Partner Change Research Articles

Dating Violence Continuity: The Protective Role of Self-Esteem Against Revictimization by Multiple Partners.

Dating violence is a deleterious relational dynamic that affects around one-third of adolescents. It is well documented that dating violence can persist over time, occurring within the same relationship or across multiple relationships. Self-esteem could be a key factor in understanding the mechanisms of violence continuity, potentially acting as a protective factor during adolescence. Exploring its role in the continuity of dating violence and the potential differences based on whether the violence occurs within the same relationship or across different relationships could inform interventions aimed at preventing repetitive violence and revictimization by multiple partners. This study aimed to (1) examine the association between dating violence measured at two distinct time points, (2) investigate the moderating role of self-esteem in this association, and (3) explore potential variations in the protective role of self-esteem based on whether the violence reoccurred within the same relationship or across different relationships. Sex differences were also examined. A subsample of 1,018 adolescents who reported being involved in a dating relationship at two time points completed self-reported questionnaires. A moderation analysis revealed that dating violence at Time 1 predicted dating violence at Time 2 (6 months later) for both boys and girls. Among girls, self-esteem acted as a protective factor when considering the effect of partner change. Hence, girls who experienced dating violence victimization at Time 1 but had higher self-esteem were more inclined to engage in a subsequent relationship devoid of dating violence at Time 2. However, self-esteem did not emerge as a significant protective factor among boys. Self-esteem appears to be a pivotal factor in promoting engagement in subsequent positive relationships following experiences of dating violence among girls. These findings offer valuable insight that can inform preventive measures and interventions, ultimately contributing to healthier relationship dynamics and improving the well-being of dating violence victims during adolescence.

High-speed railways, audit partner changes across audit offices and audit quality: Evidence from China

The development of high-speed railways (HSRs) has significant regional economic and social implications. We study a micro externality of such development, namely the impact of HSRs on audit firms' human resource allocation and audit quality. Specifically, we investigate the relationship between the availability of HSRs and audit partner changes across audit offices in China which involves a simultaneous change in audit partner and audit office to reallocate human resources. We find that the advent of HSRs between clients and audit offices increases the likelihood of audit partner changes across audit offices especially for predecessor audit offices with severe human resource constraints due partly to the mandatory auditor rotation requirement. Such audit partner changes across audit offices most likely are reciprocal over time, occur within the optimal HSR transportation interval and can significantly improve audit quality in terms of reducing excessive financing reporting discretions, misstatements and regulatory sanctions, but exert no effect on audit fees. Our study has implications for audit firms’ human resource management in light of infrastructure improvements and for audit policy makers to evaluate the standards for audit partner rotations.

ПРИОРИТЕТЫ ВЫБОРА СРЕДСТВ КОНТРАЦЕПЦИИ СТУДЕНТКАМИ МЕДИЦИНСКОГО УНИВЕРСИТЕТА

Purpose: To determine the priorities of contraceptive choices of medical students depending on various factors. Materials and methods: 75 female students of North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov participated in the study; mean age was 20,5 years, 77% were sexually active. Information was collected using a specially designed questionnaire that included questions about the characteristics of sexual life (duration, number of partners, frequency of partner changes, regularity of sex), methods of contraception and the reasons for their choice, diagnosis and prevention of STIs, the effect of contraception on the menstrual cycle and its characteristics, and sexual life. Pearson criterion at p≤0.05 was applied in data analysis. Female Sexuality Index (FSI) was assessed using The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Results: the predominant method of contraception choice among the respondents depending on sexual experience was the barrier method. With increasing sexual experience, the proportion of girls using interrupted intercourse increased and the proportion using hormonal contraception decreased. The predominant contraceptive method among girls who rarely change sexual partners was the condom, while girls with frequent changes in sexual partners preferred to use the standard day method. The reasons for choosing a contraceptive method were the fear of unwanted pregnancy, simplicity and ease of use of the method, and the lack of impact on sexual pleasure. The vast majority of all respondents were primarily afraid of HIV infection, syphilis, and the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Girls using hormonal contraception were primarily guided by a doctor's prescription when choosing a method. The majority in this group had a positive effect of the method on the menstrual cycle and a decrease in pain in the mammary glands was observed with the start of contraception. The maximum index of female sexuality was found in the groups of girls using spermicides and the standard days method, and the lowest - in female students not using contraception. Conclusion: barrier and natural methods of contraception were the priority of choice for most of the respondents.

