bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apresentação: A Luta pelos Direitos Socioambientais - Brasil e Canadá em solidariedade
Authors: Gilbert Bruce , Monteiro Joca Martins Martha Priscylla , Morais Hugo Belarmino de , Seva Janaína Tude , Moreira Erika Macedo
Published: November 2023

Povos indígenas, quilombolas, membros de movimentos sociais, militantes e acadêmicos se reuniram na Universidade Bishop’s (Sherbrooke, Canadá), entre os dias 19 e 22 de outubro de 2017, a fim de realizar reflexões conjuntas e elaborar estratégias sobre promoção e defesa de direitos humanos e direitos socioambientais no Canadá e no Brasil. Os artigos apresentados no presente dossiê da Revista InSURgência são frutos desse Congresso “A Luta pelos Direitos Socioambientais: Brasil e Canadá em Solidariedade.” Na ocasião, foram partilhados desafios comuns e experiências em torno da concretização desses direitos.
The Theoretical Foundations and Approaches to the Modernization of Higher Education Institutions on the Basis of the Conception of Sustainable Development
Authors:   National University «Chernihiv Polytechnic», Kholiavko Nataliia I. , Samoilovych Anastasiia H. ,   National University «Chernihiv Polytechnic», Olyfirenko Ivan I. ,   National University «Chernihiv Polytechnic»
Published: November 2023

In recent years, higher education institutions have been developing under the influence of atypical, unpredictable, powerful exogenous challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant transformations in the educational, research, and international activities of universities, transferring most communications to an online format (distance learning, remote work, meetings with colleagues and communication with partners in the form of video conferencing, making use of modern digital technologies). With the beginning of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, educational institutions are suffering enormous losses both in human capital (departure of scientific and pedagogical staff and students of higher education abroad, mobilization, injury, captivity, death of both employees and students) and in material and technical support (damage or destruction of buildings, laboratories, destruction or theft of equipment, etc.). The authors of the article note that the post-war modernization of Ukrainian universities should be implemented on the basis of the conception of sustainable development, covering various areas of their activities, and not limited exclusively to restoration to the pre-war state. The aim of the article is to systematize scientific approaches to the study of the processes of modernization of higher education institutions on the basis of the conception of sustainable development. To achieve the goal, the method of content analysis was used to study scientific publications of foreign scientists devoted to the study of various aspects of sustainable development of higher education institutions. On the basis of the carried out study, the following main groups of scientific approaches have been allocated: institutional, material-ecological, process, experimental-search, stakeholder (partnership), and structural-functional approaches. The authors conclude that, given the multifaceted nature of the processes of modernization of higher education institutions on the basis of the conception of sustainable development, it appears more balanced to apply an integrated approach to the related research work.
Strategies for Navigating in the Fragmentation Conditions of Global Finance and Economic Digitalization: Contemporary Trends in TNC Management
Authors:   West Ukrainian National University, Zhyvko Maksym A. , Vivchar Stepan F. ,   West Ukrainian National University
Published: November 2023

