bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacometabolomic profiles in type 2 diabetic subjects treated with liraglutide or glimepiride
Authors: Jendle J. , Hyötyläinen T. , Orešič M. , Nyström T.
Published: December 2021

Background

Treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) leads to multiple metabolic changes, reduction in glucose levels and body weight are well established. In people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 RAs reduce the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and may also potentially represent a treatment for fatty liver disease. The mechanisms behind these effects are still not fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to investigate whether treatment with liraglutide is associated with favourable metabolic changes in cases of both CV disease and fatty liver disease.

Methods

In a prespecified post-hoc analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 62 individuals with type 2 diabetes (GLP-1 RA liraglutide or glimepiride, both in combination with metformin), we evaluated the changes in plasma molecular lipids and polar metabolites after 18 weeks of treatment. The lipids and polar metabolites were measured by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOFMS).

Results

In total, 340 lipids and other metabolites were identified, covering 14 lipid classes, bile acids, free fatty acids, amino acids and other polar metabolites. We observed more significant changes in the metabolome following liraglutide treatment compared to with glimepiride, particularly as regards decreased levels of cholesterol esters hexocyl-ceramides, lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingolipids and phosphatidylcholines with alkyl ether structure. In the liraglutide-treated group, lipids were reduced by approximately 15% from baseline, compared to a 10% decrease in the glimepiride group. At the pathway level, the liraglutide treatment was associated with lipid, bile acid as well as glucose metabolism, while glimepiride treatment was associated with tryptophan metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism.

Conclusions

Compared with glimepiride, liraglutide treatment led to greater changes in the circulating metabolome, particularly regarding lipid metabolism involving sphingolipids, including ceramides. Our findings are hypothesis-generating and shed light on the underlying biological mechanisms of the CV benefits observed with GLP-1 RAs in outcome studies. Further studies investigating the role of GLP-1 RAs on ceramides and CV disease including fatty liver disease are warranted.

Trial registration: NCT01425580
LPA1 signaling drives Schwann cell dedifferentiation in experimental autoimmune neuritis
Authors: Szepanowski Fabian , Winkelhausen Maximilian , Steubing Rebecca D. , Mausberg Anne K. , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Stettner Mark
Published: December 2021

Background

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a pleiotropic lipid messenger that addresses at least six specific G-protein coupled receptors. Accumulating evidence indicates a significant involvement of LPA in immune cell regulation as well as Schwann cell physiology, with potential relevance for the pathophysiology of peripheral neuroinflammation. However, the role of LPA signaling in inflammatory neuropathies has remained completely undefined. Given the broad expression of LPA receptors on both Schwann cells and cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, we hypothesized that inhibition of LPA signaling may ameliorate the course of disease in experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN).

Methods

We induced active EAN by inoculation of myelin protein 2 peptide (P255–78) in female Lewis rats. Animals received the orally available LPA receptor antagonist AM095, specifically targeting the LPA1 receptor subtype. AM095 was administered daily via oral gavage in a therapeutic regimen from 10 until 28 days post-immunization (dpi). Analyses were based on clinical testing, hemogram profiles, immunohistochemistry and morphometric assessment of myelination.

Results

Lewis rats treated with AM095 displayed a significant improvement in clinical scores, most notably during the remission phase. Cellular infiltration of sciatic nerve was only discretely affected by AM095. Hemogram profiles indicated no impact on circulating leukocytes. However, sciatic nerve immunohistochemistry revealed a reduction in the number of Schwann cells expressing the dedifferentiation marker Sox2 paralleled by a corresponding increase in differentiating Sox10-positive Schwann cells. In line with this, morphometric analysis of sciatic nerve semi-thin sections identified a significant increase in large-caliber myelinated axons at 28 dpi. Myelin thickness was unaffected by AM095.

Conclusion

Thus, LPA1 signaling may present a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory neuropathies, potentially affecting regenerative responses in the peripheral nerve by modulating Schwann cell differentiation.
Protein acetylation regulates xylose metabolism during adaptation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tan Yong-Shui , Wang Li , Wang Ying-Ying , He Qi-En , Liu Zhi-Hua , Zhu Zhen , Song Kai , Li Bing-Zhi , Yuan Ying-Jin
Published: December 2021

Background

As the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, hemicellulose can be degraded to xylose as the feedstock for bioconversion to fuels and chemicals. To enhance xylose conversion, the engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae with xylose metabolic pathway is usually adapted with xylose as the carbon source in the laboratory. However, the mechanism under the adaptation phenomena of the engineered strain is still unclear.

