Different Levels Of Organization Research Articles

Emergence in Complex Physiological Processes: The Case of Vitamin B12 Functions in Erythropoiesis

In this paper, we will explore the relation between molecular structure and functions displayed by biochemical molecules in complex physiological processes by using tools from the philosophy of science and the philosophy of scientific practice. We will argue that biochemical functions are weakly emergent from molecular structure by using an account of weak. In order to explore this thesis, we will consider the role of vitamin B12 in contributing to the process of erythropoiesis. The structure of the paper is the following: First, we will consider biochemical functions and why they cannot be easily reduced to their chemical realisers. We will suggest weak emergence as an alternative while also accounting for the relevance of the context, in our case, systemic and organisational. The paper will conclude by considering (1) how the usage of tools from the philosophy of science, such as weak emergence, can aid our understanding of the relations between the components of complex phenomena, such as erythropoiesis, and (2) how the philosophy of scientific practice sheds light on the explanatory role of processes that are dynamically stabilised and the different levels of organisation implied.

Complex Systems in Interdisciplinary Interaction

Complex systems consist of many components that interact with each other, and nonlinearity is fundamental in the dynamics that arise as a result of the interaction of these components and cannot be studied by observing only a small part of the system. A large number of them make fluctuations an integral part of their dynamics. Through interdisciplinary research, we integrate different disciplines and methodological approaches. We study complexity from different angles through topics that include neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and quantum physics. We have sought to explore these topics that have gained progressive interest in scientific circles as well as outside academic circles, influencing many areas outside academic research. Two goals connect our research. First, theoretical insights from neuroscience, artificial intelligence and quantum physics of the financial stock market. “Financial stock markets are sophisticated machines intertwined with scientific networks” (Ana Negovanović, 2024). They are the core of a system of different blocks that interact on the financial market in an interdisciplinary interaction of the most complex structures, neural networks with interconnected nodes. Second, new technologies- convergence of technologies, new industries, space industry through chaos theory. Investigating the attributes of complex systems is structure. Systems are structured in such a way that some parts of the system are specialized, and systems can naturally be divided into different levels of organization, which should be modeled at different levels of detail. An important component of systems understanding is the ability to break down a system model into its component parts and levels to see how the parts behave and how to connect the parts and levels to understand the overall dynamics and structure of the system. Perhaps one of the most transparent examples of the importance of structure in thinking about complex systems is the space program, where one must equally consider the behavior of individual components and the dynamics of how those components interact with each other.

Quantification of Thermal Acclimation in Immune Functions in Ectothermic Animals.

This short review focuses on current experimental designs to quantify immune acclimation in animals. Especially in the face of rapidly changing thermal regimes, thermal acclimation of immune function has the potential to impact host-pathogen relationships and the fitness of hosts. While much of the field of ecoimmunology has focused on vertebrates and insects, broad interest in how animals can acclimate to temperatures spans taxa. The literature shows a recent increase in thermal acclimation studies in the past six years. I categorized studies as focusing on (1) natural thermal variation in the environment (e.g., seasonal), (2) in vivo manipulation of animals in captive conditions, and (3) in vitro assays using biological samples taken from wild or captive animals. I detail the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches, with an emphasis on mechanisms of acclimation at different levels of organization (organismal and cellular). These two mechanisms are not mutually exclusive, and a greater combination of the three techniques listed above will increase our knowledge of the diversity of mechanisms used by animals to acclimate to changing thermal regimes. Finally, I suggest that functional assays of immune system cells (such as quantification of phagocytosis) are an accessible and non-taxa-specific way to tease apart the effects of animals upregulating quantities of immune effectors (cells) and changes in the function of immune effectors (cellular performance) due to structural changes in cells such as those of membranes and enzymes.