In an era characterized by the globalization of finance and the rapid digitalization of economies, Transnational Corporations (TNCs) face complex challenges and opportunities to maintain competitive advantage and sustained growth. This article examines the contemporary trends in TNC management strategies, specifically focusing on their response to the fragmentation conditions within the global financial landscape and the pervasive influence of digital transformation on economic activities. The paper delves into the evolving paradigms of TNC operations, highlighting the dynamic interplay between global finance and digitalization, which has necessitated the development of innovative approaches to corporate governance, risk management, and value creation. Through a comprehensive review of recent case studies and industry practices, the article identifies critical insights into how TNCs are reshaping their organizational structures, operational models, and technological investments. Furthermore, the study explores the role of strategic partnerships, regulatory adaptations, and technology-driven initiatives in enhancing TNC resilience in facing financial uncertainties and disruptive digital forces. By shedding light on these contemporary trends, this article contributes to the broader discourse on TNC management strategies within global finance globalization and economic digitalization, offering valuable insights for practitioners, scholars, and policymakers alike.
A Comparative Analysis of the Development of Startups in the World Economy
Authors:   National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute», Trofymenko Olena O. , Ilyash Olha I. ,   National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute»
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the article is to conduct a comparative analysis of the trends in the development of startups, taking account of world practices and the possibility of their implementation in Ukraine. The impact of Industries 4.0, 5.0 on ensuring the high-tech development of national economic systems is substantiated and the need to implement startups as the basis for the formation of innovative entrepreneurship is emphasized. Changes in global financing of startups are analyzed, a decrease in the number and value of deals on the financing of startups and fluctuations in the financing due to the phased development of startups are revealed. The following reasons for the decrease in the financing are identified: a slight rise in investment in the early stages of the development of startups and a fall in the level of global financing of startups due to the unattractive investment climate in the global economic system. The need for assessing the factors in the formation of a new ecosystem for the development of startups by country, changes in the number of registered startups is emphasized. The leaders in the development of startups in the TOP-5 countries are identified, examples of highly rated startups in specific countries are provided and the main areas of their operation are determined. The trends towards the increase in the number of dismissals of IT workers in 2023 are systematized. It is found that such dismissals have a negative impact on the technological development of sectors and decrease the attractiveness of startups in innovative entrepreneurship. The global structure of startups by fields of activity and changes during 2022-2023 are analyzed, reductions in such industries as social networks and leisure, e-commerce and retail are detected. The main global trends in the development of startups and influencing factors in the development of startups are determined. It is concluded that in the conditions of global transformations there are negative changes in the development strategies of startups, the priority areas are the planning and improvement of business models, and not the growth strategies within the framework of increasing the profitability of foreign companies.
Assessing the Bioenergy Potential of the Agro-Industrial Complex to Ensure the Energy Independence of the Industry
Authors:   Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Honcharuk Inna V. , Pantsyreva Hanna V. ,   Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Vovk Valeriia Yu. ,   Vinnytsia National Agrarian University
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the study is to assess the bioenergy potential of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine to ensure the energy independence of the industry. The article analyzes the structure of the world-wide supply of primary energy and determines the share of renewable energy sources (hereinafter – RES) in this structure. The expediency of using biomass for the development of bioenergy in Ukraine is substantiated. The classification of the main sources of biomass for energy production is characterized, which, first of all, include primary wood, agricultural waste (dry and wet residues), energy plants, food and industrial waste. The formation of primary agricultural waste in Ukraine is studied, starting from the gross harvest of the main crops and waste coefficients. The theoretical bioenergy potential of primary crop waste in Ukraine in terms of equivalent fuel based on the heat of combustion of waste from the corresponding crops is calculated. The technical bioenergy potential of crop waste has been determined using the coefficients of technical accessibility, the basis of which is the existing technologies for the collection and processing of agricultural waste into energy. An assessment of the economic potential of crop waste for energy production is carried out, the computed technical potential of crop waste and the coefficient of energy use of waste have been taken as the basis for the calculation. According to the results of the study, it is concluded that in Ukraine, the primary waste of such crops as corn for grain, sunflower, wheat, rapeseed and soybeans has the greatest potential for use for energy purposes. The main barriers that hinder the development of bioenergy in Ukraine and slow down the pace of achieving energy independence of the agro-industrial complex are identified. The main ways to overcome the identified barriers are proposed, which should stimulate the use of the bioenergy potential of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine.
Analyzing the Structure of the Ukrainian Market of Heat Energy Producers
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, Kyzym Mykola O. , Kotliarov Yevhen I. ,   Research Centre for Industrial Problems of Development of NAS of Ukraine, Filatova Tetyana A. ,   Research Centre for Industrial Problems of Development of NAS of Ukraine
Published: November 2023

The aim of the article is to study the structure of the market of heat energy producers by organizational and legal forms of economic management and by types of ownership, to determine on this basis the directions of reforming the communal heat and power industry. To achieve the aforementioned goal, the available regional registers of licensees-economic entities in the field of heat supply, as well as the resolutions of the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission on the issuance of licenses and/or setting the tariffs for heat energy, are analyzed. The accomplished analysis covers the period from 2014 to the first half of 2023 inclusive. 980 economic entities that carried out economic activity during the analyzed period, among them 844 that operated at the end of this period, are identified. These economic entities have different forms of ownership and different organizational and legal forms of economic management. It is determined that the well-known statement that the municipal heat and power industry has been in a state of crisis is valid only for the communal utilities operating large district heating systems. Such enterprises are characterized by a high level of wear and tear of equipment, unsatisfactory financial condition, and inefficient management of the enterprise. Along with the latter, the private sector enterprises are actively developing in Ukraine. Of the total number of economic entities included in the sample (844), more than half (492) are private enterprises, limited liability companies, or individual entrepreneurs. Such economic entities operate effectively in regional markets without receiving any subsidies from local budgets; many of them have been around for more than 10 years. On the basis of the performed analysis, directions of reforming heat and power enterprises of various forms of ownership, first of all, the State-owned and municipal enterprises, are suggested. It is proposed, when expecting an increase in the level of management of a municipal utility enterprise, in particular, to have all kinds of activities unbundled and to implement the outsourcing of the non-core functions. Prospects for further research on this topic would be the study of the organization of heat supply in certain regions and settlements of Ukraine.
Academic Librarians’ Participation in Non-Library Conferences
Authors: Hannah Chapman Tripp  , Bogucka Roxanne , Andrea S. Cato
Published: November 2023