Results

In this study, xylose-utilizing S. cerevisiae was constructed and used for the adaptation study. It was found that xylose consumption rate increased 1.24-fold in the second incubation of the yYST12 strain in synthetic complete-xylose medium compared with the first incubation. The study figured out that it was observed at the single-cell level that the stagnation time for xylose utilization was reduced after adaptation with xylose medium in the microfluidic device. Such transient memory of xylose metabolism after adaptation with xylose medium, named “xylose consumption memory”, was observed in the strains with both xylose isomerase pathway and xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase pathways. In further, the proteomic acetylation of the strains before and after adaptation was investigated, and it was revealed that H4K5 was one of the most differential acetylation sites related to xylose consumption memory of engineered S. cerevisiae. We tested 8 genes encoding acetylase or deacetylase, and it was found that the knockout of the GCN5 and HPA2 encoding acetylases enhanced the xylose consumption memory.

Conclusions

The behavior of xylose consumption memory in engineered S. cerevisiae can be successfully induced with xylose in the adaptation. H4K5Ac and two genes of GCN5 and HPA2 are related to xylose consumption memory of engineered S. cerevisiae during adaptation. This study provides valuable insights into the xylose adaptation of engineered S. cerevisiae.
Autophagy deficiency in neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Deng Zhiqiang , Zhou Xiaoting , Lu Jia-Hong , Yue Zhenyu
Published: December 2021

Autophagy is a cell self-digestion pathway through lysosome and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and cytoprotection. Characterization of autophagy related genes in cell and animal models reveals diverse physiological functions of autophagy in various cell types and tissues. In central nervous system, by recycling injured organelles and misfolded protein complexes or aggregates, autophagy is integrated into synaptic functions of neurons and subjected to distinct regulation in presynaptic and postsynaptic neuronal compartments. A plethora of studies have shown the neuroprotective function of autophagy in major neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent human genetic and genomic evidence has demonstrated an emerging, significant role of autophagy in human brain development and prevention of spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we will review the evidence demonstrating the causal link of autophagy deficiency to congenital brain diseases, the mechanism whereby autophagy functions in neurodevelopment, and therapeutic potential of autophagy.
An integrative bioinformatics analysis for identifying hub genes associated with infection of lung samples in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Xie Tian-Ao , He Zhi-Jian , Liang Chuan , Dong Hao-Neng , Zhou Jie , Fan Shu-Jin , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: December 2021

Background

At the end of 2019, the world witnessed the emergence and ravages of a viral infection induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Also known as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it has been identified as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of its severity.

Methods

The gene data of 51 samples were extracted from the GSE150316 and GSE147507 data set and then processed by means of the programming language R, through which the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that meet the standards were screened. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed on the selected DEGs to understand the functions and approaches of DEGs. The online tool STRING was employed to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs and, in turn, to identify hub genes.

Results

A total of 52 intersection genes were obtained through DEG identification. Through the GO analysis, we realized that the biological processes (BPs) that have the deepest impact on the human body after SARS-CoV-2 infection are various immune responses. By using STRING to construct a PPI network, 10 hub genes were identified, including IFIH1, DDX58, ISG15, EGR1, OASL, SAMD9, SAMD9L, XAF1, IFITM1, and TNFSF10.

Conclusion

The results of this study will hopefully provide guidance for future studies on the pathophysiological mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Burnout among medical students of the University of Kerbala and its correlates
Authors: Yahya Marwa Saad , Abutiheen Ali Abdulridha , Al- Haidary Amer Fadhil
Published: December 2021

Background

Burnout is prevalent among medical students. Throughout their training, medical students face many psychosocial stresses that, if not managed, might cause burnout syndrome. Burnout could negatively impact students’ life and their academic performance. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of burnout among medical students at the College of Medicine, University of Kerbala, and assess factors associated with it.

An analytic cross-sectional study. A sample of 424 students from all academic years from the College of Medicine, University of Kerbala, was approached. Data collection was conducted from June 11 to July 3, 2020, through a self-administered online questionnaire based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey (MBI-SS). The MBI-SS included 15 questions with a 7-point rating ranging from 0 (never) to 6 (always). The tool measures three subscales: emotional exhaustion (5 questions), Cynicism (4 questions), and professional efficacy (6 questions). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 24 was used for data analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between burnout and students̓ variables, P value of a level < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of burnout syndrome among medical students was 38.2%. About 85.6% of students had high emotional exhaustion, 77.8% had high cynicism, and 32.5% exhibited low professional efficacy. Female gender, regular use of legal substances, and family history of mental diseases were associated with significantly high rates of burnout.

Conclusions

Burnout is prevalent among medical students of the University of Kerbala with quite high levels of emotional exhaustion and cynicism and lower professional efficacy levels. Faculties of medicine need to consider burnout among their students and works to reduce unnecessary stresses by modifying and upgrading the educational and clinical environments.
Incidence of Diabetes in the Atomic Bomb Survivors: 1969-2015
Authors: Tatsukawa Yoshimi , Cordova Kismet , Yamada Michiko , Ohishi Waka , Imaizumi Misa , Hida Ayumi , Sposto Richard , Sakata Ritsu , Fujiwara Saeko , Nakanishi Shuhei , Yoneda Masayasu
Published: December 2021

Context

Recent epidemiological studies have shown increased risk of diabetes among childhood cancer survivors who received high therapeutic doses of radiation, particularly to the total body or to the abdomen. However, the effect of low-to-moderate dose radiation (<4 Gy) on the risk of diabetes is still unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the radiation effect on diabetes incidence among atomic bomb (A-bomb) survivors, and whether the dose response is modified by other factors including city, sex, and age at time of bombing (ATB).

