Project Activities Research Articles

Consumer engagement in sustainable consumption: do demographics matter?

Abstract This study investigates the relationship between internal and external factors of pro-environmental and pro-social engagement, sustainable consumption behaviour and personal characteristics such as age, gender, financial situation and level of education in the Lithuanian population. A quantitative method was used to collect data from 904 respondents in Lithuania. The study results suggest that women are more concerned about pro-environmental and pro-social issues. In addition, pro-environmental commitment, biospheric values, personal norms and perceived responsibility were important for women. Meanwhile, egoistic values, self-efficacy, social norms, biospheric values, and attachment to place were identified as more important for men. The results reveal that older age increasingly correlates with a stronger expression of place attachment, egoistic values and self-efficacy, pro-environmental and pro-social engagement, and sustainable consumption behaviour. The results of this empirical study allow for identifying the determinants that have the most significant impact on men and women or different age groups. Knowledge of factors that significantly impact pro-environmental and pro-social engagement, which promotes sustainable consumption behaviour as a mediator, can allow policymakers, community representatives or leaders to organise social campaigns and/or provide guidelines for project activities.

학습자 주도성(Student Agency)을 기반한 창의적 문제해결수업에 참여한 대학생의 학습자 주도성의 발달과정과 미래창의융합역량함양에 관한 혼합연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the development process of learner initiative(student agen-cy) and the cultivation of future creative convergence competency in creative problem solving class based on learner initiative(student agency) and to explore implications. Methods The qualitative data was collected from 15 weeks of class reflection, class project results, teacher inter-views, peer evaluation papers, etc. The amount of collected data was 683 sheets of A4 paper and line by line anal-ysis was used. In order to support and supplement qualitative research, quantitative data collection was also conducted. Based on the operational definition of future creative convergence talent competency by Park Hyun-hee and Kwak Min-jung (2023), future creative convergence measurement was conducted before and after the 15-week class using questions suitable for this study through expert validity.The collected quantitative data were analyzed using the Spss 21 statistical program. Results As a result of qualitative data analysis, it was categorized into three core themes ⁇ understanding and demonstrating learner initiative, practicing communication and cooperation, and ⁇⁇recognizing continuous re-flection as a lifelong learner.As a result of quantitative data analysis, it was verified that the future creative con-vergence ability of college students who applied for the creative problem solving ability course based on learner initiative was cultivated. Conclusions The implications of this study are that the creativity problem solving class based on the learner ini-tiative, which is the core educational capacity for the future, has a high level of convergence ability of future crea-tivity, which is related to the core theme, and it is confirmed that the class in which the learner initiative is culti-vated through the team project activity was performed.Through this, discussions on the results, implications of limitations of the study, and future research directions were suggested.

How to Promote the Ability of Physics Teaching Materials Development through Team-Based Project Learning? An Action Research Evidence

This action research study investigates the use of team-based project learning to enhance the pedagogical competence of pre-service physics teachers, specifically focusing on their capacity to develop physics teaching materials. The study employed a five-stage strategy, which included the following steps: first action, observation, reinforcement, second action, and assessment. These phases formed a cycle of action research in a pedagogical course within the undergraduate program of physics education, specifically focused on teaching material development. Observation, assignments, product assessment sheets, and interviews were utilized to obtain data. The obtained data consists of quantitative data, namely performance value data related to both the process and product, as well as qualitative data in the form of interview findings. The findings indicate that 96% of pre-service teachers who engaged in material development courses through project activities had highly satisfactory marks, namely within the A- and A categories. This study emphasizes the significance of fostering efficient pedagogical techniques among prospective educators and provides data from an action research investigation. Furthermore, this research also assists in the preparation of pre-service physics instructors who possess the necessary skills to create physics textbooks. Participating in collaborative project activities allows pre-service physics teachers to gain essential skills, knowledge, and practical experiences that will prepare them for their future positions in the classroom.

