Decrease In Birth Rate Research Articles

The impact of juvenile curfews on teenage birth rates.

I examine the effect of city-level juvenile curfews on teenage birth rates using the National Center for Health Statistics birth data from 1982 to 2002. I compare differences in birth rates between younger and older age groups in cities with and without curfew ordinances. Before curfew adoption, the age differential in birth rates trended similarly for cities that did and did not adopt a curfew. There were significant decreases in the age differential birth rates in cities that adopted a curfew relative to cities that did not. Curfews reduced birth rates by approximately 3 births per 1000 women ages 15-17. I find a decrease in birth rates among white women. The main results are corroborated using a variety of robustness checks and specifications.

Effect of hen age on egg quality, hatching performance and chick quality in Chukar Partridges (Alectoris chukar)

Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the effect of different hen ages on egg quality characteristics, hatching performance and chick quality in chukar partridges. Materials and Methods: A total of 510 eggs obtained from chukar partridge flocks were used to determine the effects of different hen age on hatching performance, egg quality traits and chick quality. Daily collected 20 eggs from each age group (1, 2 and 3 years of age) were assessed for internal quality characteristics. A total of 150 eggs per each age group were set into incubator and hatcher set. After hatching, unhatched eggs were broken to determine hatching performance and embryonic mortality. Hatched day-old chicks were scored to determine chick quality characteristics. Results: Internal egg quality traits were not statistically affected by different breeding ages. Different breeding ages did not affect hatchability, early and middle embryonic mortality while late embryonic mortality and fertility of eggs were statistically affected. The evaluated chick quality traits were affected by the different hen age. Conclusion: Despite decreasing fertility rate with age, the results of this study suggest incubating eggs of chukar hens with 3 years age for optimum chick quality and being raised chukar hens up to 3 years of age.

Otherland: accounts of ordinary childless/freeness on Mumsnet

There has been an increase in the number of individuals who do not have children for various reasons, whether health, choice or circumstance, as well as those who have children later in the lifecourse. Concurrently, there is a moral panic surrounding the decreasing birth rate. A thematic analysis of posts on the parenting forum Mumsnet explores the significance of childless/freeness, in the context of wider relationships. We find that established categories of ‘mother’ and ‘childless/free’ are reductive, and are more porous than usually framed. We consider the impact of such categories on women’s friendships, finding that they undermine potential solidarities. Drawing on Scott (2019), we conceptualise the absence of children as significant, but not necessarily a deficit, highlighting the potential to understand childless/freeness in the everyday.

A bivariate Poisson regression to analyse impact of outlier women on correlation between female schooling and fertility in Malawi

BackgroundWomen’s levels of education and fertility are commonly associated. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the pace of decreasing fertility rates varies greatly, and this is linked to women’s levels of education. However, this association may be influenced by unusual females who have uncommon measurements on both variables. Despite this, most studies that researched this association have only analysed the data descriptively, without taking into account the effect of potential outliers. This study aimed to examine the presence and impact of outlier women on the relationship between female education and fertility in Malawi, using regression methods.MethodsTo analyse the correlation between women’s schooling and fertility and evaluate the effect of outliers on this relationship, a bivariate Poisson model was applied to three recent demographic and health surveys in Malawi. The R software version 4.3.0 was used for model fitting, outlier computations, and correlation analysis. The STATA version 12.0 was used for data cleaning.ResultsThe findings revealed a correlation of -0.68 to -0.61 between schooling and fertility over 15 years in Malawi. A few outlier women were identified, most of whom had either attended 0 or at least 9 years of schooling and had born either 0 or at least 5 children. The majority of the outliers were non-users of modern contraceptive methods and worked as domestic workers or were unemployed. Removing the outliers from the analysis led to marked changes in the fixed effects sizes and slight shifts in correlation, but not in the direction and significance of the estimates. The woman’s marital status, occupation, household wealth, age at first sex, and usage of modern contraceptives exhibited significant effects on education and fertility outcomes.ConclusionThere is a high negative correlation between female schooling and fertility in Malawi. Some outlier women were identified, they had either attended zero or at least nine years of schooling and had either born zero or at least five children. Most of them were non-users of modern contraceptives and domestic workers. Their impact on regression estimates was substantial, but minimal on correlation. Their identification highlights the need for policymakers to reconsider implementation strategies for modern contraceptive methods to make them more effective.

