. General symptoms associated with severe mental health problems were statistically controlled for. There was evidence of an indirect pathway between positive psychotic symptom severity and suicidal ideation via cognitive interpretation and emotional characteristics of both auditory hallucinations and delusions. Harm due to drug use, but not alcohol use, moderated the indirect pathway involving delusions such that it was most prominent when harm due to drug use was at medium-to-high levels. The components of suicidal ideation that were most strongly affected by this moderated indirect pathway were active intent, passive desire, and lack of deterrents. From both scientific and therapy development perspectives, it is important to understand the complex interplay between, not only the presence of auditory hallucinations and delusions, but the ensuing cognitive and emotional consequences of those experiences which, when combined with harm associated with substance use, in particular drug use, can escalate suicidal thoughts and acts.

Life purposes of Finnish adolescents

ABSTRACT This mixed methods study examines life purposes of Finnish adolescents (N = 843) at the end of their basic education. Purpose is understood as a long-term intention to accomplish something of meaning to the self, which also contributes to society. The research showed that, despite problem talk about adolescents’ mental health, Finnish adolescents seem to be exceptionally well aware of their life purposes. The quantitative data analysis identified four purpose profiles. Girls apparently wished to make an impact on the world, and belonged mainly to the Purposeful and Dreamers profiles, while most of the boys belonged to the Self-oriented and Disengaged profiles. Adolescents’ written responses showed that two-thirds had identified life purposes and were pursuing them. Those aiming at an emotional state outnumbered those with some specific objective. The results are discussed from the perspective of purpose development and the holistic approach of the National Curriculum for Basic Education.

Virtual Laboratories in STEM

Virtual laboratory utilization has been trending in STEM undergraduate curricula for over twenty years. A virtual laboratory is an interactive computer simulation that mimics real-world laboratory experiences in silico. Virtual labs are cost-effective pedagogical options for academic institutions that lack adequate funding for physical infrastructure and instrumentation. Virtual labs are an excellent proxy for lab activities threatening individual safety and public health. Further, during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual labs were the primary pedagogical strategy for laboratory instruction. STEM faculty have developed numerous techniques for incorporating virtual labs into classroom and laboratory activities. New technology like artificial intelligence will expand virtual lab usability and effectiveness. Educational research demonstrates positive student outcomes and other benefits from virtual lab engagement. Continued effective mixed-methods research and production of essential virtual lab-based evaluation materials, such as discipline-specific rubrics, are needed to advance the application of this vital technology further. Moreover, from a software development perspective, many more virtual laboratories are needed in technology, engineering, mathematics, and specialized scientific fields.

In what ways do AI techniques propel decision-making amidst volatility? Annotated bibliography perspectives

This research presents a systematic review and approximation, from 2018 to 2023, of how Artificial Intelligence can support decision-making processes when business managers have to resolve between multiple alternatives for the development of new businesses using Agile Frameworks; and as well, will be addressed from the genesis concepts such as VUCA, Agile Mindset, Infinite Game Theory, Agile Frameworks, Innovation, Artificial Intelligence among others with the aim of identifying research gaps in the decision-making process under changing environments. Most of the analyzed studies are focused on Infinity Games theory to better understand innovation processes linked from early stages to deployment phases of products. Furthermore, this paper analyzes AI techniques for decision-making under volatile circumstances and raises 5 research questions that from a logical and chronological perspective in development are resolved during the research. It is important to highlight that AI-related solutions are typically used to make informed decisions; however, few studies adopt AI to support the decision-making process in unstable environments.

Determinants affecting the current state and perspectives of development of textile and clothing industry clusters within the European Union

The textile and clothing industry is one of the oldest industries ever, as the need for clothing is as old as human existence itself. Of course, the challenges and problems it faces are connected with this, currently primarily the environmental burden, the need for digitization, low wages for workers as well as the protection of brands and the development of the grey economy. With its positions, the European Union declares its interest in solving these issues. Many traditional companies are undergoing changes and there is a natural need for innovation, thus the textile and clothing industry is interfering with the creative industry. The barriers to innovation in this area are frequently small and medium-sized enterprises, which cannot solve many things and be competitive compared to large enterprises, but their flexibility and quick response to the changing needs of customers and the market give them advantages compared to the big ones. The possibilities of how smaller businesses can succeed and compete even in the long term are through clusters, which will provide them with the necessary scope, strength, and research, but at the same time keep them independent. In our contribution, we tried to find out the perspective of the development of textile and clothing industry clusters in Europe given the existing market situation and consumer expectations.

The spatial effects of innovation agglomeration on air quality in China: from the perspective of industrial development

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore the impact of innovation agglomeration on air pollution and industrial transformation within the context of China’s green development transition. We developed a general equilibrium model to theoretically explore these effects and employed an econometric analysis using panel data from 284 prefecture-level cities in China between 2005 and 2019 to empirically validate our findings. The main results are as follows: (1) Innovation agglomeration can significantly improve air quality, with a strong spatial spillover effect. (2) Innovation agglomeration can significantly promote transformation and upgrading of industrial structure, and it may also lead to the convergence of some industrial structures. Moreover, industrial structure transformation and upgrading partially mediates the relationship between innovation agglomeration and air pollution. (3) There is a nonlinear relationship between innovation agglomeration and air pollution. As industrial complementarity is developed, the effect of innovation agglomeration on air pollution enhances. These findings suggest that fostering innovation clusters and encouraging industrial diversification are key policy strategies for achieving sustainable urban development and improving environmental outcomes.