"He is changing, but I'm changing too": An interpretative phenomenological analysis of spouse caregivers' identity in the context of dementia.

This study explores the process through which informal caregivers, particularly spouses, construct their identity within the context of caregiving for individuals with dementia. Despite extensive research in psychology aimed at defining caregiving (e.g. tasks, consequences), few informal caregivers identify themselves as such. For instance, the affective bond shared between caregivers and care-recipients often imbues caregiving responsibilities with a sense of "naturalness," especially if the care-recipient is a spouse. To investigate the nature of caregiver identity construction, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with spouse caregivers of dementia patients. The collected data underwent interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Three interconnected themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Perceiving changes in my partner, which involves recognising alterations in the care-receiver's characteristics due to dementia; (2) Processing changes, encompassing the experience of grieving losses and reminiscing about the past; and (3) Perceiving changes in myself, referring to the acknowledgement of personal changes due to caregiving. The study emphasises the dynamic and ongoing nature of caregiver identity construction, which begins with the early recognition of changes in the care-receiver. Interestingly, spouse caregivers oscillate between their identity as a spouse and caregiver, influenced by how they process changes undergone by their partner. Contrasting with previous theories on caregivers' identity, our results focus of caregivers' perceptions rather than their relationship with the care-recipient or caregiving tasks.

Using Wearables to Study Biopsychosocial Dynamics in Couples Who Cope With a Chronic Health Condition: Ambulatory Assessment Study.

Technology has become an integral part of our everyday life, and its use to manage and study health is no exception. Romantic partners play a critical role in managing chronic health conditions as they tend to be a primary source of support. This study tests the feasibility of using commercial wearables to monitor couples' unique way of communicating and supporting each other and documents the physiological correlates of interpersonal dynamics (ie, heart rate linkage). We analyzed 617 audio recordings of 5-minute duration (384 with concurrent heart rate data) and 527 brief self-reports collected from 11 couples in which 1 partner had type II diabetes during the course of their typical daily lives. Audio data were coded by trained raters for social support. The extent to which heart rate fluctuations were linked among couples was quantified using cross-correlations. Random-intercept multilevel models explored whether cross-correlations might differ by social contexts and exchanges. Sixty percent of audio recordings captured speech between partners and partners reported personal contact with each other in 75% of self-reports. Based on the coding, social support was found in 6% of recordings, whereas at least 1 partner self-reported social support about half the time (53%). Couples, on average, showed small to moderate interconnections in their heart rate fluctuations (r=0.04-0.22). Couples also varied in the extent to which there was lagged linkage, that is, meaning that changes in one partner's heart rate tended to precede changes in the other partner's heart rate. Exploratory analyses showed that heart rate linkage was stronger (1) in rater-coded partner conversations (vs moments of no rater-coded partner conversations: rdiff=0.13; P=.03), (2) when partners self-reported interpersonal contact (vs moments of no self-reported interpersonal contact: rdiff=0.20; P<.001), and (3) when partners self-reported social support exchanges (vs moments of no self-reported social support exchange: rdiff=0.15; P=.004). Our study provides initial evidence for the utility of using wearables to collect biopsychosocial data in couples managing a chronic health condition in daily life. Specifically, heart rate linkage might play a role in fostering chronic disease management as a couple. Insights from collecting such data could inform future technology interventions to promote healthy lifestyle engagement and adaptive chronic disease management. RR2-10.2196/13685.