Methods

9131 participants without diabetes at baseline were observed through biennial clinical exams from 1969 to 2015. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) to evaluate the dose response for diabetes incidence.

Results

During the study period, 1417 incident diabetes cases were identified. The overall crude incidence rate was 7.01/103 person-years. Radiation dose was significantly associated with diabetes incidence, with effect modification by city and age ATB. In Hiroshima, at ages 10 and 30 ATB, the HRs at 1 Gy of pancreatic radiation dose were 1.47 (95% CI, 1.31-1.66) and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.97-1.31), respectively. However, no significant radiation dose response was observed at these ages in Nagasaki. The HR for radiation dose was higher among those who were younger ATB and decreased 1% for each additional year of age.

Conclusions

Among A-bomb survivors, a radiation association was suggested for incidence of diabetes. Results were inconsistent by city and age ATB, which could indicate potential confounding of the radiation association with diabetes.
Adrenal Incidentaloma: Prevalence and Referral Patterns From Routine Practice in a Large UK University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Hanna Fahmy W F , Hancock Sarah , George Cherian , Clark Alexander , Sim Julius , Issa Basil G , Powner Gillian , Waldron Julian , Duff Christopher J , Lea Simon C , Golash Anurag , Sathiavageeswaran Mahesh , Heald Adrian H , Fryer Anthony A
Published: December 2021

Context

Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are increasingly being identified during unrelated imaging. Unlike AI clinical management, data on referral patterns in routine practice are lacking.

Objective

This work aimed to identify factors associated with AI referral.

Methods

We linked data from imaging reports and outpatient bookings from a large UK teaching hospital. We examined (i) AI prevalence and (ii) pattern of referral to endocrinology, stratified by age, imaging modality, scan anatomical site, requesting clinical specialty, and temporal trends. Using key radiology phrases to identify scans reporting potential AI, we identified 4097 individuals from 479 945 scan reports (2015-2019). Main outcome measures included prevalence of AI and referral rates.

Results

Overall, AI lesions were identified in 1.2% of scans. They were more prevalent in abdomen computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans (3.0% and 0.6%, respectively). Scans performed increased 7.7% year-on-year from 2015 to 2019, with a more pronounced increase in the number with AI lesions (14.7% per year).

Only 394 of 4097 patients (9.6%) had a documented endocrinology referral code within 90 days, with medical (11.8%) more likely to refer than surgical (7.2%) specialties (P < .001). Despite prevalence increasing with age, older patients were less likely to be referred (P < .001).

Conclusion

While overall AI prevalence appeared low, scan numbers are large and rising; the number with identified AI are increasing still further. The poor AI referral rates, even in centers such as ours where dedicated AI multidisciplinary team meetings and digital management systems are used, highlights the need for new streamlined, clinically effective systems and processes to appropriately manage the AI workload.
A protein-trap allele reveals roles for Drosophila ATF4 in photoreceptor degeneration, oogenesis and wing development
Authors: Vasudevan Deepika , Katow Hidetaka , Huang Huai-Wei , Tang Grace , Ryoo Hyung Don
Published: December 2021

Metazoans have evolved various quality control mechanisms to cope with cellular stress inflicted by external and physiological conditions. ATF4 is a major effector of the integrated stress response, an evolutionarily conserved pathway that mediates adaptation to various cellular stressors. Loss of function of Drosophila ATF4, encoded by the gene cryptocephal (crc), results in lethality during pupal development. The roles of crc in Drosophila disease models and in adult tissue homeostasis thus remain poorly understood. Here, we report that a protein-trap Minos-mediated integration cassette insertion in the crc locus generates a Crc-GFP fusion protein that allows visualization of Crc activity in vivo. This allele also acts as a hypomorphic mutant that uncovers previously unknown roles for crc. Specifically, the crc protein-trap line shows Crc-GFP induction in a Drosophila model for retinitis pigmentosa. This crc allele renders flies more vulnerable to amino acid deprivation and age-dependent retinal degeneration. These mutants also show defects in wing veins and oocyte maturation. Together, our data reveal previously unknown roles for crc in development, cellular homeostasis and photoreceptor survival.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
The role of MRI-based texture analysis to predict the severity of brain injury in neonates with perinatal asphyxia
Authors: Sarioglu Fatma Ceren , Sarioglu Orkun , Guleryuz Handan , Deliloglu Burak , Tuzun Funda , Duman Nuray , Ozkan Hasan
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of the MRI-based texture analysis (TA) of the basal ganglia and thalami to distinguish moderate-to-severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) from mild HIE in neonates.