This study investigates librarian attendance at non-library conferences (NLCs), such as subject-specific conferences, by surveying librarians about attendance, the characteristics of those who attend, why they attend, how they participate, and more. Among the questionnaire respondents, the most likely attendees are STEM liaisons from doctoral universities. While the responses to attending NLCs were broadly positive, the richest data obtained from the study was from a freeform response to a question about perceived benefits/flaws about attending NLCs. Many respondents cited the value of keeping up with trends in the non-library field, improved patron interaction, and getting out of the library silo. The few respondents who reported downsides to attending NLCs mentioned costs, time commitment, and relevance of content. We affirm the value of NLCs and share suggestions for increasing the prevalence of and support for attendance by formally and informally sharing experiences with other librarians.
SITUS PENINGGALAN SEJARAH PRASASTI PASIR PANJANG DI MERAL BARAT TANJUNG BALAI KARIMUN
Authors: Yuliani Yuliani , Arnesih Arnesih
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui situs sejarah peninggalan Prasasti Pasir Panjang di Meral Barat Tanjung Balai Karimun. Karimun berada di bawah kekuasaan kerajaan Sriwijaya dan pada masa itu pengaruh ajaran Hindu dan Buddha mulai masuk ke Pulau Karimun. Masyarakat mengakui bahwa umat Hindu-Budha pernah singgah ke Tanjung Balai Karimun dan dibuktikan dengan adanya bukti prasasti pasir panjang. Karimun dahulu berada di bawah kekuasaan kerajaan Sriwijaya hingga keruntuhannya pada abad ke-13, dan pada masa itu pengaruh ajaran Hindu dan Buddha mulai masuk ke Pulau Karimun. Banyak tempat-tempat peninggalan sejarah di Tanjung Balai Karimun, seperti, gedung nasional karimun, keramat tanjung gelam, makam badang  moyang seraga serta prasasti pasir panjang
PENERAPAN METODE PICTURE AND PICTURE UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR IPS TERPADU SISWA KELAS IX SMPN 25 BATAM T.A 2021/2022
Authors: YANTI FITRI , Mila Nurmila
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan hasil belajar siswa dalam pembelajaran IPS Terpadu menggunakan metode Picture and Picture di SMP Negeri 25 Batam  T.A 2021/2022. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode eksperimen, quasi eksperimental research. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas IX IPS SMP Negeri 25 Batam. Teknik sampling dalam penelitian ini menggunakan non probability sampling, yaitu dengan menggunakan purposive sampling. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan berbentuk soal pilihan ganda yang telah diuji validitas dan reabilitasnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan penerapan metode Picture and Picture efektif terhadap hasil belajar IPS Terpadu siswa kelas IX SMPN 25 Batam, terlihat dari peningkatan hasil belajar siswa diperoleh hasil belajar siswa dengan nilai terbesar siswa kelas eksperimen (Xmax) adalah 100 dan nilai terkecil (Xmin) adalah 75 dengan mean 82.3. Sedangkan pada kelas kontrol, nilai terbesar siswa (Xmax) adalah 90 dan nilai terkecil (Xmin) adalah 60, dengan mean 74.5 yang menandakan presentase hasil belajar belum mencapai KKM 75.00.
PENGARUHiLIKUIDITAS DANiSOLVABILITASiTERHADAP KINERJAiKEUANGAN PTiGUDANG GARAMiTBK PERIODE 2017-2021
Authors: Arumsari Yasinta Citra
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh likuiditas dan solvabilitas terhadap kinerja keuangan perusahaan. Dalam penelitian ini variabel independent adalah likuiditas yang menggunakan perhitungan rasio CR (Current Ratio) dan solvabilitas yang menggunakan perhitungan DER (Debt to Equity Ratio). Sedangkan untuk variabel dependen adalah kinerja keuangan dengan menggunakan perhitungan rasio ROE (Return on Equity). Data yang digunakan berupa data sekunder laporan keuangan tahunan. Metode penelitan yang diterapkan yakni penelitian kuantitatif.  Populasi dalam penelitian ini yakni laporan keuangan PT Gudang Garam Tbk serta mengambil sampel berupa neraca dan laporan laba rugi PT Gudang Garam Tbk periode 2017-2021. Teknik analisis data menggunakan Uji Analisis Asumsi Klasik, Analisis Koefisien Determinasi(R2) dan Analisis Regresi Linier Berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan angka signifikansi likuiditas yang diproksikan dengan CR (Current Ratio) sebesar 0,299. Angka signifikansi solvabilitas yang diproksikan dengan DER (Debt to Equity Ratio) sebesar 0,272. Besarnya angka tersebut melebihi dari standar taraf signifikansi yakni 0,05. Hal tersebut dapat diartikan bahwa likuiditas dan solvabilitas tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja keuangan perusahan.
Functional flexible adaptation of selective attention in bilingualism
Authors: Phelps Jacqueline , Bozic Mirjana
Published: November 2023