Investigating students’ meaning-making of multiple visual representations of epigenetics at different levels of biological organisation

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate students’ meaning–making of multiple visual representations of epigenetics at different levels of biological organisation, and to discern what visual aspects of the multiple visual representations might influence students’ reasoning. Adopting an exploratory approach, we analysed how students made meaning of visually communicated epigenetics phenomena while pointing at and reasoning about the multiple visual representations as part of semi-structured focus groups. We investigated students’ meaning-making of the multiple visual representations by analysing their indications through physical pointing and accompanying verbal utterances. The analysis revealed meaning-making and the nature of linking between levels of organisation in four distinct patterns, namely intra horizontal linking, inter horizontal linking, one level vertical linking and two level vertical linking. In addition, five different visual characteristics of the multiple visual representations emerged as influencing students’ reasoning while linking between different organisation levels: multiple visual representations, salient visual features, analogous visual features, familiar visual elements, and textual adjuncts. The study shows that multiple visual representations at different levels of organisation can support students’ meaning-making of epigenetics, indicating that this way of communicating can be transferable to other biological domains. Potential implications for future research and teaching practice are provided.

The Metabolic Syndrome, a Human Disease.

This review focuses on the question of metabolic syndrome (MS) being a complex, but essentially monophyletic, galaxy of associated diseases/disorders, or just a syndrome of related but rather independent pathologies. The human nature of MS (its exceptionality in Nature and its close interdependence with human action and evolution) is presented and discussed. The text also describes the close interdependence of its components, with special emphasis on the description of their interrelations (including their syndromic development and recruitment), as well as their consequences upon energy handling and partition. The main theories on MS's origin and development are presented in relation to hepatic steatosis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, but encompass most of the MS components described so far. The differential effects of sex and its biological consequences are considered under the light of human social needs and evolution, which are also directly related to MS epidemiology, severity, and relations with senescence. The triggering and maintenance factors of MS are discussed, with especial emphasis on inflammation, a complex process affecting different levels of organization and which is a critical element for MS development. Inflammation is also related to the operation of connective tissue (including the adipose organ) and the widely studied and acknowledged influence of diet. The role of diet composition, including the transcendence of the anaplerotic maintenance of the Krebs cycle from dietary amino acid supply (and its timing), is developed in the context of testosterone and β-estradiol control of the insulin-glycaemia hepatic core system of carbohydrate-triacylglycerol energy handling. The high probability of MS acting as a unique complex biological control system (essentially monophyletic) is presented, together with additional perspectives/considerations on the treatment of this 'very' human disease.

Using the Structural Influence Model to Explore U.S. Latina/O/X/E Undocumented Immigrants’ COVID-19 Information Acquisition, Perceptions, and Prevention Behaviors

ABSTRACT In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. undocumented immigrants were at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19, with many of them being “frontline essential workers” and residing in crowded living spaces. Given undocumented immigrants’ elevated susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 at the peak of uncertainty surrounding the virus, we used the structural influence model of communication to explore: (1) how undocumented immigrants acquired information about COVID-19; (2) how they assessed information trustworthiness and accuracy; (3) their perceptions of COVID-19; and (4) how they prevented or managed COVID-19. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with 46 Latina/o/x/e undocumented immigrants residing in California, we found four key themes: (1) (dis)trust in traditional media as participants relied heavily on social media for COVID-19 information; (2) weak and strong ties played a crucial role in co-constructing health outcomes with different levels of organization; (3) learning about COVID-19 through (in)direct experiences; and (4) coping through health literacy and cultural beliefs. The study’s findings can inform future efforts to reach highly-vulnerable immigrant communities during a crisis (or different outbreaks in COVID-19 variants), and hopefully, help reduce health inequities.

Metabolic scaling as an emergent outcome of variation in metabolic rate.