P-36 Hidden cause of decreased fertility rate during Grave's disease

Abstract Introduction Thyroid autoimmune disorders interfere with the physiology of reproduction, cause premature ovarianfailure, and mimic the early stage of menopause. Recently, no specific research was made to measure Grave's disease and infertility rates in young patients. Clinical Case Due to an inability to conceive for two years, a 24-year-old Caucasian female was referred to the clinic with typical symptoms and complaints of Grave's disease. She has a family history of Grave's disease and Diabetes mellitus. Ultrasound confirmed the presence of a highly vascularized non-homogeneous hyperplastic thyroid gland. A thyroid scan with Tc99m revealed generalized increased uptake. Laboratory investigations showed a decrease in TSH-!0.005mIU/ml (n.0.4mIU/ml - 4.0mIU/ml), elevated FT4-31.8 pmol/l (n.8.0pmol/l-22.0pmol/l), FT3- 9.69pmol/l (n3.4 pmol/l-6.76pmol/l) and positive Anti-TG -190.05 AU/ml (n>150), Anti-TPO - 75.7 IU/ml (n>75) Anti-TSHR-27.3 IU/l (n>1,5). Prolactin and gonadal hormones were within normal limits AMH - 1.8 ng/ml(n1.52ng/ml-9.95ng/ml), Fsh- 6mIU/ml(n3.9mIU/ml-12.4mIU/ml). The patient was started on Methimazole and Beta-blocker. While decreasing the Methimazole dosage for further discontinuation, disease recurrence developed, and a total thyroidectomy was performed. Post- operatively, the patient was maintained on Levothyroxine. After 6 months of follow-up due to irregular Levothyroxine intake, the patient reached a hypothyroid status, during which, the patient had 2 consecutive spontaneous pregnancies, from which, one ended with spontaneous miscarriage in the early weeks of pregnancy and another, ectopic pregnancy treated with right salpingectomy. HSG confirmed weak left fallopian tube patency. After several months of keeping TSH below 2.5 mIU/ml, IVF treatment was scheduled. The results of the infertility workup showed a decrease in ovarian reserve AMH - 0.163ng/ml (n1.52ng/ml-9.95ng/ml), Fsh-16.23 mIU/ml(n3.9mIU/ml- 12.4mIU/ml), due to it, modified natural cycle IVF was performed. She received 2 oocytes and 2 embryos. One high-grade blastocyst was transferred in a fresh cycle that ended with pregnancy and delivery. The child was born without a genetic disorder but with natal teeth. Conclusion This is a rare case of infertility with diminished ovarian reserve due to Grave's disease. A pregnancy was reached by proper correction of thyroid hormonal parameters and modified natural cycle IVF. It indicates a possible need for close monitoring of the functional ovarian reserve in patients planning pregnancy even at the young age group.

A Pregnancy and Childhood Epigenetics Consortium (PACE) meta-analysis highlights potential relationships between birth order and neonatal blood DNA methylation

Higher birth order is associated with altered risk of many disease states. Changes in placentation and exposures to in utero growth factors with successive pregnancies may impact later life disease risk via persistent DNA methylation alterations. We investigated birth order with Illumina DNA methylation array data in each of 16 birth cohorts (8164 newborns) with European, African, and Latino ancestries from the Pregnancy and Childhood Epigenetics Consortium. Meta-analyzed data demonstrated systematic DNA methylation variation in 341 CpGs (FDR adjusted P < 0.05) and 1107 regions. Forty CpGs were located within known quantitative trait loci for gene expression traits in blood, and trait enrichment analysis suggested a strong association with immune-related, transcriptional control, and blood pressure regulation phenotypes. Decreasing fertility rates worldwide with the concomitant increased proportion of first-born children highlights a potential reflection of birth order-related epigenomic states on changing disease incidence trends.

A Study of Factors Influencing Female Labor Force Participation Rate in Different Countries and Regions Based on Multi-Type Data Regression Methods

The ongoing progress of contemporary society and the growing global recognition of women have led to heightened scrutiny of the influence of female labour force in social production. The rate of female labour force participation holds significant implications for both the advancement of the global economy and the long-term sustainability of society. In this study, a dataset comprising 146 nations spanning the years 1990 to 2020 was utilised. Employing regression techniques, the 146 countries were categorised into six continents to investigate the impact of GDP per capita and fertility rate on the female labour force participation rate. The findings of the research indicate that the relationship between the female labour force participation rate and GDP per capita and fertility rate is non-linear, assuming that only these two factors are taken into account. Given the observed trend of a gradual increase in female labour force participation rates in various regions in recent years, alongside a corresponding decrease in fertility rates globally, it is imperative for relevant authorities to expedite the enhancement of policies pertaining to female reproduction. Furthermore, it is crucial to legally ensure employment opportunities for women.