Methods:

This study included 68 neonates (15 with mild, 20 with moderate-to-severe HIE, and 33 control) were born at 37 gestational weeks or later and underwent MRI in first 10 days after birth. The basal ganglia and thalami were delineated for TA on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, T  1-, and T  2 weighted images. The basal ganglia, thalami, and the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) were also evaluated visually on diffusion-weighted imaging and T  1 weighted sequence. Receiver operating characteristic curve and logistic regression analyses were used.

Results:

Totally, 56 texture features for the basal ganglia and 46 features for the thalami were significantly different between the HIE groups on the ADC maps, T  2-, and T  2 weighted sequences. Using a Histogram_entropy log-10 value as >1.8 from the basal ganglia on the ADC maps (p < 0.001; OR, 266) and the absence of hyperintensity of the PLIC on T  1 weighted images (p = 0.012; OR, 17.11) were found as independent predictors for moderate-to-severe HIE. Using only a Histogram_entropy log-10 value had an equal diagnostic yield when compared to its combination with other texture features and imaging findings.

Conclusion:

The Histogram_entropy log-10 value can be used as an indicator to differentiate from moderate-to-severe to mild HIE.

Advances in knowledge:

MRI-based TA may provide quantitative findings to indicate different stages in neonates with perinatal asphyxia.
PI-RADS version 2.1 for the evaluation of transition zone lesions: a practical guide for radiologists
Authors: Gaudiano Caterina , Rustici Arianna , Corcioni Beniamino , Ciccarese Federica , Bianchi Lorenzo , Schiavina Riccardo , Giunchi Francesca , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Brunocilla Eugenio , Golfieri Rita
Published: December 2021

Multiparametric MRI has been established as the most accurate non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool for detecting prostate cancer (PCa) in both the peripheral zone and the transition zone (TZ) using the PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) v. 2.1 released in 2019 as a guideline to reporting. TZ PCa remains the most difficult to diagnose due to a markedly heterogeneous background and a wide variety of atypical imaging presentations as well as other anatomical and pathological processes mimicking PCa. The aim of this paper was to present a spectrum of PCa in the TZ, as a guide for radiologists.
CT-derived relationship between low relative muscle mass and bone damage in patients with multiple myeloma undergoing stem cells transplantation
Authors: Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Rossi Federica , Bignotti Bianca , Torri Lorenzo , Bonsignore Alessandro , Belgioia Liliana , Domineitto Alida
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Sarcopenia or low muscle mass is related to worse prognosis in cancer patients. We investigated whether muscle mass is related to bone damage on CT in patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods:

Approval from the institutional review board was obtained. N = 74 consecutive patients (mean age, 60.8 years ± 9.24 [standard deviation]; range, 36–89 years) for MM who underwent transplant were included. Sarcopenia cut-off points defined as skeletal muscle index (SMI) used were<41 cm2/m2. To assess bone damage in MM the MSBDS (myeloma spine and bone damage score) was used. One-way analysis of variance and the X2 test were used. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to generate progression and survival curves according to SMI and MSBDS. The testing level was set at 0.05.

Results:

The median SMI was 47.1 ± 14.2 and according to SMI 18/74 (24%) had sarcopenia which was more prevalent in females (p.001). A strong and significant association between patients with low muscle mass and elevated bone damage (24/74, 32.4%) and patients with normal/non-low muscle mass low bone damage (30/74, 40.5%) was present. Multiple Logistic regression did not show any significant relationship or confounding influence among SMI and MSBDS regarding sex (p.127), cytogenetic status (p.457), staging (p.756) and relapse (.126). Neither SMI nor MSBDS resulted significantly related to overall survival as shown in Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Conclusion:

Sarcopenia and bone damage affected MM patients undergoing stem cell transplantation and are significantly associated.

Advances in knowledge:

Quantitative measurement of sarcopenia and bone damage on CT resulted present in MM patients undergoing stem cell transplantation and are significantly associated.
A managerial accounting framework for the performance measurement and management of profit and cost centers of food-retailing organizations in dynamic environments
Authors: Λαμπρόπουλος Ιωάννης
Published: December 2021