WORKING WITH MIDWIVES TO IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH IN RURAL GHANA

This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a safe motherhood project in rural Ghana. This project included a partograph and emergency skills program for rural midwives, training and monitoring traditional birth attendants (TBAs), a blood bank and an emergency obstetric transport service. The midwives' roles in caring for women in rural health centres, training and monitoring traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and in emergency obstetric transport are described. In this rural area of Ghana TBAs are responsible for approximately 65% of women in the district during birth. It is important to include them in projects to improve maternal health. The results of process evaluation showed that the rural maternal health system was improved by the project activities through a good communication system, better support for rural midwives, better integration of traditional birth attendants into the health care system and more community involvement. Outcomes included an increase in the number of referrals of women with risk factors and complications to the district hospital, no cases of prolonged obstructed labour in the group of mothers cared for by rural midwives and trained TBAs, a comprehensive recording and reporting system for women cared for by TBAs, and a well established emergency obstetric transport service. Integration of the TBAs into the health care system has had positive effects on TBA practice and morale. However, some TBAs had problems receiving remuneration for their work due to cultural beliefs and practices. The authors conclude that community education and participation are key components of safe motherhood projects.

«TECHNOLOGY OF LANDSCAPING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS» PROJECT AS A BASIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS DURING THEIR FUNDAMENTAL TRAINING: ISRAELI EXPERIENCE

This article addresses the pressing issue of fundamental training for future physics teachers, emphasizing the need to bridge theory and practice, integrate natural sciences with environmental education, and develop students’ research and environmental competencies. The focus is on the importance of collaborative project activities between educators and future physics teachers as a cornerstone of comprehensive training. The author introduces the project “Technology of Landscaping Educational Institutions” as a key method for environmental education during the fundamental training of physics teachers at a pedagogical university. Key project tasks included: 1) identifying ecological foundations for creating green spaces in educational institutions; 2) describing functional zones within the institution for potential improvements; 3) substantiating the roles of green spaces in the educational yard; 4) developing landscaping technology for the institution’s courtyard; and 5) exploring international landscaping practices through the example of Ariel University in Israel. The project was carried out through partnership pedagogy, cross-cultural communication, and inter-university cooperation between V.G. Korolenko Poltava National Pedagogical University and Ariel University. During the project, students, who are future physics teachers from V.G. Korolenko Poltava National Pedagogical University, engaged with scientific sources and the website of Ariel University. They participated in virtual tours of Ariel University’s campus and attended online consultations to assist with project tasks. As a result, Ukrainian students developed and presented reports on the technology of environmentalization for educational institutions and proposed their own landscape design concepts for the Poltava National Pedagogical University’s grounds. The project “Technology of Landscaping Educational Institutions” is a paragon of partnership pedagogy, cross-cultural communication, and inter-university collaboration. Knowing the nature, students become harmoniously developed and comprehensively aware personalities, which is an important element of modern educational process.

METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF FORMING MOTIVATION FOR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY IN FUTURE TEACHERS

The article substantiates the need to form professional motivation as an important component of the professional training of future teachers; identifies ways to form their professional motivation; analyzes the factors that influence the formation of professional motivation of specialists in the field of education. The essence of the concepts of “motiv” and “motivation” in the general sense and as terms of the professional sphere is considered. The modern views of scientists on motivation are analyzed. The analysis of literary sources made it possible to clarify the essence of key concepts, to reveal the content of methods and techniques for developing the motivational sphere of future geography teachers. The main strategies to stimulate motivation include: building the theoretical logic of the subject, which allows students to navigate the formation of mental actions and feel confident in front of new material. It is important for the teacher to facilitate student participation in learning, making them co-participants rather than executors of his or her will. Motivation can be built by outlining the prospects for learning the topic, defining the goal, and emphasizing the importance of developing skills. Addressing students’ existing learning needs, choosing materials that stimulate interest in new knowledge. Students should understand that the knowledge they acquire is important for achieving a specific goal. Rotating teaching methods and forms to stimulate activity and maintain student motivation. Variety, such as role-playing games, discussions, brainstorming, demonstrations, and project activities, contributes to a positive attitude of the future teacher towards learning the material. Setting realistic requirements for each student. Requirements should be high but achievable so that students do not lose interest in learning.