Metabolik sendrom ve erkek infertilitesi

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of conditions that have a negative impact on human health overall. Its prevalence has been rapidly increasing worldwide and has coincided with a global decrease in birth rates and fertility potential. This review aims to address this observation through studying the relationship between MetS and male reproductive health. The effects of obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance on male fertility were examined and supporting evidence explaining the pathophysiology of sperm dysfunction with each MetS component were described. Adopting a healthy lifestyle appears to be the single most important intervention to prevent the unwanted effects of MetS on men’s health and fertility. Further studies addressing the components of MetS and their impact on male reproduction are required to enhance our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and to propose new methods for therapeutic intervention Keywords: metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, male infertility, sperm

Understanding the Impact of Demographic Factors and Education Policy on Enrollment Trends: A Study in China

This study addresses the complex interplay between demographic factors and educational enrollment trends in China, with a focus on understanding how population dynamics and education policies influence enrollment patterns. Utilizing a cross-sectional design and time series data from 2010 to 2020, the research examines the effects of population size, structure, distribution, and birth rate on enrollment trends, moderated by education policy assessments. The findings reveal significant correlations between demographic factors and enrollment trends. Specifically, as population size increases, enrollment tends to decrease, while decreasing birth rates are associated with increased enrollment. Urban areas show higher enrollment rates compared to rural areas, reflecting disparities in access to educational resources. However, the study finds mixed evidence regarding the influence of population average age on enrollment trends. Moreover, the research investigates the moderating effect of education policy assessments on demographic factors. While education policies have a positive moderation effect on population size and birth rate, the study suggests limited impact on the relationship between population average age and enrollment trends. This study provides valuable insights for educational planning and policy development, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments to accommodate changing population dynamics and ensure continued access to quality education. Additionally, the predictive model developed in this study offers a practical tool for understanding enrollment patterns and guiding policy decisions in the educational sector. However, the study acknowledges limitations related to generalizability and the complexity of external factors influencing enrollment trends, highlighting avenues for future research to enhance the predictive model and deepen understanding of enrollment dynamics.

High-concentration bovine serum albumin enhances fertilization ability of cold-stored rat sperm.

Cold transport of the cauda epididymides is a useful technique for shipping laboratory rat sperm. Cold transport of rat sperm avoids potential risks of microbiological infection, animal escape or death, and animal welfare issues. Previously, we reported that a cold-storage solution containing dimethyl sulfoxide and quercetin maintained the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm. However, cold-stored rat sperm exhibited a decreased fertilization rate after 24-h storage. To recover the fertility of cold-stored sperm, we focused on the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA), a cholesterol acceptor that induces sperm capacitation. We sought to determine the optimal concentration of BSA in fertilization medium based on the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm. High concentrations of BSA (40 mg/ml) enhanced the fertilization rate of cold-stored rat sperm and maintained sperm fertility for 144 h. Embryos derived from cold-stored and BSA-treated sperm normally developed into pups after embryo transfer. In summary, high BSA concentrations enhanced the fertility of cold-stored rat sperm and prolonged the storage period to 144 h, thereby expanding the transportable region for genetically engineered rats.

Barriers to Choosing Pediatrics as a Specialty: Insights From a Cross-Sectional Analysis.