Exposure memory and susceptibility to ambient PM2.5: A perspective from hepatic cholesterol and bile acid metabolism

Both epidemiological and experimental studies increasingly show that exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is related to the occurrence and development of chronic diseases, such as metabolic diseases. However, whether PM2.5 has "exposure memory" and how these memories affect chronic disease development like hepatic metabolic homeostasis are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effects of exposure transition on liver cholesterol and bile acids (BAs) metabolism in mice. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to concentrated ambient PM2.5 or filtered air (FA) in a whole-body exposure facility for an initial period of 10 weeks, followed by another 8 weeks of exposure switch (PM2.5 to FA and FA to PM2.5) comparing to non-switch groups (FA to FA and PM2.5 to PM2.5), which were finally divided into four groups (FF of FA to FA, PP of PM2.5 to PM2.5, PF of PM2.5 to FA, and FP of FA to PM2.5). Our results showed no significant difference in food intake, body composition, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism between FA and PM2.5 groups after the initial exposure before the exposure switch. At the end of the exposure switch, the mice switched from FA to PM2.5 exposure exhibited a high sensitivity to late-onset PM2.5 exposure, as indicated by significantly elevated hepatic cholesterol levels and disturbed BAs metabolism. However, the mice switched from PM2.5 to FA exposure retained a certain memorial effects of previous PM2.5 exposure in hepatic cholesterol levels, cholesterol metabolism, and BAs metabolism. Furthermore, 18-week PM2.5 exposure significantly increased hepatic free BAs levels, which were completely reversed by the FA exposure switch. Finally, the changes in small heterodimeric partner (SHP) and nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 2 (LRH1) in response to exposure switch mechanistically explained the above alterations. Therefore, mice switching from PM2.5 exposure to FA showed only a weak memory of prior PM2.5 exposure. In contrast, the early FA caused mice to be more susceptible to subsequent PM2.5 exposure.

Exploring the reasons for wanting a peer partner to be physically active among women living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis: a content analysis.

Initiating and maintaining exercise is challenging for women during and post-cancer treatment. Adopting a peer partner model to provide social support to be active may contribute to lasting behaviour change of both partners. Despite this, finding a "like peer" can be challenging. To explore women's reasons for seeking an online exercise partner following a diagnosis with cancer (through www.activematch.ca ). We also examined women's potential sociodemographic and cancer-related differences by reported reasons for wanting an exercise partner. Individuals creating an ActiveMatch profile completed demographic and physical activity questions (N = 199, Mage(SD) = 51.9(10.8) years), including an open-ended question regarding their "reason for wanting an exercise partner". An inductive content analysis was completed focusing on the participants' peer exercise partner preferences. Additional chi-square tests were run to assess whether participants differed based on sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics and their motivations to be active by category of "reason for wanting an exercise partner" endorsed in the open-ended question. The participants' reasons for wanting an exercise partner were coded into seven categories, with most participants highlighting the reasons of motivation (52.3%), social support (48.7%), and accountability and adherence (26.6%). Women < 50years of age were more likely to report accountability and adherence-related preferences for a partner. Those reporting endorsing weight loss as their primary reason for becoming active were more likely to be categorized as wanting a peer partner for motivation. While finding a peer partner can be challenging, matching women living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis based on their reason for wanting an exercise partner, as well as their reasons for wanting to be active, may be important to build successful peer exercise partnerships.

Predictors of Precancerous Diseases of the Cervix

Introduction. The incidence of malignant neoplasms in the population has increased by 1.66 times over the past 15 years, and the incidence of cancer of the cervix and body of the uterus, placenta — by 1.3 times.Materials and methods. 2 groups were formed by the continuous sampling method: 30 women with a diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 30 women without a diagnosis of CIN, who made up the control group. Statistical analysis was carried out using the StatTech 3.1.7 program (Stattech LLC, Russia).Results. Risk factors for precancerous diseases of the cervix include the presence of a history of cardiovascular diseases(p = 0.043), surgical interventions (p = 0.039), sexually transmitted infections (p = 0.023), a large number of pregnancies (regardless of the outcome) (p = 0.013), the presence of abortions (p = 0.04), a large number of sexual partners during life (p = 0.022).Discussion. Frequent change of sexual partners, and as a consequence — a high risk of STIs are also well-known risk factors for cancer and precancerous cervix, in these conditions HPV passes from free to episomal form faster and starts the process of transformation of cervical epithelial cells.Conclusion. The features of the anamnesis of women with precancerous diseases of the cervix are high parity and the presence of abortions, STIs, cardiovascular diseases and surgical interventions in the anamnesis, a large number of sexual partners in life, low adherence to the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs).