Finance-based Scheduling for Cash-flow Management of Maintenance Portfolios: Multi-objective Optimization Approach

Bridge agencies are often challenged to develop maintenance programs under given budgets. Numerous studies developed budget-allocation models for maintenance programs during defined planning horizons of multiple fiscal years while totally ignoring the crucial aspect of cash flow. The payment schedules (both timing and amount) for contractors might indicate agencies’ cash needs that exceed the available budgets during certain fiscal years, which create cash flow problems. While numerous finance-based scheduling (FBS) models were developed to manage cash flow for contractors, this function was totally overlooked for portfolio owners. Thus, this research reintroduces the FBS from the perspective of portfolio owners. A FBS model is developed to schedule the activities of the portfolio projects, utilize the schedules to define the payment schedules of projects’ contractors, calculate the agencies’ cash needs during the fiscal years, and utilize the multi-objective optimization algorithms of NSGA-II, SPEA-II, and MOPSO to optimize the projects’ schedules to achieve a balance between the cash needs during the fiscal years and the available budgets. The anticipated extensions in projects’ completion represent the conflicting objectives. Finally, the optimized schedules make the contractors’ payment schedules affordable by the agencies’ budgets, which help to complete projects successfully and achieve the programs’ strategic goals.

Public Perception Due To Noise (Case Study: AKSI ADB Project Of Malikussaleh University)

Malikussaleh University (Unimal) is one of the four universities selected to get a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) related to the Advanced Knowledge and Skills for Sustainable Growth in Indonesia (AKSI) project. In the construction process, such as installation activities and building infrastructure from equipment, it can trigger unexpected noise, so it can have an impact on people's health and comfort. This research was conducted in five new building construction locations on the Bukit Indah campus of Malikussaleh University. The purpose of this study is to see the perception and attitude of the community around the construction project activities. The research method used was the distribution of questionnaires and using the Likert scale to measure the attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of the research respondents. The results of the questionnaire will be processed using SPSS software. The results showed that the overall average value of the respondents' perception of noise was 2.35. This figure shows that the current place of work/study/living does not feel noisy due to ongoing construction work.

Technology of Project Activity in Media Education (On the Example of Training Aspiring Journalists at Kazan Federal University)

Technology of Project Activity in Media Education (On the Example of Training Aspiring Journalists at Kazan Federal University)

Rural Women's Participation in Managing Aflatoxin Contamination in the Groundnut Postharvest Value Chain in Chemba District, Tanzania

Aims: This study sought to determine the extent of rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain. Study Design: The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Chemba District in Dodoma Region, Tanzania situated at the coordinates 05°14′ 34′′ S latitude and 35°53′ 24′′ E longitude, respectively. Methodology: The primary data for the study were obtained from a random sample of 137 female groundnut farmers residing in twelve (12) villages from eight (08) wards in Chemba District. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while an FGD guide, checklist, and participant observation were employed to obtain qualitative data. Results: The findings show that women groundnut farmers participate partly in various aflatoxins-related project activities in decision making (50.36%), implementation (44.52%), benefits (59.85%), and evaluation (51.09%). Moreover, the findings of the study show that women participate in groundnut postharvest activities involving cleaning, drying, grading, sorting, processing, packing, storage, and marketing. However, the study shows that women’s participation in groundnut postharvest activities for managing aflatoxin is low. The findings also indicate that there is no statistically significant association between women's involvement in aflatoxin management and their age (χ2 = 7.800, P = 0.099), years of engagement in agriculture (χ2 = 3.556, P = 0.469), and farm size (χ2 = 2.004, P = 0.735). Additionally, a statistically significant association was observed between women's participation in managing aflatoxin and their level of education (χ2 = 12.650, P = 0.013*), as well as their marital status (χ2 = 27.550, P = 0.000***). Conclusion: The study found that rural women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain is critical. Hence, this study recommends developing strategies and initiatives targeting and supporting women's participation in managing aflatoxin contamination in the groundnut postharvest value chain.