The pediatric field in South Korea is experiencing a significant workforce crisis due to a sharp decline in pediatricians, exacerbated by a decrease in pediatric residents and a series of distressing incidents in pediatric healthcare institutions. No prior studies have explored the waning interest in pediatrics among South Korea's medical students and interns, which our research seeks to address during a pediatric workforce decline. This study aimed to investigate the declining interest in pediatrics among medical students and interns in South Korea amidst decreasing birth rates. We conducted a comprehensive survey to identify the factors deterring young medical professionals from pursuing a career in pediatrics. In this cross-sectional study, in December 2023 we surveyed medical students and interns at Jeonbuk National University and Hospital using a 40-item electronically distributed questionnaire tailored to assess the factors influencing specialty choice, focusing on pediatrics. The participants were divided into the pre-clinical and clinical groups, allowing for analysis across educational stages. The survey covered demographics, perceptions of pediatrics, attitudes toward medical errors, and awareness of critical issues; it included a range of question types to ensure detailed and nuanced data collection. Our findings revealed a clear decrease in interest in pediatrics as medical students progressed through their education, with 86.69% displaying negative views. Although a sense of mission and emotional satisfaction from patient interactions were highlighted as positive influences, they were significantly countered by worries related to declining pediatric populations, legal challenges, and interactions with patient guardians. Additionally, 95.84% of the participants recognized the critical role of vital pediatric departments; however, litigation risks and psychological burdens substantially affected their willingness to specialize in these areas. The analysis also showed an increasing awareness of pediatric incidents as students advanced through their education; however, this did not directly correlate with their choice of specialty (P = 0.090). The results emphasize the necessity for targeted interventions to alleviate concerns and improve the attractiveness of pediatrics. These efforts are essential to counteract the declining interest and ensure a sustainable pediatric workforce for the future.

Faktor Aging Population di Jepang dan Upaya Pemerintah Jepang dalam Mengatasi Fenomena Tersebut

Aging population is an issue that is quite worrying in Japan. From year to year the population birth graph continues to decline combined with life expectancy which causes Japan's population to age very quickly. This research tries to discuss the relationship between the factors that influence the aging population, accompanied by solutions carried out by the Japanese government to overcome the aging population. This research aims to describe the causes of the aging population and what the government's strategy is to overcome this. This research is a qualitative research. Data sources include scientific articles and reports from Japanese government agencies that discuss the aging population. The discussion is carried out by identifying problems using a social change theory approach. The results of the analysis show that the aging population phenomenon in Japan is caused by decreasing birth rates, urbanization, changes in modern lifestyles, and traditional gender roles. The Japanese government has implemented several things in response to this problem. However, this challenge requires cross-sector collaboration to create an environment that supports child birth and child growth.

Cadmium exposure-induced rat testicular dysfunction and its mechanism of chronic stress

Cadmium is a common environmental pollutant in daily life, the toxic mechanisms of chronic cadmium exposure on the testes have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the effects of cadmium exposure on male reproductive health and its mechanism. The results showed that cadmium exposure led widened interstitial spaces, abnormal seminiferous tubule morphology, and decreased Leydig cell numbers. Moreover, sperm quality was significantly reduced, along with a decrease in fertility rate. And cadmium exposure could activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, elevate blood glucocorticoid levels, subsequently increase glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and activation in testicular Leydig cells.Then GR act on the glucocorticoid receptor element (GRE) in the DNA methyltransferase 3 A (DNMT3A) promoter region and upregulate DNMT3A expression. Consequently, this led to an increase in DNA methylation levels in the angiotensin II receptor 2 (AT2R) promoter region, resulting in reduced AT2R expression and inhibiting testicular steroidogenesis. This study systematically elucidated that cadmium exposure could lead to testicular steroidogenesis suppression and decreased fertility through the GR/DNMT3A/AT2R signaling pathway. This research further provides theoretical and experimental evidence for confirming the threat of cadmium exposure to human reproduction, and contributes to the guidance and protection of male reproductive health.

Life cycle exposure to 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid disrupts reproductive endocrine system and induces transgenerational adverse effects in zebrafish

Global attention has been focused on organic UV filters due to their ubiquity and potential damage to aquatic environment, yet the effects of their life cycle exposure on fish reproduction remain unknown. In the present study, the influence of 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) exposure on the reproductive endocrine system of zebrafish was examined, from 6 hours post fertilization (hpf) until 150 days, at levels that near-environmentally relevant (0 to 20 μg/L). Our results showed that exposure to PBSA at 20 μg/L caused a slight decrease in the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) of female zebrafish in the F0 generation. Furthermore, this exposure had a negatively effect on reproduction, accompanied by delayed oocyte maturation, reduced cumulative egg production and decreased fertilization rate. Additionally, offspring embryos displayed reduced egg diameter at 0.75 hpf, delayed cumulative hatching rate at 60 hpf, and increased deformities rate at 72 hpf, indicating an adverse transgenerational effect. Moreover, PBSA exposure was associated with decreased plasma levels of sex hormones of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), as well as altered the transcriptional profiles of certain genes in the HPG (hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal) and liver axis. Molecular docking (MD) simulations revealed that specific amino acid residues of PBSA interact with zebrafish estrogen receptors, confirming its xenoestrogenic properties. Therefore, exposure to PBSA during its life cycle can disturb fish reproduction through endocrine disruption, thus necessitating strict environmental regulations for the disposal of UV filters to protect ecological and public health.