We analysed performance on selective attention tasks in the context of very high processing loads, in order to establish how this finite capacity is affected by bilingualism and age. If bilingual modulation of selective attention reflects redistribution rather than enhancement, and the constant demands of bilingualism consume a portion of attentional capacity, very high attentional loads can be expected to tax bilinguals’ performance more than in monolingual controls. To test this, we designed an “extreme” dual attentional task with competing demands. Monolingual and bilingual participants performed an auditory dichotic listening task with varying levels of interference, while also detecting visual targets on the screen. The same task was performed by children and adults, to establish how this adaptation of selective attention in bilingualism might change with maturation. Results showed equivalent performance on accuracy of the dual attention task for monolinguals and bilinguals in both age groups. Reaction times from the visual task however revealed differences between groups, with bilingual children’s responses significantly slower relative to monolingual children in conditions of high processing load, whereas the bilingual and monolingual adults’ performance was equivalent. These results are indicative of distribution of the available capacity and task prioritisation in bilingual children relative to monolinguals, with these differences in performance receding by adulthood. This suggests that maturation of the selective attention system enables adaptation to the combined load of second language processing and competing task demands; resulting in flexibly adapted selective attention system capable of optimal processing even under very high processing loads.
Neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 (npy2r) deficiency reduces anxiety and increases food intake in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Lu Ke , Jia Xiaodan , Wu Jiaqi , Wang Qiuling , Liang Xu-Fang
Published: November 2023

Neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 (npy2r) is an important receptor gene involved in anxiety and feeding regulation in mammals. Since NPY receptors have different receptor gene deletions in mammals and teleost fish, it is not clear whether npy2r has the similar function in fish as in mammals. In this study, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to establish npy2r-deficient medaka (Oryzias latipes). Unexpectedly, the deletion of npy2r resulted in the npy2r+/− medaka were all-male, therefore, npy2r homozygous mutant lines could not be established. The deletion of npy2r increased the food intake in medaka, and the expression levels of appetite stimulating genes (agrp, npy) increased significantly, while the expression levels of anorexia factors (cck, pomc) decreased significantly. Moreover, the absence of npy2r significantly increased the total length and body weight of medaka. The mirror test and open field test showed that npy2r+/− medaka improved sociability and reduced anxiety-like behavior, qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of anxiety related genes (th1, th2, gr1, gr2, and mr) in npy2r+/− medaka were significantly decreased. So far, this is the first npy2r gene knockout model established in fish and demonstrates that npy2r plays an important role in the regulation of reproduction, feeding and anxiety in fish.
Placing willed attention in context: a review of attention and free will
Authors: Nadra John G. , Mangun George R.
Published: November 2023

Attention is the ability to focus one's awareness on relevant events and objects while ignoring distracting ones. Laboratory studies of top-down voluntary attention commonly use predictive or instructional cues to direct attention. However, in real world scenarios, voluntary attention is not necessarily externally cued, but may be focused by internal, self-generated processes. The voluntary focusing of attention in the absence of external guidance has been referred to as “willed attention,” a term borrowed from the literature on willed motor actions. In a fashion similar to studies of willed (self-initiated) actions, during willed attention, participants are given the freedom to deploy attention based on their own free choices. Electrophysiological studies have shown that during willed attention, ongoing neural activity biases willed attention decisions on a moment-to-moment basis as reflected in transient patterns of brain electrical activity that predict where participants will later choose to focus their attention. Brain imaging studies have revealed that compared to cued attention, willed attention involves additional frontal cortical structures, which interact with the classic attentional control networks of the human brain to produce a modified network organization for willed attention control. In this introduction to willed attention, we briefly review the fields of voluntary attention and self-initiated motor actions, in order to describe willed attention and its neural correlates as they relate to the broader concepts of attention and volition.
Where do differences in theory of mind development come from? An agent-based model of social interaction and theory of mind
Authors: Yu Chi-Lin , Wellman Henry M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Where do individual differences in theory of mind (ToM) development come from? This is an open-ended issue in developmental psychology. Correlational research suggests social interaction as a cause. However, causal experiments controlling children's extended, real-life social interactions are impractical and unethical, so the links between social interaction and ToM remain only indirectly demonstrated. To shed light on how social interaction, in different degrees and forms, may influence ToM development, we conducted computational experiments using agent-based modeling.

Methods

To begin with, we simulated agents (hypothetically, children) and assigned them to 10 groups, where each group was manipulated to allow a different amount of social interaction, from 1 to 10. Within each group, agents randomly roamed and encountered one another and then interacted. If these interactions continued long enough, agents' ToM probabilistically improved.

Results

As expected, results showed that the amount of social interaction strongly influenced how fast agents developed ToM, where more social interaction led to more rapid development. Given this confirmation of the assumed link, we more focally explored how other factors—such as having a prior, established social network or agents' network centrality—could influence the social interaction-ToM link. Then, we tested our model against real-world data from 84 deaf children and showed that our modeling results could explain the social interaction-ToM link observed in deaf children.