Virtual pair programming and online oral exams: effects on social interaction, performance, and academic integrity in a remote computer programming course

ABSTRACT Background and context Pair programming and oral exams were deployed in tandem in a remote undergraduate computer programming course to promote social interaction and enhance learning. Objectives We investigate their impact on social interactions, sense of connection, academic performance, and academic integrity within a virtual learning environment, and explore the dynamics of student collaboration in the context of voluntary pair programming. Method Students’ coding activities, pairing preferences, and performance were survey responses were recorded and analyized. Findings First and second year students were more likely to participate in virtual pair programming than their more senior classmates. Willingness to pair program strongly correlated with GPA. Partner changes were infrequent. 20–40% of students pair programmed per assignment. Oral exam scores positively correlated with other course scores. Surveys indicated that virtual pair programming and oral exams positively impacted learning, sense of community, and academic integrity. Implications The study offers perspectives on how these practices can be leveraged to foster inclusive learning, meaningful discourse, peer collaboration, and student-faculty relationships, with a positive effect on student motivation and academic integrity.

Co-operation of MCL-1 and BCL-XL anti-apoptotic proteins in stromal protection of MM cells from carfilzomib mediated cytotoxicity.

BCL-2 family proteins are important for tumour cell survival and drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM). Although proteasome inhibitors are effective anti-myeloma drugs, some patients are resistant and almost all eventually relapse. We examined the function of BCL-2 family proteins in stromal-mediated resistance to carfilzomib-induced cytotoxicity in MM cells. Co-cultures employing HS5 stromal cells were used to model the interaction with stroma. MM cells were exposed to CFZ in a 1-hour pulse method. The expression of BCL-2 family proteins was assessed by flow cytometry and WB. Pro-survival proteins: MCL-1, BCL-2 and BCL-XL were inhibited using S63845, ABT-199 and A-1331852 respectively. Changes in BIM binding partners were examined by immunoprecipitation and WB. CFZ induced dose-dependent cell death of MM cells, primarily mediated by apoptosis. Culture of MM cells on HS-5 stromal cells resulted in reduced cytotoxicity to CFZ in a cell contact-dependent manner, upregulated expression of MCL-1 and increased dependency on BCL-XL. Inhibiting BCL-XL or MCL-1 with BH-3 mimetics abrogated stromal-mediated protection only at high doses, which may not be achievable in vivo. However, combining BH-3 mimetics at sub-therapeutic doses, which alone were without effect, significantly enhanced CFZ-mediated cytotoxicity even in the presence of stroma. Furthermore, MCL-1 inhibition led to enhanced binding between BCL-XL and BIM, while blocking BCL-XL increased MCL-1/BIM complex formation, indicating the cooperative role of these proteins. Stromal interactions alter the dependence on BCL-2 family members, providing a rationale for dual inhibition to abrogate the protective effect of stroma and restore sensitivity to CFZ.

Роль нутритивной поддержки при планировании беременности

Aim. The review is devoted to the causes and consequences of nutritional deficiency in the diet of a pregnant woman, as well as the possibilities of its replenishment. It has been proven that insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy is accompanied by a lack of nutrients to the fetus, which can cause obstetric and perinatal complications (such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, FGRS, etc.). In the conditions of the unfavorable demographic situation that currently exists in Russia, the birth of a healthy child is becoming one of the pressing problems. This is due to the entry into the childbearing period of a generation with low health indicators. The portrait of a modern young woman is 2 or more chronic extragenital diseases (arterial hypertension, chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis, anemia), early onset of sexual activity, frequent change of sexual partners (STI infection), refusal to use contraceptives (abortion), underweight, bad habits. The importance of the role of vitamin-mineral complex as an integral part of pre-gravid preparation becomes obvious. Material and methods. To write this review, a search was carried out for domestic and foreign publications in Russian and international search systems (PubMed, eLibrary, etc.) over the past 25 years. The review included articles from the peer-reviewed literature. Results. The review presents research data on the importance of using micronutrient support drugs before, during and after pregnancy. Conclusion. Thus, at the present stage, prenatal preparation is distinguished by an integrated approach and promotes the onset of pregnancy with optimal indicators, prevents the development of gestational complications, improves perinatal outcomes, and, accordingly, improves the health of the offspring as a whole.