What is your optimal target of oxygen during general anesthesia in pediatric patients?

The optimal oxygen target during general anesthesia remains difficult to define in pediatric and adult patients. Although access to pediatric patients has become difficult owing to a decrease in birth rate, pediatric anesthesia remains an important part of anesthesiology, and oxygenation related to general anesthesia is an essential part of any anesthesiologist. The use of oxygen has increased survival rates in adults and children; however, the side effects related to oxygen use have also increased. This review addresses the considerations of oxygenation in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia.

CONCENTRATIONS OF D-DIMER, FOLIC ACID AND HOMOCYSTEIN IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH POST-COVID SYNDROME

Introduction. The problem of decreasing birth rate is becoming the main medical and social problem of modern Ukraine. Therefore, the preservation of each pregnancy is the main task of obstetrics. The outbreak of a global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, war, population migration abroad and within the country have created unprecedented medical and economic problems. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between D-dimer, folic acid (vitamin B9) and homocysteine levels and major pregnancy complications in the third trimester in pregnant women with post- COVID syndrome.Material and methods. 60 pregnant women (the main group) with SARS-CoV-2, positive Ig A, M or G to SARS-CoV-2 participatedin the study. The control group consisted of 25 women with normal pregnancies. The test system used for the determination of folic acid was from Monobind Inc. (USA) and Axis- Shield Diagnostics LTD (UK) for homocysteine. D-dimer studies were performed on a Coag Chrom 3003 analyzer. Statistical analysis of the study results was performed using the Statistica.10 program package for Windows. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Ternopil National Medical University named after I. Ya. Gorbachevskii (protocol No. 61 dated November 13, 2020).Quantitative results for normally distributed data are presented as arithmetic mean (M) ± root mean square deviation (m). Results of qualitative measurements were presented as number (n) and percentage (%). Statistical analysis of the research results was performed using the Statistica.10 statistical package for Windows.The study was conducted within the framework of the National Development Program “Improvement of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pregnant Women with Burdened Somatic History” of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Postgraduate Education, Ternopil State Medical University named after I. Ya. Gorbachevsky (state registration number N 0121U100153, performance period 2021-2023).Results. According to our research, patients of both groups did not diff er from each other in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), erythrocyte and hemoglobin levels (p&gt;0.05). Among the pregnant women in the main group, 25 pregnant women (41.7%) had a mild form of coronavirus disease, 14 (23.3%) pregnant women had pneumonia and were hospitalized, and 21 (35.0%) pregnant women had pneumonia and required oxygen support. The SARS-CoV-2 virus upsets the coagulation homeostasis system of pregnant women. The average value of D-dimer in healthy pregnant women was 0.56±0.16 μgFEO/ml, while in the main group this indicator was 16.48±4.25 μgFEO/ml (р&lt;0.001). In our study, the folate level in the control group was 5.88±0.08 μg/L, while in the main group this indicator signifi cantly decreased and was 2.56±0.09 μg/l (р&lt;0.05), compared with indicators in women with a physiological pregnancy, which can be considered a risk factor for the development of complications during pregnancy against the background of post- COVID syndrome. The average level of homocysteine in the control group was 7.8±2.28 μmol/l. The SARS-CoV-2 virus had a negative eff ect on homocysteine metabolism and caused moderate hyperhomocysteinemia (47.8±4.36 μmol/l, р&lt;0.05) in pregnant women in the 3rd trimester.Conclusions. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy has a negative eff ect on the course of pregnancy and upsets thecoagulation system of homeostasis. Hyperhomocysteinemia and a decrease in folate levels can be considered a promising marker for assessing the risk of complications during pregnancy against the background of post- COVID syndrome.