Discussion

These demonstrations illustrate how individual differences in ToM development may emerge and offer an explanation specifying a crucial mechanism for how all humans achieve ToM—faster or with delay—through processes of social interaction.
Picturebooks and reader training in the 21st century. An ecocritical reading of canonical works of children’s literature
Authors: Laliena Daniel , Tabernero Sala Rosa
Published: November 2023

The recent proliferation of environmental children’s literature and the growing interest in this type of books by researchers and proponents of ecocriticism could be deemed a byproduct of contemporary concerns regarding environmental sustainability. Considering books for children as more than mere tools for environmental awareness-raising prompts an approach to canonical picturebooks that reveals their ecocritical nature based on the esthetic, multimodal and literary dimensions of these works. This study proposes the analysis of 25 picturebooks by five influential female authors to identify the keys to their ecocritical reading. Indeed, the elements that define literary discourse construction in children’s books (paratextuality, illustration and design, character development and focalization) are precisely those that have proved to be fundamental in this sense. Interpreting these seminal works from an ecocritical vantage point updates them in step with current ecocentric paradigms by promoting a sense of wonder in young readers that leads them to delight in and reflect on nature and the environment.
Characteristics of specialists treating hypothyroid patients: the “THESIS” collaborative
Authors: Žarković Miloš , Attanasio Roberto , Nagy Endre V. , Negro Roberto , Papini Enrico , Perros Petros , Cohen Chagit Adler , Akarsu Ersin , Alevizaki Maria , Ayvaz Göksun , Bednarczuk Tomasz , Berta Eszter , Bodor Miklos , Borissova Anna Maria , Boyanov Mihail , Buffet Camille , Burlacu Maria-Cristina , Ćirić Jasmina , Díez Juan J. , Dobnig Harald , Fadeyev Valentin , Field Benjamin C. T. , Fliers Eric , Frølich Jacob Stampe , Führer Dagmar , Galofré Juan Carlos , Hakala Tommi , Jiskra Jan , Kopp Peter , Krebs Michael , Kršek Michal , Kužma Martin , Lantz Mikael , Lazúrová Ivica , Leenhardt Laurence , Luchytskiy Vitaliy , McGowan Anne , Melo Miguel , Metso Saara , Moran Carla , Morgunova Tatyana , Mykola Tronko , Beleslin Biljana Nedeljković , Niculescu Dan Alexandru , Perić Božidar , Planck Tereza , Poiana Catalina , Puga Francisca Marques , Robenshtok Eyal , Rosselet Patrick , Ruchala Marek , Riis Kamilla Ryom , Shepelkevich Alla , Unuane David , Vardarli Irfan , Visser W. Edward , Vrionidou Andromachi , Younes Younes R. , Yurenya Elena , Hegedüs Laszlo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Thyroid specialists influence how hypothyroid patients are treated, including patients managed in primary care. Given that physician characteristics influence patient care, this study aimed to explore thyroid specialist profiles and associations with geo-economic factors.

Methods

Thyroid specialists from 28 countries were invited to respond to a questionnaire, Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists: an International Survey (THESIS). Geographic regions were defined according to the United Nations Statistics Division. The national economic status was estimated using World Bank data on the gross national income per capita (GNI per capita).

Results

5,695 valid responses were received (response rate 33·0%). The mean age was 49 years, and 65·0% were female. The proportion of female respondents was lowest in Northern (45·6%) and highest in Eastern Europe (77·2%) (p <0·001). Respondent work volume, university affiliation and private practice differed significantly between countries (p<0·001). Age and GNI per capita were correlated inversely with the proportion of female respondents (p<0·01). GNI per capita was inversely related to the proportion of respondents working exclusively in private practice (p<0·011) and the proportion of respondents who treated >100 patients annually (p<0·01).

Discussion

THESIS has demonstrated differences in characteristics of thyroid specialists at national and regional levels, strongly associated with GNI per capita. Hypothyroid patients in middle-income countries are more likely to encounter female thyroid specialists working in private practice, with a high workload, compared to high-income countries. Whether these differences influence the quality of care and patient satisfaction is unknown, but merits further study.
Morphologic alterations of the fear circuitry: the role of sex hormones and oral contraceptives
Authors: Brouillard Alexandra , Davignon Lisa-Marie , Turcotte Anne-Marie , Marin Marie-France
Published: November 2023

Background

Endogenous sex hormones and oral contraceptives (OCs) have been shown to influence key regions implicated in fear processing. While OC use has been found to impact brain morphology, methodological challenges remain to be addressed, such as avoiding selection bias between OC users and non-users, as well as examining potential lasting effects of OC intake.

Objective

We investigated the current and lasting effects of OC use, as well as the interplay between the current hormonal milieu and history of hormonal contraception use on structural correlates of the fear circuitry. We also examined the role of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones within this network.