The influence of network understanding on value creation in business relationships

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how companies’ understanding of the business network influences the creation of value in business-to-business relationships. The authors do this by analysing dimensions in actors’ “network pictures” and illustrating how value perception and network understanding influence actors’ mutual effort to create value. Approaching relationship value from the point of actors’ cognitive understanding of their business network has so far been largely overlooked in relationship value research.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies a qualitative case study methodology whereby dyadic data from a well-established business-to-business relationship is collected from 18 company representatives through personal interviews and group interviews supplemented by participant observations and company data.FindingsThe findings contribute with new insight into how companies’ understanding of their surrounding network influence (facilitates or limits) relationship value creation. The authors find that companies continuously reflect on changes in their networks and the related changes in partners’ value perceptions. Through value articulations, companies seek to explicitly express their value perception. Value reflections and value articulations create a dynamic process formed not only by the individual actor but also through their relationship and engagement in their network environment. This requires companies to develop their networking capabilities.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents findings, insights and contributions limited to a case study of a particular business relationship within an industrial setting. Although the findings and contributions are valid and in line with the criteria for rigorous qualitative research, the authors advocate and call for additional studies that investigate relationships value creation and address the interplay between actors’ network understanding and their actions and behaviour. One way to approach this would be to test the four propositions derived and presented as part of the present study.Practical implicationsThe findings imply that management needs to be aware not only of the value created and delivered to a specific partner but also of how the partner’s understanding of the wider network will influence the value delivering and capturing process.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the growing literature on relationship value creation by outlining a dynamic process where relationship partners reflect upon and articulate value. Such activities are influenced by the partners’ network understanding and form the basis of the mutual relationship value creation effort. The findings also contribute to the network pictures literature by emphasizing insights into the formation of value perceptions through actors’ understanding of their surrounding networks.

Analysis of settlements with debtors based on the quality indicatorof turnover.

The aggravation of relations in the field of global finance, the change of international partners and disruption of international economic relations cause the need to strengthen payment discipline and accelerate payments, which is especially important in the context of the expansion of new associations of states. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have also led to a reduction in the liquidity of organizations and increased the need for funds. Timely repayment of accounts receivable increases the availability of cash to suppliers, and the acceleration of settlements contributes to an increase in available funds, which makes it possible to use them additionally in commercial turnover. The purpose of the study was to improve the system of settlements (based on their turnover) with debtors and rational distribution of the terms of cash refunds using the matrix method. The existing systems for assessing financial and cash flows in settlements with debtors and the indicators used for this purpose do not always express the dependent relationship between the growth of sales revenue, the turnover of accounts receivable and the degree of its repayment. In this regard, the objective of the study was to improve the existing indicators of the analysis of accounts receivable. The article examines the methods of accounts receivable management integrated into the system based on a client- oriented approach. In the course of the work the methods of comparison, statistics, mathematical modeling were used. A system for tracking the balances of accounts receivable, comparing them with sales volumes and turnover indicators is proposed. The author formulated the concept of the cycle of accounts receivable circulation. It is revealed that the use of indicators of turnover of accounts receivable and sales volume do not accurately reflect the quality of repayment of accounts receivable, their interdependence and do not disclose the possibility of additional release of funds from settlements with debtors. To solve this problem, a new indicator has been introduced — the rate of repayment of receivables. An approach is proposed to substantiate the expediency and feasibility of accelerating payments based on the elasticity of revenue or proceeds from the sale of products, works and services to the rate of repayment of receivables. The results of the research were the creation of a system for tracking receivables balances and comparing them with sales volumes and turnover indicators, which can be useful for organisations selling products, works and services under credit agreement to accelerate cash receipts.