FRI558 Hidden Cause Of Decreased Fertility Rate During Grave’s Disease

Abstract Disclosure: T. Kutchukhidze: None. T. Khurodze: None. Introduction: Thyroid autoimmune disorders interfere with the physiology of reproduction, cause premature ovarian aging, and mimic the early stage of menopause. Recently, no specific research was made to measure Grave’s disease and infertility rates in young patients. Case Report: Due to an inability to conceive for two years, a 24-year-old Caucasian female was referred to the clinic with typical symptoms and complaints of Grave's disease. She has a family history of Grave’s disease and Diabetes mellitus. Ultrasound confirmed the presence of a highly vascularized non-homogeneous hyperplastic thyroid gland. A thyroid scan with Tc99m revealed generalized increased uptake. Laboratory investigations showed a decrease in TSH-&amp;lt;0.005mIU/ml (n.0.4mIU/ml - 4.0mIU/ml), elevated FT4-31.8 pmol/l (n.8.0pmol/l-22.0pmol/l), FT3- 9.69pmol/l (n3.4 pmol/l-6.76pmol/l) and positive Anti-TG -190.05 AU/ml (n&amp;gt;150), Anti-TPO -75.7 IU/ml (n&amp;gt;75) Anti-TSHR-27.3 IU/l (n&amp;gt;1,5). Prolactin and gonadal hormones were within normal limits AMH - 1.8 ng/ml(n1.52ng/ml-9.95ng/ml), FSH- 6mIU/ml(n3.9mIU/ml-12.4mIU/ml). The patient was started on Methimazole and Beta-blocker. While decreasing the Methimazole dosage for further discontinuation, disease recurrence developed, and a total thyroidectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient was maintained on Levothyroxine. After 6 months of follow-up due to irregular Levothyroxine intake, the patient reached a hypothyroid status, during which, the patient had 2 consecutive spontaneous pregnancies, from which, one ended with spontaneous miscarriage in the early weeks of pregnancy and another, ectopic pregnancy treated with right salpingectomy. HSG confirmed weak left fallopian tube patency. After several months of keeping TSH below 2.5 mIU/ml, IVF treatment was scheduled. The results of the infertility workup showed a decrease in ovarian reserve AMH - 0.163ng/ml (n1.52ng/ml-9.95ng/ml), FSH-16.23 mIU/ml(n3.9mIU/ml-12.4mIU/ml), due to it, modified natural cycle IVF was performed. She received 2 oocytes and 2 embryos. One high-grade blastocyst was transferred in a fresh cycle that ended with pregnancy and delivery. The child was born without a genetic disorder but with natal teeth. Conclusion: This is a rare case of infertility with diminished ovarian reserve due to Grave’s disease. A pregnancy was reached by proper correction of thyroid hormonal parameters and modified natural cycle IVF. It indicates a possible need for close monitoring of the functional ovarian reserve in patients planning pregnancy even in the young age group. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Influence of demographic processes on multifunctional use of natural resources