Η παρούσα διατριβή αναπτύσσει ένα λογιστικό πλαίσιο διαχείρισης της αποδοτικότητας για τα δίκτυα λιανικής πώλησης σε δυναμικά περιβάλλοντα. Η έρευνα υποκινείται από το γεγονός ότι κατά τη διάρκεια δυσμενών οικονομικών συνθηκών, οι διοικήσεις των δικτύων λιανικής πώλησης eπικεντρώνονται στη βελτίωση της λειτουργίας των καταστημάτων τους, καθιστώντας τη λειτουργική αποτελεσματικότητα στρατηγική προτεραιότητα για αυτούς. Επίσης, όταν το οικονομικό περιβάλλον αρχίζει σταδιακά να βελτιώνεται, η διοίκηση χρειάζεται το κατάλληλο εργαλείο μέτρησης για την ορθή αξιολόγηση του αντικτύπου των εναλλακτικών τρόπων οριζόντιας ανάπτυξης (είτε μέσω του ανοίγματος νέων καταστημάτων είτε της εξαγοράς άλλου δικτύου καταστημάτων) στη λειτουργική αποτελεσματικότητα. Στο εμπειρικό μέρος της έρευνας γίνεται χρήση ενός μοναδικού συνόλου μικροδεδομένων από 106 καταστήματα λιανικής πώλησης ενός αντιπροσωπευτικού δικτύου ελληνικού Super Market (S/M) το οποίο λειτουργούσε σεένα ιδιαίτερα υφεσιακό και ανταγωνιστικό περιβάλλον. Συγκεκριμένα πραγματοποιείται συγκριτική μηνιαία αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητας τωνκαταστημάτων της συγκεκριμένης αλυσίδας με χρήση του εργαλείου bootstrap DEA κατά τα υφεσιακά έτη 2012 – 2013 ενώ μελετάται και το έτος 2014 όπου παρατηρήθηκε σταδιακή βελτίωση του λειτουργικού περιβάλλοντος και επανεκκίνηση στρατηγικών οριζόντιας ανάπτυξης από τη διοίκηση της αλυσίδας. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι αυτό το πλαίσιο με τη συνδυαστική χρήση των μεθοδολογιών bootstrap DEA, secondstage regression analysis, radar analysis and CART decision tree algorithm: α) εντοπίζει τα καταστήματα με τις καλύτερες και χειρότερες επιδόσεις με την πάροδο του χρόνου β) προσδιορίζει τις κύριες πηγές αναποτελεσματικότητας γ) προτείνει βελτιώσεις της αποτελεσματικότητας σε επιχειρησιακό και στρατηγικό επίπεδο. Οι μετρήσεις των βαθμών αποτελεσματικότητας δείχνουν ότι η κατανομή τους είναι ανισομερής στην διάρκεια του χρόνου, με τα kαταστήματα μεγαλύτερου μεγέθους να εμφανίζουν την καλύτερη εικόνα αποτελεσματικότητας. Η ανάλυση της αποτελεσματικότητας σε διαφορετικές διαστάσεις της (αποτελεσματικότητα παραγωγής και κέρδους) έδειξε ότι συσχετίζονται θετικά. Επιπλέον, η ανάλυση αποτελεσματικότητας πουπραγματοποιήθηκε υπό κανονικές οικονομικές συνθήκες παρέχει στοιχεία που αποδεικνύουν ότι, σε σύγκριση με τη οργανική ανάπτυξη, τα καταστήματα εξαγοράς οδηγούν σε χαμηλότερη λειτουργική απόδοση. Το προτεινόμενο πλαίσιο διαχείρισης επιδόσεων προσφέρει ένα εργαλείο για την αξιολόγηση της αποτελεσματικότητας των δικτύων λιανικής πώλησης S/M σε ταραγμένους καιρούς, ενώ κατευθύνει αναφορικά με το τρόπο επίτευξης οργανικής ανάπτυξης των δικτύων σε περιβάλλον κανονικών οικονομικών συνθηκών.
Development and application of a hybrid implementation research framework to understand success in reducing under-5 mortality in Rwanda
Authors: Hirschhorn Lisa R. , Frisch Miriam , Ntawukuriryayo Jovial Thomas , VanderZanden Amelia , Donahoe Kateri , Mathewos Kedest , Sayinzoga Felix , Binagwaho Agnes
Published: December 2021

Background: We describe the development and testing of a hybrid implementation research (IR) framework to understand the pathways, successes, and challenges in addressing amenable under-5 mortality (U5M) – deaths preventable through health system-delivered evidence-based interventions (EBIs) – in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: We reviewed existing IR frameworks to develop a hybrid framework designed to better understand U5M reduction in LMICs from identification of leading causes of amenable U5M, to EBI choice, identification, and testing of strategies, work to achieve sustainability at scale, and key contextual factors. We then conducted a mixed-methods case study of Rwanda using the framework to explore its utility in understanding the steps the country took in EBI-related decision-making and implementation between 2000-2015, key contextual factors which hindered or facilitated success, and to extract actionable knowledge for other countries working to reduce U5M.

Results: While relevant frameworks were identified, none individually covered the scope needed to understand Rwanda’s actions and success. Building on these frameworks, we combined and adapted relevant frameworks to capture exploration, planning, implementation, contextual factors in LMICs such as Rwanda, and outcomes beyond effectiveness and coverage. Utilizing our hybrid framework in Rwanda, we studied multiple EBIs and identified a common pathway and cross-cutting strategies and contextual factors that supported the country’s success in reducing U5M through the health system EBIs. Using these findings, we identified transferable lessons for other countries working to accelerate reduction in U5M.