Breeding behavior analysis in a large captive colony of African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and its implications for population management and conservation

The African penguin Spheniscus demersus, frequently housed in zoos, holds potential for future reintroduction efforts due to its declining wild population. This paper aims to explore various aspects of reproductive performance in African penguins within a large ex situ colony at Zoo Wrocław in Poland, covering 9 years of breeding behaviors. The analysis reveals parallels in colony growth and partner change patterns with those observed in the wild. Positive correlations were found between breeding success and pair-bond duration, with the increasing colony size influencing reproductive performance. Contrary to their wild counterparts, captive African penguins initiate breeding attempt and produce a fertilized egg at a younger age. However, successful breeding still requires gaining experience or forming pairs with more experienced partners. Our research indicates that providing captive African penguins with unlimited food resources and sufficient nesting space results in rapid colony growth. The increased colony size facilitates breeding behaviors that positively influence population dynamics, particularly through the maintenance of long-term pair bond relationships and the potential for partner changes when necessary or desirable to enhance breeding success. We present compelling case studies in pair fidelity, offering valuable insights and implications for the management of captive populations and conservation efforts.

Mental health changes in partners of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals as a result of partner gender transition: What about me?

Purpose Research on the psychosocial impact of gender transitioning on partners of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals is scarce in the literature. Here, we assessed mental health in partners of TGNC individuals. Methods Anonymous surveys were administered via Amazon Mturk. Eligible participants were ≥ 18 years with a partner who transitioned genders. Relationship satisfaction and mental health were assessed via perceived changes, Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ-8), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR), Resilience Scale, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-5). Multivariable linear regression assessed associations between relationship satisfaction and type of partner transitioning. Results Of the 337 study respondents, 42.4% were assigned male, 57.6% assigned female (43.9% identify as male; 55.8% as female) and 1.76% nonbinary, with a mean age of 35.8. 44.4% had partners who are transgender women, while a third (36.8%) had partners who are transgender men, 7.7% from assigned male to nonbinary, and 11.2% from assigned female to nonbinary. Most (72.4%) partners underwent surgical transitioning (15.1% top surgery; 5.6% bottom; 51.6% both) versus 27.6% non-surgical transitioning. PHQ-8, SEAR, confidence, self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, and resilience scores were higher among respondents whose partners underwent surgical transitioning (p < 0.001). SEAR scores differed significantly among participants whose partners underwent top only versus bottom only surgery (p = 0.004). Conclusion Partner mental health and relationship satisfaction were most impacted by surgical transitioning of their TGNC partner. Supportive services for partners of TGNC individuals during the transition process to protect these romantic relationships should be considered.

Mobile dating apps use and sexual risk behavior among Brazilian undergraduate students.

One of the most popular ways to meet new people in the modern world is through dating apps. However, its use may facilitate casual sexual encounters and quick partner changes, both of which associated to endangering sexual health in different populations. To describe the use of mobile dating apps among undergraduate students at a major Brazilian public university and investigate its associations with sexual risk behaviors and sociodemographic factors. This is a cross-sectional study based on a web survey. The link for participation was made available to students enrolled in undergraduate courses in the eight units of the University of São Paulo, Campus Ribeirão Preto. Use of dating apps, sociodemographic/behavioral profile, and sexual risk behaviors were among the variables studied. The distribution of apps users was calculated for each variable of interest, and prevalence ratios (PRs) were used for comparisons. PRs were reported with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 487 students participated, with 32.9% reporting using dating apps. Male participants were more likely to use. The use of dating apps was associated with having multiple sexual partners and risky behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse. It is critical to describe the pattern of app use in undergraduate students and understand their influence on sexual health in order to avoid stigmatizing users. Additionally, this information can be helpful in directing the creation of strategies for using these apps as resources to promote health, such as the information-sharing regarding the sexual health.