The allometric scaling of metabolic rate and what drives it are major questions in biology with a long history. Since the metabolic rate at any level of biological organization is an emergent property of its lower-level constituents, it is an outcome of the intrinsic heterogeneity among these units and the interactions among them. However, the influence of lower-level heterogeneity on system-level metabolic rate is difficult to investigate, given the tightly integrated body plan of unitary organisms. In this context, social insects such as honeybees can serve as important model systems because unlike unitary organisms, these superorganisms can be taken apart and reassembled in different configurations to study metabolic rate and its various drivers at different levels of organization. This commentary discusses the background of such an approach and how combining it with artificial selection to generate heterogeneity in metabolic rate with an analytical framework to parse out the different mechanisms that contribute to the effects of heterogeneity can contribute to the various models of metabolic scaling. Finally, the absence of the typical allometric scaling relationship among different species of honeybees is discussed as an important prospect for deciphering the role of top-down ecological factors on metabolic scaling. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolutionary significance of variation in metabolic rates'.

Materials Science of the North and the Artic for the industry of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

An overview of the research in the field of Northern and Arctic Materials sciences is provided, including the design and safe operation of materials for complex technical systems in extreme environments. The discussion covers the fundamental principles of material design, including structure at different levels of organization and scales, and the development of theoretical and numerical models. Additionally, the optimal ratios of components and technological stages are discussed to obtain specific properties such as corrosion resistance, wear, cold and frost resistance, strength, and plasticity. These efforts aim to ensure the reliable operation and resource efficiency of machines and structures in harsh arctic and subarctic conditions.

Identification and characterization of unknown disturbances in a structured population using high-throughput phenotyping data and measurement of robustness: application to growing pigs.

Improving the robustness of animals has become a priority in breeding due to climate change, new societal demands, and the agroecological transition. Components of animal robustness can be extracted from the analysis of the adaptive response of an animal to disturbance using longitudinal data. Nonetheless, this response is a function of animal robustness as well as of disturbance characteristics (intensity and duration). To correctly assess an animal's robustness potential, it is therefore useful to know the characteristics of the disturbances it faces. The UpDown method, which detects and characterizes unknown disturbances at different levels of organization of the population (e.g., individual, pen, and batch disturbances), has been proposed for this purpose. Furthermore, using the outputs of the method, it is possible to extract proxies of the robustness of animals. In this context, the objective of the study was to evaluate the performances of the UpDown method to detect and characterize disturbances and quantify the robustness of animals in a genetic framework using different sets of simulations, and to apply this method to real pig longitudinal data recorded during the fattening period (body weight, cumulative feed intake, and feeding rate). Based on the simulations, the specificity of the UpDown method was high (>0.95). Its sensitivity increased with the level of organization exposed (from 0.23 to 0.32 for individual disturbances, from 0.45 to 0.59 for pen disturbances, and from 0.77 to 0.88 for batch disturbances). The UpDown method also showed a good ability to characterize detected disturbances. The average time interval between the estimated and true start date or duration of the disturbance was lower than 3d. The correlation between the true and estimated intensity of the disturbance increased with the hierarchical level of organization (on average, 0.41, 0.78, and 0.83 for individual, pen, and batch disturbance, respectively). The accuracy of the estimated breeding values of the proxies for robustness extracted from the analysis of individual trajectories over time were moderate (lower than 0.33). Applied to real data, the UpDown method detected different disturbances depending on the phenotype analyzed. The heritability of the proxies of robustness were low to moderate (ranging from 0.11 to 0.20).

Принципы и методы исследования структуры метагеосистем для проектирования паломническо-туристского кластера

Introduction. The article characterizes the spatio-temporal structure of metageosystems of the pilgrimage-tourist cluster “Sanaksar – Temnikov”, located in the center of the Russian Plain, in the zone of interaction of forest-steppe and forest geosystems. Materials and methods. Thestructuring of information within the framework of thestudy is based on the simultaneous use of a natural sequence of involving interrelated principles: genetic, historical, systemic, territorial-structural. The object of study was investigated from the perspective of a geosystem approach, the structure and components of metageosystems were analyzed as spatial formations of different levels of organization, naturally functioning. Research results and discussion. A detailed description of the geosystem model of the tourist cluster “Sanaksar – Temnikov” is given. It has been proven that the sustainable development of metageosystems should be based on multifactor information support, in which the most important condition for the effective economic development of landscapes is realized through the formation of a regional spatial data infrastructure. Based on the analysis of the archaeological map of the Republic of Mordovia, patterns of development of cultural landscapes are identified. The characteristics of the processes and features of the economic development of geosystems and the formation of cultural heritage have been formed. Conclusion. The organization of a pilgrimage and tourism cluster places high demands on information support. Solving the problem of forecasting and monitoring the development of metageosystems for making management decisions is possible using methods and algorithms for processing and analyzing spatial data, designing and implementing project-oriented geoportal systems for distributing spatial data.