Conclusions: We found that a hybrid framework building on and adapting existing frameworks was successful in guiding data collection and interpretation of results, emerging new insights into how and why Rwanda achieved equitable introduction and implementation of health system EBIs that contributed to the decline in U5M, and generated lessons for countries working to drop U5M.
Radiation Safety in Nuclear Medicine: Report II. Normative Documents
Authors: Narkevich Boris
Published: December 2021

The specifics of improving current regulatory acts on nuclear medicine under the conditions of the "regulatory guillotine" are considered. The current state of regulatory documentation on ensuring the radiation safety of patients, personnel, individuals from the population and the environment, as well as on assessing working conditions and pension provision for personnel of domestic nuclear medicine units, is analyzed. The presence of a large number of provisions that are scientifically unsubstantiated and inconsistent with international recommendations and many years of nuclear medicine practice is shown. A number of proposals have been developed to introduce appropriate amendments to regulatory documents intended for practical use after the end of the “regulatory guillotine”.
Comparison of Radiation Risk of Cancer Incidence among PA Mayak Workers Hired at Different Calendar Periods
Authors: Kuznetsova I.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: comparative epidemiological analysis of cancer incidence rates among PA Mayak workers hired at different calendar periods.

Material and Methods: The cohort of PA Mayak workers hired at reactors, radiochemical, plutonium, water preparing and repair plants in 1948-1982 was selected for analysis of solid cancer (except lung, liver and bone) incidence. The cohort was divided into two subcohorts 1948-1958 and 1959-1982 years of hire.

Regression models of relative risk included the description of background rates and excess radiation risk was used.

Results: The radiation relative risk per 1 Gy was (ERR/Gy: 0.11; 95 % CI: 0.02; 0.21) in the subcohort of workers hired in 1948–1958 and was close to the estimates from previous studies for the whole cohort.

In the subcohort of workers hired in 1959–1982 the point estimate of ERR/Gy was 3 times higher than in the subcohort 1948–1958 years of hire, but it was not statistically significant in the whole dose range. Restriction of doses up to 2 Gy allowed to get significant estimate of ERR/Gy (0.45; 95 % CI: 0.04; 0.95), which 4 times higher the estimate in the first subcohort calculated with the same restriction (0.11; 95 % CI: -0.01; 0.25).

All subcohorts differences were not statistically significant and we can say about point distinctions only.
Spóźniona zmysłowość w twórczości filmowej Mohsena Machmalbafa
Authors: Wiącek Elżbieta
Published: December 2021

The Belated Sensuality in the Films by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. From Apology of Heroic Masculinity to Female Alternative Narratives – Return to the Roots of Aesthetics as a Way of Knowledge
This article aims to describe the transformation in the films by Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf who started his career as a propaganda filmmaker in the newly established Islamic Republic of Iran. He continued his artistic search adopting polemic attitude and the new strategies based on sensual perception entered his cinema, that emphasized humans’ phenomenological reality, not theological imaginings. Instead of resorting to the traditional cinematic ploys of oppositional filmmakers, such as subversive dialogue, or political symbolism, in movies Gabbeh (1996) and Silence (1998) Makhmalbaf choses the pleasure of the interacting senses. These alternative performative strategies are characterized by individualized narration and their protagonists are far from the patterns of hegemonic masculinity and femininity.
Oddałbym ci moje serce – od numeru paszportu do autokreacji. Kulturowo uwarunkowane wzorce męskości i gry z konwencją w cyklu I would give you my heart
Authors: Marchlak Krzysztof , Wiącek Elżbieta
Published: December 2021

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION
Authors: Borin Elaine Cavalcante Peixoto , Paris Otho Kiemon Tsutiya , Vidile Gabriel Bouças , Gomes Pedro Henrique Jordão Canella , Cardoso Fabio José Silva
Published: December 2021

O livro reúne seis capítulos escritos por diferentes autores: capítulo 1, Mediating Effect of the HRM on the Relationship Between the SIMS and New Product Radicality (pelos autores M. Martinez-Costa, D. Jimenez-Jimenez, Y. Castro-del-Rosario e Ledian Valle-Mestre); Capítulo 2, Reinventing Human Resource Management to Increase Organizational Efficacy (por José Rebelo dos Santos e Lurdes Pedro); capítulo 3, Employer Branding: Issues of Tailoring Your Message in the Modern Age (por Nick G. Chandler e Tamas Nemeth); capítulo 4, A Qualitative Investigation for Platform Model Conceptualization and Design: Propositions for a New Architecture (por Duygu Toplu Ya¸slıo˘glu, Murat Ya¸slıo˘glu e Aykut Berber); capítulo 5, The Utility of Human Resource Managers’ Action: A Self-centred Perception by Different Organizational Actors (por João Leite Ribeiro, Delfina Gomes e Ana Caria); e capítulo 6, About Competencies, Creativity, and Innovation in the Portuguese Textile and Clothing Sector (por Carolina Feliciana Machado e Rosa Maria Maia Miranda). Os capítulos são independentes entre si, contudo, todos abordam as diferentes facetas da inovação organizacional e dos recursos humanos no contexto moderno.
Formation of Production Strategy in the Management System of Industrial Enterprises
Authors:   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Myronenko Е. , Byvsheva L. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Kondratenko O. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Shulin R. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy
Published: December 2021