Methods

We recruited healthy adults aged 23-35 who identified as women currently using (n = 62) or having used (n = 37) solely combined OCs, women who never used any hormonal contraceptives (n = 40), or men (n = 41). Salivary endogenous sex hormones and current users’ salivary ethinyl estradiol (EE) were assessed using liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry. Using structural magnetic resonance imaging, we extracted surface-based gray matter volumes (GMVs) and cortical thickness (CT) for regions of interest of the fear circuitry. Exploratory whole-brain analyses were conducted with surface-based and voxel-based morphometry methods.

Results

Compared to men, all three groups of women exhibited a larger GMV of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, while only current users showed a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Irrespective of the menstrual cycle phase, never users exhibited a thicker right anterior insular cortex than past users. While associations with endogenous sex hormones remain unclear, we showed that EE dosage in current users had a greater influence on brain anatomy compared to salivary EE levels and progestin androgenicity, with lower doses being associated with smaller cortical GMVs.

Discussion

Our results highlight a sex difference for the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex GMV (a fear-promoting region), as well as a reduced CT of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (a fear-inhibiting region) specific to current OC use. Precisely, this finding was driven by lower EE doses. These findings may represent structural vulnerabilities to anxiety and stress-related disorders. We showed little evidence of durable anatomical effects, suggesting that OC intake can (reversibly) affect fear-related brain morphology.
The liver-derived exosomes stimulate insulin gene expression in pancreatic beta cells under condition of insulin resistance
Authors: Mahmoudi-Aznaveh Azam , Tavoosidana Gholamreza , Najmabadi Hossein , Azizi Zahra , Ardestani Amin
Published: November 2023

Introduction

An insufficient functional beta cell mass is a core pathological hallmark of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite the availability of several effective pharmaceuticals for diabetes management, there is an urgent need for novel medications to protect pancreatic beta cells under diabetic conditions. Integrative organ cross-communication controls the energy balance and glucose homeostasis. The liver and pancreatic islets have dynamic cross-communications where the liver can trigger a compensatory beta cell mass expansion and enhanced hormonal secretion in insulin-resistant conditions. However, the indispensable element(s) that foster beta cell proliferation and insulin secretion have yet to be completely identified. Exosomes are important extracellular vehicles (EVs) released by most cell types that transfer biological signal(s), including metabolic messengers such as miRNA and peptides, between cells and organs.

Methods

We investigated whether beta cells can take up liver-derived exosomes and examined their impact on beta cell functional genes and insulin expression. Exosomes isolated from human liver HepG2 cells were characterized using various methods, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Western blot analysis of exosomal markers. Exosome labeling and cell uptake were assessed using CM-Dil dye. The effect of liver cell-derived exosomes on Min6 beta cells was determined through gene expression analyses of beta cell markers and insulin using qPCR, as well as Akt signaling using Western blotting.

Results

Treatment of Min6 beta cells with exosomes isolated from human liver HepG2 cells treated with insulin receptor antagonist S961 significantly increased the expression of beta cell markers Pdx1, NeuroD1, and Ins1 compared to the exosomes isolated from untreated cells. In line with this, the activity of AKT kinase, an integral component of the insulin receptor pathway, is elevated in pancreatic beta cells, as represented by an increase in AKT’s downstream substrate, FoxO1 phosphorylation.

Discussions

This study suggests that liver-derived exosomes may carry a specific molecular cargo that can affect insulin expression in pancreatic beta cells, ultimately affecting glucose homeostasis.
Coordination contracts and numerical analysis of low-carbon competitive supply chains under the influence of low-carbon goodwill
Authors: Xie De-ru , Qin Qin , Xie Jian-min , He Xin-jing , Jiang Mao-ting
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Under the dual opportunities of low-carbon consumption preference and online consumption platforms, vendors’ low-carbon advertising incursions provide opportunities for decarbonization and market position enhancement, as well as further research on the value of low-carbon advertising. This study aims to explore the contractual choices of green vendors’ online channels participating in low-carbon advertising competition under the low-carbon goodwill effect, and to simulate and evaluate the contractual choices of supply chain members.

Methods: Using differential games, through the innovative application of the traditional low-carbon goodwill model and the introduction of the low-carbon advertising competition intensity coefficient, we design one-way and two-way cost-sharing contracts under low-carbon competition, coordinate the vicious competition in the supply chain, and provide contractual choices for supply chain participants.