Diversity across organisational scale emerges through dispersal ability and speciation dynamics in tropical fish

BackgroundBiodiversity exists at different levels of organisation: e.g. genetic, individual, population, species, and community. These levels of organisation all exist within the same system, with diversity patterns emerging across organisational scales through several key processes. Despite this inherent interconnectivity, observational studies reveal that diversity patterns across levels are not consistent and the underlying mechanisms for variable continuity in diversity across levels remain elusive. To investigate these mechanisms, we apply a spatially explicit simulation model to simulate the global diversification of tropical reef fishes at both the population and species levels through emergent population-level processes.ResultsWe find significant relationships between the population and species levels of diversity which vary depending on both the measure of diversity and the spatial partitioning considered. In turn, these population-species relationships are driven by modelled biological trait parameters, especially the divergence threshold at which populations speciate.ConclusionsTo explain variation in multi-level diversity patterns, we propose a simple, yet novel, population-to-species diversity partitioning mechanism through speciation which disrupts continuous diversity patterns across organisational levels. We expect that in real-world systems this mechanism is driven by the molecular dynamics that determine genetic incompatibility, and therefore reproductive isolation between individuals. We put forward a framework in which the mechanisms underlying patterns of diversity across organisational levels are universal, and through this show how variable patterns of diversity can emerge through organisational scale.

Investigating biodiversity patterns across scales in freshwater mussels

Hypotheses relating genomic diversity to community attributes such as abundance and species diversity attract attention from a wide and varied audience because their applications are twofold. First, testing such hypotheses can further a theoretical—and hopefully generalizable—understanding of the forces that assemble communities and create observed patterns of biodiversity. Second, relationships that hold true could ease the burden of data collection for conservation or other urgent applications; for example, a strong correlation between species diversity and genetic diversity could make it possible to use one as a proxy for the other, and focus limited resources on measuring the easier of the two without sacrificing information gained. In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Bucholz et al. (2023) explore the relationships between within‐species genomic diversity, community relative abundance and community species richness, testing three types of ecological hypotheses in the freshwater mussel communities of the southeastern United States. They find positive relationships between mussel density and species richness, and between genomic diversity within a species and density of that species, but no robust support for the expectation of correlated genomic and species diversity. Their analyses highlight the among‐species variability in relationships among these different levels of organization and also the complex ways in which interactions with the broader ecosystem (i.e. unionid mussels require fish hosts for maturation) affect these quantitative relationships, nonetheless pushing forward into the important frontier of community‐wide genomic assessment for theoretical and conservation applications.

Identifying key features of digital resources used during online science practicals.

As in our everyday lives, we use digital elements as part of formal and informal education. To serve their educational purpose well, systematic research is desirable to identify and measure their characteristics. This study focuses on science practicals, which are complex and vary in organizational settings and specific arrangements, including usage of digital elements. We describe the digital resources on which the online instruction of science practicals during the COVID-19 forced lockdowns was built, and their key characteristics were identified. Data were collected from science teachers in Slovakia, Czechia, Slovenia, France, and Spain. The teachers shared the web resources they used and that they would recommend, together with a description of the resources. We recorded 89 inputs representing 50 unique resources. Teachers preferred free resources, mostly for knowledge revision, and newly discovered 36% of them due to forced distant teaching. The best evaluated resources were those supporting interaction (especially among peers), focused on teaching subjects and/or ICT, ready to use, and with a clear structure. The resource most frequently mentioned and used in more than half of the countries was PhET (Interactive Simulations for Science and Math) which provides free simulations of scientific principles. Other characteristics mentioned in the literature (e.g., supporting creativity and independent solving, connecting different levels of organization, authenticity, flexibility) were not that important for the overall rating.