The article systematizes the main species characteristics of production strategies and their classification features. It is shown that the most common production strategies are focused on improving product quality, reducing production costs, introducing high technology, expanding opportunities to produce different types of products, creating specialized and diversified production. The interrelation of market and production strategies is determined. It is substantiated that each production strategy should be considered along with typical production strategies and at the present stage the concept of synergism has the most supporters, according to which strategies should provide a synergistic effect. It is proved that the production strategy should be considered as an integral part of the whole planning process, which ensures compliance with the tasks of the production process. As the tasks tend to change, the production strategy also needs to be developed taking into account the possible future needs of consumers.
Areas of Research on the Development of the Tourist and Recreational Sphere as an Object of Public Administration
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Technology and Design, Boretskaya N. , Krapivina G. ,   Priazovsky State Technical University
Published: December 2021

In the article, the problem of determining the directions of research of the development of the tourist and recreational sphere as an object of public administration acquires further theoretical and methodological substantiation. The directions of improving the mechanisms of decision-making by state bodies for the development of the tourist and recreational sphere are formulated on the basis of the introduction of a systematic approach, digitization and modeling. The efforts of state bodies to form the structure of the market in order to study and analyze the impact of public administration and regulation on the realities of the tourist and recreational sphere and the proposals of tourist and recreational products that affect the public interest in them on the part of consumers of tourist services are a separate area of scientific research in tourism. -recreational sphere as an object of public administration and decision-making mechanisms by state bodies for the development of tourist and recreational territories It is shown that the processes of using tourist and recreational resources and diversification of the economy are positively influenced by the intersectoral nature of the tourist and recreational sphere due to the multiplier effect for related sectors of the economy of the territories, directly involved in the tourist services served by consumers. It has been proved that a city characterized by a significant territorial concentration of labor, consumers, related industries and services is very attractive for the activities of enterprises in the tourism and recreation sector in terms of minimizing costs, and it is expedient in determining the role and mechanisms of government influence on the development of the tourism and recreation sector. and the formation of strategic goals for the development of a regime for promoting their development is the study of the tourist and recreational market of the territory. The development of the regional and local tourist and recreational sphere is greatly facilitated by the transformation in the public consciousness of the concept of free time, i.e. changes in the behavior of consumers of tourism services in relation to specific settlements or the region as a whole. The main goal of the qualitative improvement of state management of the development of the tourist and recreational sphere is to increase its openness, spread goodwill towards the population, accelerate management processes, effectively solve problems, increase the mobility of workers in tourist and recreational enterprises and their satisfaction with work.
Assessment of the State and Changes in the Labor Sphere, Ensuring the Quality of Working Life in the Context of Digitalization of the Economy
Authors:   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Novikova O. , Shamileva L. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Khandii O. ,   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: December 2021