It is on a daily basis that modern humankind encounters a challenge to provide basic resources for living. Population growth leads to the emerging need to use natural resources (fresh water, oil, natural gas, coal, arable soil, etc.). The supplies and use of these resources are a persistent problem. As the process of urbanization intensifies, the awareness of the limitations of specific commercially overused resources rises. These processes are tightly connected with environment impairment and sustainable development. New technologies do increase productivity but the ratio of labor force and job positions decreases, raising an issue of future working population. Population and human resources have a multidimensional impact on economic growth of each country, which also includes continuous use of natural resources. A balanced population distribution is one of the crucial factors of functional sustainability of space, natural resource use, and social prosperity. It is in late 2020 that our planet marks the population of slightly less than eight billion and the figures will grow up to 10 billion in 2050. Changes in the structure and number of population affect many aspects of our lives. It is of an utmost pertinence to understand modern demographic processes in order to meet many challenges regarding natural resource use as these challenges are directly connected with fresh water shortage, hunger and underfeeding, climate change, diseases, economic growth, energetics shortage, clashes and wars. Even though natural resources play an important role, it is the human resources that matter the most. The specificity and exceptionality of human resources make them more relevant than other resources and they are extremely pertinent for the economic growth of any given area. Investing in human resources is more effective than investing in any other resource because of the ability of self-renewal and growth. In addition, human resources may employ all their mental, physical, and other available potentials. Hence, special attention should be paid to demographic processes and other changes taking place in regard to population. The fast scientific-technological revolution transformed the relation between demographic processes and natural resources, i.e. natural resource management. Centralization and the introduction of the so-called agribusiness market approach based on new economic models resulted in massive increase of productivity and efficiency in natural resource use, which successfully met the needs of the growing population but also led to wealth accumulation. Nevertheless, the same process caused the vast decrease and degradation of arable soil and forests, over-usage of natural resources, and irreversible destruction of habitats. Humankind gradually entered into a vicious circle of demographic growth, urbanization, increased food demands and requests for natural resources on one side and the increasing degradation of these resources on the other side. Unsustainability of natural resource management based solely on agribusiness market principles (supranational or global framework, accumulation of private property or corporate wealth) is becoming more evident. The Republic of Srpska is currently employed in the final phase of demographic transition, which is conditioned by poor economic growth and tertiarization, inadequate use of natural resources, and favorable transportation-geographical position, which has already initiated biological disturbances. Given the population density and distribution, the Republic of Srpska is an extremely homogeneous area with pronounced regional and interregional disparities. One such unbalanced spatial population distribution has negative effects on natural resource use and the total socio-economic growth. Most areas are affected by depopulation. The situation is most alarming in undersized and mountain settlements and areas along the entity borderline. The negative demographic conditions are further complicated by the negative migration balance so a large-scale depopulation becomes an emerging problem. Negative demographic features resulting from the current socio-economic situation, historical factors, and geopolitical issues from the 1990s are typical of the Republic of Srpska. All these determinants clearly indicate the unbalanced concentration and the decrease in the number of population. Early 21st century is demographically challenging for the Republic of Srpska as the number of population decreases and birth rates are negative. We may infer that demographic resources of the Republic of Srpska are humble and insufficient in regard to potential use of main natural resources (arable soil, forests, hydropotential, and mineral ore). The renewal of demographic resources depends on the constantly decreasing birth rates and, unfortunately, increasing mortality rates. If we add negative tendencies of intensive population aging and emigration, we may infer that the future use of natural resources shall be a great challenge to the economic growth of the Republic of Srpska. Hence, a question remains how to most optimally use natural and demographic resources in order to achieve a more balanced socio-economic growth in the Republic of Srpska.

The Possible Reasons for the Declining Fertility Rates in China

The low fertility rate is not only a circumstance experienced by developed countries but also in China after 2002. Many social problems occur when the fertility rate is low, so the reasons for the declining fertility rate in China need to be discussed to help to improve. From a macro perspective, scholars have already found several causes including China's public policy, national conditions, as well as world situations, and environmental pressures. But the exploration of reasons from a micro viewpoint is still limited. So the research is aim to collect first-hand material from a real micro angle to search for the reasons for decreasing fertility rate in China based on qualitative analysis using observation and also the interviews of 35 interviewees who were born from 1970 to 2002 by asking two to eight questions person to person. What's more, three controversial measures, illegitimate childbirth, legitimate surrogacy, and legitimate homosexuality that could raise the fertility rate in the Chinese context are also discussed. According to the results, it is suggested that the thoughts and values of marriage and fertility are different from age to age. And the views on marriage and fertility can be diverse in the same age generation, even total opposite opinions in the same generation also exist. But most people have negative or partly negative attitudes to marriage or fertility(including first child or second child), mainly restricted in a kind of social and realistic problems. When it comes to illegitimate childbirth, legitimate surrogacy, and legitimate homosexuality in the Chinese context, most interviewees have neutral or supportive attitudes toward legitimate homosexuality, but partly negative and negative attitudes to illegitimate childbirth, and legitimate surrogacy.

Spatial Diversity and Impact of Selected Factors on Women’s Labour Force Participation Rate in Poland during 2000–2020

The sustainable development (SD) policy is also a family-friendly policy. Its crucial element is the use of social transfers (STs) as cash benefits for children. This study aims to explain the existence of regional variation in Poland in terms of the rate of working women and to conduct an assessment of the selected factors’ impact including the impact of STs on women’s propensity to work in Poland between 2000 and 2020. The survey showed the existence of SD through a strong convergence of the study area in terms of the rate of working women (RWW). However, an increase in the RWW with a decreasing fertility rate (FR) was observed between 2017 and 2020. The study showed a negative correlation between the RWW and STs. This means that the higher the transfers, the lower the propensity of women to return to the labour market. This situation could have negative consequences in the future. Long-lasting non-working periods mean a shorter period of pension contributions. As a result, with a low fertility rate, an accelerated pauperisation of society and a growing group of people living below the poverty line can be expected, which could disrupt or halt the country’s sustainable development. Appropriate reforms are needed to enable women to return to the labour market as soon as possible.