Results and discussion: Under the low-carbon advertising competition decision, the manufacturer has an absolute low-carbon market advantage, but the interests of all supply chain members are weakened, and interestingly, the manufacturer, who dominates the market, is the facilitator of the contractual agreement. Second, well-designed pacts can provide manufacturers and traders with more options for low-carbon strategies. Although both one-way and two-way cost-sharing pacts can generate Pareto gains for the supply chain and its members in advertising competition, two-way cost-sharing pacts are superior to one-way pacts in terms of coordination advantages. In addition, an important finding is that greater profit growth can be achieved through contractual cooperation in low-intensity advertising competition. Thus, moderate competition is desirable, while excessive competition can harm the supply chain system. Manufacturers should actively urge retailers to cooperate in order to optimize profits and establish long-term stable partnerships between upstream and downstream firms in green supply chains.
Stoichiometric characteristics drive the soil aggregate stability after 5 years of vegetation restoration in China
Authors: Kan Haiming , Xu Hengkang , Zhang Guofang , Chen Chao , Pang Zhuo , Fan Xifeng , Wu Juying
Published: November 2023

Soil stoichiometric characteristics and aggregate stability are affected by vegetation restoration in degraded land. Yet, it is not known that how the aggregate stability is related to soil stoichiometric characteristics under different vegetation restorations. A 5-year in situ experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of vegetation restoration on the composition, stability and stoichiometric properties of soil aggregates. In the northwest part of Beijing, Bromus inermis Leyss. and Medicago sativa L. were planted in a typical area of desertification, and natural restoration was used as control. Boosted regression trees (BRTs) were applied to partition the factors that control aggregate stability. The results showed that the mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil water-stable aggregates under natural restoration (CK) and Medicago sativa L. sowing treatments (AF) was significantly higher than that under the restoration of the Bromus inermis Leyss. sowing treatments (SB). Compared with CK, AF significantly increased the geometric mean diameter (GMD) water stable aggregates, while SB showed the opposite result. AF significantly increased the proportion of soil aggregates >2 mm compared with CK. AF could improve the stability of soil aggregates by increasing the proportion of large aggregates. For the stoichiometric characteristics of the aggregates, AF increased significantly the value of C/P in 0.053−0.125 mm particle size aggregates in all soil layers. The MBC/MBN ratio aggregates at depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm was also significantly increased in the treatment of AF. The BRTs indicated that stoichiometric ratio is the main factor driving the stability of soil aggregates rather than microbial community characteristics and soil nutrients. The C/P is the main driving factor affecting the MWD, in which the overall stoichiometric influence accounts for 46%, followed by the microbial influence of 36%. For the GMD, MBC/MBN is the main driving factor, and the stoichiometric influence accounts for 94%. Our findings indicate that AF is beneficial to the stability of deep soil aggregates, and their stoichiometric characteristics of soil are the key factors affecting the stability of soil aggregates.
Impact of norepinephrine on immunity and oxidative metabolism in sepsis
Authors: Thoppil Joby , Mehta Prayag , Bartels Brett , Sharma Drashya , Farrar J. David
Published: November 2023

Sepsis is a major health problem in the United States (US), constituting a leading contributor to mortality among critically ill patients. Despite advances in treatment the underlying pathophysiology of sepsis remains elusive. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a significant role in antimicrobial host defense and inflammation and its dysregulation leads to maladaptive responses because of excessive inflammation. There is growing evidence for crosstalk between the central nervous system and the immune system in response to infection. The hypothalamic-pituitary and adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system are the two major pathways that mediate this interaction. Epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE), respectively are the effectors of these interactions. Upon stimulation, NE is released from sympathetic nerve terminals locally within lymphoid organs and activate adrenoreceptors expressed on immune cells. Similarly, epinephrine secreted from the adrenal gland which is released systemically also exerts influence on immune cells. However, understanding the specific impact of neuroimmunity is still in its infancy. In this review, we focus on the sympathetic nervous system, specifically the role the neurotransmitter norepinephrine has on immune cells. Norepinephrine has been shown to modulate immune cell responses leading to increased anti-inflammatory and blunting of pro-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that norepinephrine is involved in regulating oxidative metabolism in immune cells. This review attempts to summarize the known effects of norepinephrine on immune cell response and oxidative metabolism in response to infection.
Association of the human platelet antigens polymorphisms with platelet count in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ghaffari Kazem , Rad Mahsa Ashrafi , Moradi Hasan-Abad Amin , Khosravi Mersedeh , Benvidi Arefeh , Iraji Mahsa , Khargh Heidar Ali Heidari , Ghasemi Ali
Published: November 2023