The article presents an assessment of the state of the labor sphere and the quality of working life in the context of digitalization of the economy and society. The general conditions for ensuring and forming a decent quality of working life are assessed on the basis of changes in macroeconomic indicators of economic development in general and the digital sector with the determination of the efficiency of living labor costs. The share of the digital sector in the structure of the national economy, labor productivity of employees in the digital sector compared to national indicators are characterized. The dynamics of changes in the main socio-economic indicators of the development of the labor sphere of Ukraine for 2013-2020 and the structural transformation of employment by type of economic activity are analyzed. Changes in precariat in Ukraine for 2013-2020 and its share in the employed population are estimated. The characteristics of the dynamics of nominal, average, minimum wages for 2013-2020 in the context of ensuring the quality of working life are given. The social orientations in the system of remuneration and changes of social and economic indicators in Ukraine for the studied period are analyzed. The results of subjective assessment of working conditions, the level of dissatisfaction with their work are presented. It is concluded that the digitalization of the economy promotes the spread of non-standard forms of employment and creates new opportunities for employment in the labor market, and at the same time generates shadowing of employment, hidden unemployment and part-time employment, which limits the impact of high quality of life. It is proved that the low level of economic development and insignificant level of ICT implementation, technical and technological backwardness of national production have not affected the labor market, so far it has not changed under the influence of digital technologies.
Theoretical Aspects of Personnel Management in Large Industrial Enterprises
Authors:   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Yeletskykh S. , Bryzhnychenko V. ,   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the urgency of finding new forms, methods and organizational and economic mechanisms to improve personnel management in large industrial enterprises has increased. The article substantiates the theoretical principles of personnel management in large industrial enterprises in order to improve the mechanism of ensuring its efficiency. The study found that personnel management is to comprehensively assess the relations in the workforce, which are related to the hiring and supply of labour, its pay, staff turnover, trends and prospects. The purpose of personnel management is to provide employees with the necessary quantitative and qualitative parameters and the organization of their effective work. It is transformed into more specific goals, which are determined by the goals of the enterprise. It is revealed that it is expedient to apply an integrated approach to personnel management, the essence of which is to combine and interact process, system, situational and strategic approaches. The article clarifies the list of functions and tasks of personnel management in a large industrial enterprise, the difference of which is that it includes the entire list of management functions (forecasting, planning, organization, control, analysis, accounting, regulation) a single interconnected set of processes in management staff. On the basis of generalization of scientific developments and results of current practice of functioning of large industrial enterprises the priority directions of improvement of personnel management are offered: maintenance of conditions of professional development of personnel; improving the system of rationing and remuneration; improving working conditions, safety and security; development of social and labour relations and organizational culture in the digital economy; ensuring social protection in the postcoronavirus period; improving the efficiency of work with youth.
The Use of Blockchain Technology in Managing Product Life Cycle at the Enterprise
Authors:   Poltava University of Economics and Trade, Rogoza M. , Smirnov F. ,   Poltava University of Economics and Trade
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the article is to present models of using blockchain technology in product life cycle management at the enterprise for improving the efficiency of the enterprise by integrating blockchain technology into product life cycle management. The solution of the tasks set in the article has been made with the use of general scientific and special methods of theoretical research, such as: analysis, systematization and generalization, project approach. The model of increasing the efficiency of work of the enterprises by improving technological processes of a life cycle of a product has been developed. The main advantage of the model is to ensure greater reliability of data obtained in production, as well as their reliability in tracking and documenting product changes throughout its life cycle based on the use of blockchain technologies and smart contracts integrated into the production process. Transparency of the entire supply chain, providing clear and complete information about the progress of production is provided comprehensive information about all the states in which the product has been in the life cycle, resources expended, changes made by workers or industrial installation. The article substantiates the feasibility of implementing blockchain technology at the enterprise, which ensures the preservation of the entire history of product changes and to find abnormal indicators in the production of the product, quickly eliminate them, reducing production costs.
The Influence of Platformization on the Transformation of Socio-Economic Relations: a Competitive Component
Authors:   Institute of Economics and Forecasting of the NAS of Ukraine, Lypov V.
Published: December 2021

The rapid distribution of the platform model of business in the decisive extent is the result of the use of competitive advantages that receive information (digital) platforms (IP) due to resistance in its activities on information and communication technologies. Research of sources of their occurrence acquires special relevance. Methodological database includes tools of dialectical, historical and genetic, structural, complementary qualitative analysis. New areas of competitive relations are determined as a result of the spread of IP. These include competition between traditional hierarchical and horizontal network structures, molded IP; competition between global platforms - system integrators that create software tools form the information base and virtual space for the interaction of other IPs; competition between IP operating in one market; competition between the organizers and clients of the IP for the best conditions for redistribution of added value; competition between IP customers. The changes that occur in cross-sectoral, international and regional competition are revealed. Innovative instruments for obtaining the IP competitive advantages are presented. Among them: the use of the benefits of the virtual nature of the leading factor of production (data), on the basis of which IP functions; changing the structure of the cost of entering the market; formation of multilateral markets; use of network effects; taking into account the effects of multichoming, associated with the possibility of simultaneous entry into the ecosystem of several IPs; use of multiproduct and cross-sector effects.
At the Crossbreaks of Time ... My Chronicle of Half a Century. Essay. Part three
Authors:   SHEI Donbass State Engineering Academy, Makogon Yu.
Published: December 2021

An autobiographical attempt to tell about the time in which he lived, became who he is now, and the need to tell about the experienced, and still experiencing, the consequences of changing times ... Each author has his own vision, in the formation of which many factors mattered: the state of society, education, a profession that has lost and gained age – and so can be listed indefinitely.
State Regulation of Institutional Changes in Regional Investment Policy (for example Dnepropetrovsk Region)
Authors:   Institute of Industrial Economics of the NAS of Ukraine, Osadcha N. , Zatyshniak V. ,   Dnipropetrovsk State University of Internal Affairs
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the legal problems of regional investment policy formation. The legal bases of attracting investors in the conditions of decentralization are determined. The institutional basis of creating an investment climate in Ukraine, the experience of other countries in creating attractive conditions for investors are studied. Recommendations for improving the national investment legislation taking into account the European experience have been developed, namely the creation of new legislative acts is proposed, which will allow creating favorable conditions for investors. Recommendations for the formation of the business reputation of the region are given.