Unpacking human systems in data science innovations: Key innovator perspectives

Despite optimistic forecasts, industry innovations in data science have extraordinarily high rates of failure. It is essential to minimise the failure of data science projects, for both businesses and data professionals. Human systems are critical to the success of data science innovations. However, the human aspects of innovation management are often neglected or omitted in most guidelines and frameworks for data science. This provides limited guidance about the necessary human conditions for successful data science innovations. In this article we address this concern by developing a systematic framework for understanding human systems that support data science innovations.We first reviewed the elements of human system at different levels of analysis and how they contribute to innovation. Substantial research and theory indicate successful innovation requires supports at different levels of organisations, which combine to create the organisation’s innovation capability. The review provided an initial framework for integrating human systems with data science innovations. Then, we drew on a series of interviews with key innovators engaged in developing current data science innovations. The interviews generated a more complete picture of human systems in practice. The findings support a range of practices to energise and facilitate innovation as an integral part of strategic planning and business processes. This study contributes to the advancement of innovation management theories and calls attention to guiding and engaging individuals through providing support and removing barriers to data science at different organisational levels. More practically, innovation managers could use this as a guide to optimise work systems and inform pathways to improve organisation data science efforts.

On Assessment of Potential Hazards of Selenium Nanoparticles at Different Levels of Organization of Living Things: A Literature Review

Introduction: The spread of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) increases risks of environmental pollution and human exposure, either accidental or following a targeted use of the products known to contain them, making the assessment of potential hazards of Se NPs particularly relevant. Objective: To examine published data for subsequent assessment of potential hazards of selenium nanoparticles as a risk factor in both occupational and environmental settings at different levels of organization of living things. Materials and methods: We have analyzed the results of studies published in 2001–2022 in English and Russian languages and found in PubMed, Google Scholar, eLibrary, CyberLeninka, and Scopus databases using the following keywords: selenium nanoparticles, toxicity, cytotoxicity, pathology, hazard, and risk. Forty-five original research articles were considered eligible for inclusion in the review out of more than 100 papers screened for information of interest. Results: We have noted that health benefits of using Se NPs are discussed more frequently than their adverse effects. Yet, the ability of Se NPs to generate free radicals, exhibit a cytotoxic effect on tumor cells, and interact with proteins, although without changes in their secondary structure, has been established. Some authors also report acute and subacute toxicity of Se NPs observed, inter alia, in warm-blooded animals, as well as their accumulation in agricultural plants. Conclusion: Additional in-depth studies of physicochemical, toxicological, and hygienic characteristics of selenium nanoparticles are necessary to specify the extent of their potential hazard for living things.

نموذج مقترح لإدارة المخاطر في الشركات ذات المشروعات المتعددة

Recently, the importance of risk management has increased in the field of project management, especially software projects. The importance of risk management is because it has direct effects on the success of the project. Therefore, software organizations face a major challenge in achieving effective and efficient risk management. Therefore, measuring risks in software development is a key activity to be undertaken in risk management. Risk measurement is also one of the important topics that need more effort, especially in a work environment with multiple software projects. A multi-project environment involves multiple projects sharing the same available resources. This research aims to conduct a literature review to discover patterns or trends in software development to measure project risks and to reveal aspects of the measurement process, risk indicators, and various metrics for software projects. This research also aims to present a proposed framework for assessing risks in a multi-project work environment with shared resources for different levels in organizations with different capabilities.

‘Your CV looks amazing but I am sorry, you didn’t get the job’: analysing experiences of global majority physiotherapists aspiring to and working at consultant level practice in the UK

IntroductionEffective leadership shapes organisational culture to deliver world class healthcare. Racially minoritised individuals rarely access opportunities leading to leadership positions. This paper expands on themes from qualitative research which explored...