Polymorphism in human platelet antigen (HPA)-1 and HPA-3 (GPIIb/IIIa), HPA-2 (GPIb/IX), HPA-4 (GPIIIa), HPA-5 (GPIa/IIa), & HPA-15 (CD109) was investigated in 86 COVID-19-infected patients with thrombocytopenia (Group A) and 136 COVID-19-infected patients without thrombocytopenia (Group B). HPA genotyping was done by the sequence-specific primers PCR method. Lower HPA-3a and higher HPA-3b (P = 0.028) allele frequencies were seen in Group A than in Group B, and homozygosity for HPA 3b (P = 0.038) alleles was more prevalent in Group A than in Group B. The allele and genotype distributions of the other HPA polymorphic variants were similar between the two groups. Univariate analysis identified the CCGGGC (P = 0.016) combined genotype to be negatively associated & the TCGGGC (P = 0.003) and CCGGGC (P = 0.003) to be positively associated with thrombocytopenia. The frequency of anti-HPA-1a and anti-HPA-3a antibodies was significantly higher in all patients compared to other anti-HPAs antibodies (P < 0.05). These results highlight the role of HPAs in the thrombocytopenia of COVID-19 infected patients. This is the first evidence demonstrating the differential association of the six common HPA gene variants and specific HPA genotype combinations with thrombocytopenia in COVID-19-infected patients.
Social prescribing outcomes: a mapping review of the evidence from 13 countries to identify key common outcomes
Authors: Sonke Jill , Manhas Nico , Belden Cassandra , Morgan-Daniel Jane , Akram Seher , Marjani Stefany , Oduntan Oluwasanmi , Hammond Gabrielle , Martinez Gabriella , Davidson Carroll Gray , Rodriguez Alexandra K. , Burch Shanaé , Colverson Aaron J. , Pesata Virginia , Fancourt Daisy
Published: November 2023

Introduction

As a means for supporting a range of health and wellbeing goals, social prescribing programs have been implemented around the world. Reflecting a range of contexts, needs, innovation, and programing, a broad array of outcomes has been studied in relation to these programs. As interest in social prescribing grows, more targeted study of key outcomes and in turn evidence synthesis that can inform evidence-based practice, policy, and investment is needed.

Methods and Results

This mapping review identified, described, and synthesized the broad array of social prescribing outcomes that have been studied in 13 countries and maps the outcomes that have been most commonly studied. From 87 articles included in this review, a total of 347 unique outcomes were identified, including 278 unique patient outcomes and 69 unique system outcomes. The most commonly studied categories of patient outcomes were found to be mental health, lifestyle and behavior, and patient/service user experience. The most commonly studied system outcomes were healthcare/service utilization and financial/economic outcomes.

Discussion

This review highlights the value of heterogeneity and mixed methods approaches in outcomes studies for capturing nuanced experiences and outcomes in this nascent area of practice, while contributing to the advancement of evidence synthesis for social prescribing globally by quantifying and offering insight into the outcomes that have been studied to date. It also lays a foundation for the development of key common outcomes and a Core Outcomes Set for social prescribing. Additionally, it identified key outcomes that, given their relationship to critical health and social issues, warrant both broader and deeper study.
Postbiotics in rheumatoid arthritis: emerging mechanisms and intervention perspectives
Authors: Ying Zhen-Hua , Mao Cheng-Liang , Xie Wei , Yu Chen-Huan
Published: November 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent chronic autoimmune disease that affects individuals of all age groups. Recently, the association between RA and the gut microbiome has led to the investigation of postbiotics as potential therapeutic strategies. Postbiotics refer to inactivated microbial cells, cellular components, or their metabolites that are specifically intended for the microbiota. Postbiotics not only profoundly influence the occurrence and development of RA, but they also mediate various inflammatory pathways, immune processes, and bone metabolism. Although they offer a variety of mechanisms and may even be superior to more conventional “biotics” such as probiotics and prebiotics, research on their efficacy and clinical significance in RA with disruptions to the intestinal microbiota remains limited. In this review, we provide an overview of the concept of postbiotics and summarize the current knowledge regarding postbiotics and their potential use in RA therapy. Postbiotics show potential as a viable adjunctive therapy option for RA.
Evolving understanding of rumen methanogen ecophysiology
Authors: Khairunisa Bela Haifa , Heryakusuma Christian , Ike Kelechi , Mukhopadhyay Biswarup , Susanti Dwi
Published: November 2023

Production of methane by methanogenic archaea, or methanogens, in the rumen of ruminants is a thermodynamic necessity for microbial conversion of feed to volatile fatty acids, which are essential nutrients for the animals. On the other hand, methane is a greenhouse gas and its production causes energy loss for the animal. Accordingly, there are ongoing efforts toward developing effective strategies for mitigating methane emissions from ruminant livestock that require a detailed understanding of the diversity and ecophysiology of rumen methanogens. Rumen methanogens evolved from free-living autotrophic ancestors through genome streamlining involving gene loss and acquisition. The process yielded an oligotrophic lifestyle, and metabolically efficient and ecologically adapted descendants. This specialization poses serious challenges to the efforts of obtaining axenic cultures of rumen methanogens, and consequently, the information on their physiological properties remains in most part inferred from those of their non-rumen representatives. This review presents the current knowledge of rumen methanogens and their metabolic contributions to enteric methane production. It also identifies the respective critical gaps that need to be filled for aiding the efforts to mitigate methane emission from livestock operations and at the same time increasing the productivity in this critical agriculture sector.