Возможности транспортировки арктической нефти на НПЗ Республики Башкортостан

Communications play an important role in the economic development of states and regions, in the development of new markets by connecting distributed areas of economic activity. The modern sanction economy is characterised by the change of economic partners and, accordingly, communication direc-tions. Thus, the vector of Arctic oil exports is shifting to the Asia-Pacific region, which increases the role of maritime communications for its transport. At the same time, from a practical point of view, it can be as-sumed that Arctic oil can become one of the resources of domestic refineries. The aim of the study was to consider the possibilities of providing the oldest oil refining complex of the Republic of Bashkortostan with Arctic oil and to build a basic scheme of spatial organisation of communications linking the economic space of Russia. Achievement of the set goal required the solution of the following tasks: to determine the role of Russia in the world oil exports on the basis of “bp Statistical Review of World Energy”; to conduct a comprehensive analysis of studies of domestic scientists on the issues of oil production, sales and refining, as well as promising Arctic offshore projects; and to consider the features of the oil refining industry of Russia and, in particular, the Republic of Bashkortostan. As a result of the research, the conclusions about the prospectivity of Arctic oil production and about the possibilities of its delivery to the refineries of the Republic of Bashkortostan have been obtained; for these purposes, a principal scheme of spatial organisation of communications linking oil deliveries from Arctic offshore fields to refineries in Ufa of the Republic of Bashkortostan has been developed.

Aggregation of E121K mutant D-amino acid oxidase and ubiquitination-mediated autophagy mechanisms leading to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal adult-onset neuromuscular disorder. Our group has been studying this illness and previously reported novel mutations and rare mutations in a study using next-generation sequencing of DNA samples from Indian ALS patients. In this paper, we focus on the E121K mutation in the DAO gene to understand how it leads to ALS. Our experiments in SH-SY5Y cells indicate that the E121K mutation results in the accumulation of mutant protein aggregates, a change in cell morphology, and the death of neuronal cells. These protein aggregates get ubiquitinated and cause an imbalance in autophagy regulation. We observed an increase in the cellular concentrations of p62, OPTN, and LC3II. Through confocal microscopy studies, we show that the binding of p62 with ubiquitinated aggregates and its recruitment to LC3II mediates autophagosome generation. These relative changes in the key partners in autophagy increase cell death in cells harboring the E121K mutation and is a probable mechanism leading to ALS.

Estimating the Impact of COVID-19 on International Trade: Cases of Major Countries Using the SUR Model

This study examined the intricate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on international trade complexity. Focusing on major international trading entities such as Hong Kong, Korea, China, Japan, and the U.S., we evaluated how confirmed COVID-19 cases and government responses influenced trade patterns, particularly in exports and imports. We employed a seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) analysis with cyclic regression coefficients to scrutinize changes in trade relationships between 2020 and 2021. Korea serves as the central country for this analysis, and the findings extend to other nations. The results revealed the varied impact of COVID-19 on trade across countries. Exports from Korea to China were correlated with COVID-19 case numbers and government actions in both countries. Additionally, imports from China, Japan, the U.S. and Vietnam—excluding Hong Kong—were significantly influenced by confirmed COVID-19 cases in Korea, reflecting the demand dynamics. Government interventions also played a substantial role in shaping trade patterns. Previous studies have primarily focused on financial markets and supply chains, whereas our study analyzed the changes in trade with Korea’s five largest trading partners: China, the U.S., Japan, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Notably, we utilized long-term data and changes in major trading partners in Asia over time.

Dyadic patterns of mental health and quality of life change in partners and patients during three months of cardiac rehabilitation.

The effects of mental health on quality of life (QoL) over the course of a couple's recovery from a patient's cardiac event are unknown as partner outcomes are rarely considered within cardiac rehabilitation. To capture the transactional nature of recovery from a cardiac event, this research investigated the link between longitudinal changes in the mental health of couples in which at least one of the partners had cardiac disease and changes in their QoL during cardiac rehabilitation. Participants (N = 184 dyads) completed questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, and QoL at baseline (enrollment) and 3 months (discharge). Dyadic data were analyzed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model with integrated latent change scores. The results indicated that improved anxiety was associated with significant positive changes in physical and emotional QoL for both the patient and partner (actor effects). A reduction in depression in both partners from baseline to follow-up predicted an increase in emotional QoL for patients and partners, and an increase in physical QoL for partners (actor effects). Patients whose depression decreased from enrollment to the completion of cardiac rehabilitation were associated with partners' greater positive changes in emotional QoL than were patients whose depression did not decrease, and reductions in partners' anxiety over time predicted positive changes in patients' physical QoL (partner effects). Findings underscore the need to screen for and attend to patients' and partners' mental health outcomes postcardiac event, as positive changes in mental health symptoms may optimize changes in patients' and partners' emotional and physical QoL. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).