Populations structure and role of Hedysarum grandiflorum in the spatial organization of plant communities of petrophyte steppes

Comprehensive monitoring and assessment of the state of vegetation cover of Samara Trans-Volga show that steppe landscapes are the most vulnerable, and areas of petrophytic steppes. Rare species include Hedysarum grandiflorum Pall. This species is protected in the territory of Russia. Structural features of cenopopopulations were studied in more than 50 natural-territorial complexes. The number of individuals in populations of specific locations is usually sufficient to make a comprehensive assessment of the species at different levels of organization (organismal, population, species, and phytocoenotic). The study of cenopopopulations was carried out in 1998-2020. During the field studies, we used the method of laying test sites (stationary plots). Data on the spatial distribution of individuals were processed in the R environment (version 3.3.2) using the SPATSTAT package. The intensity of the location of individuals of the studied species was estimated using the Gaussian kernel function with boundary correction. Most of the H. grandiflorum populations known to us are (or have already been) degraded or even critical due to irrational economic exploitation of natural complexes. The random type of placement of individuals indicates favorable habitat conditions for the studied species at stationary plots. Perhaps, some tendency of pregenerative individuals to cluster is due to the mosaic location of sites suitable for seed germination (small depressions with sufficient moisture, areas not occupied by vegetation, formed under the action of exogenous factors).

Features of the response to subchronic low-dose exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles in rats

Copper is an essential trace element for human health and, at the same time, a major industrial metal widely used both in its elemental form and in compounds. We conducted a dose-dependent assessment of the response of outbred albino male rats to subchronic low-dose exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles administered intraperitoneally at cumulative doses of 18 and 36 mg/kg during 6 weeks to exposure groups 1 and 2, respectively. We observed disorders at different levels of organization of the body in the exposed animals, from molecular to organismal. The observed decrease in the activity of succinate dehydrogenase in nucleated blood cells gave evidence of impaired bioenergetics processes. In view of the results of the metabolomics analysis, we assume mitochondrial damage and contribution of apoptotic processes to the pathology induced by copper poisoning. We also assume neurodegenerative effects based on the assessed morphological parameters of the nervous system, results of behavioral tests, and a decreased level of expression of genes encoding NMDA receptor subunits in the hippocampus. The hepatotoxic effect noted by a number of metabolomics-based, biochemical, and cytological indicators was manifested by the impaired protein-synthesizing function of the liver and enhanced degenerative processes in its cells. We also observed a nephrotoxic effect of nanosized copper oxide with a predominant lesion of proximal kidney tubules. At the same time, both doses tested demonstrated such positive health effects as a statistically significant decrease in the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the nucleated blood cell DNA fragmentation factor. Judging by the changes observed, the cumulative dose of copper oxide nanoparticles of 18 mg/kg body weight administered intraperitoneally approximates the threshold one for rats. The established markers of health impairments may serve as a starting point in the development of techniques of early diagnosis of copper poisoning.

Species-level drivers of avian centrality within seed-dispersal networks across different levels of organisation.

Bird-plant seed-dispersal networks are structural components of ecosystems. The role of bird species in seed-dispersal networks (from less [peripheral] to more connected [central]), determines the interaction patterns and their ecosystem services. These roles may be driven by morphological and functional traits as well as evolutionary, geographical and environmental properties acting at different spatial extents. It is still unknown if such drivers are equally important in determining species centrality at different network levels, from individual local networks to the global meta-network representing interactions across all local networks. Using 308 networks covering five continents and 11 biogeographical regions, we show that at the global meta-network level species' range size was the most important driver of species centrality, with more central species having larger range sizes, which would facilitate the interaction with a higher number of plants and thus the maintenance of seed-dispersal interactions. At the local network level, body mass was the only driver with a significant effect, implying that local factors related to resource availability are more important at this level of network organisation than those related to broad spatial factors such as range sizes. This could also be related to the mismatch between species-level traits, which do not consider intraspecific variation, and the local networks that can depend on such variation. Taken together, our results show that the drivers determining species centrality are relative to the levels of network organisation, suggesting that prediction of species functional roles in seed-dispersal interactions requires combined local and global approaches.