Beyond probability-impact matrices in project risk management: A quantitative methodology for risk prioritisation

The project managers who deal with risk management are often faced with the difficult task of determining the relative importance of the various sources of risk that affect the project. This prioritisation is crucial to direct management efforts to ensure higher project profitability. Risk matrices are widely recognised tools by academics and practitioners in various sectors to assess and rank risks according to their likelihood of occurrence and impact on project objectives. However, the existing literature highlights several limitations to use the risk matrix. In response to the weaknesses of its use, this paper proposes a novel approach for prioritising project risks. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) is used to perform a quantitative prioritisation of risks with the simulation software MCSimulRisk. Together with the definition of project activities, the simulation includes the identified risks by modelling their probability and impact on cost and duration. With this novel methodology, a quantitative assessment of the impact of each risk is provided, as measured by the effect that it would have on project duration and its total cost. This allows the differentiation of critical risks according to their impact on project duration, which may differ if cost is taken as a priority objective. This proposal is interesting for project managers because they will, on the one hand, know the absolute impact of each risk on their project duration and cost objectives and, on the other hand, be able to discriminate the impacts of each risk independently on the duration objective and the cost objective.

The Role of Wild Plants in Cultural Restoration: Community Collaboration and Engaged Ethnobotany in the Nineveh Plains, Northern Iraq

The Nineveh Plain region of Northern Iraq is a site of ecological and cultural diversity. Between 2014 and 2017, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), also known as Daesh, severely disrupted the region, resulting in community displacement, particularly for members of ethnic minority groups. This article highlights an ongoing multinational, multidisciplinary collaboration between botanists, ecologists, mental and public health specialists, sociologists, and anthropologists to foster cultural and ecological restoration among the Christian, Yezidi, Shabak, Turkman, and Kaka’i minority groups of the Plains. Members of these groups identified wild plant collection as an important cultural and economic practice and expressed a shared concern over the decreased access to wild plant resources. Researchers are partnering with local communities using engaged, decolonial methodologies to bring communities together around this shared interest in wild plants. Project activities include producing videos highlighting local plant knowledge, hosting workshops on using wild plants for art and textile design, offering trainings on herbal medicine, collecting recipes for a wild plant cookbook, and increasing awareness of the sustainable use of wild plants. Through collaborative knowledge production, this partnership aims to bring diverse stakeholders together around an interest in wild plants to promote cultural understanding and exchange.

VALUE OF INNOVATION IN LIFELONG LEARNING: PEDAGOGICAL AND SOCIAL CONTEXT

The key competences for lifelong learning have become an integral part of social work and the educational process in Ukraine. Therefore, in this review, we focused on the theoretical aspects of the developed strategies for implementing the competence framework for lifelong learning that are based on the fundamental international documents; analysed the value of this approach for the country's development in general and in specific aspects (based on research and information on the efficiency of implemented projects in this area that are publicly available); and provided a detailed review of the main proposals for the implementation of lifelong learning programmes in the public sector, project activities, and other relevant measures. This made it possible to analyse the main directions of implementation of the relevant state policy, their compliance with the standards and vector of lifelong learning development in international practice, as well as to identify problems and prospects for the development of the Ukrainian state strategy for lifelong learning.

The Institutional Environment as a Tool for Managing the Development of the Region in the Context of Digitalization

Relevance. In the context of digitalization and digital transformation, the institutional environment can be considered as a tool for managing the development of the region. This circumstance predetermined the choice of topic and proved its relevance.The purpose of the study is to study the institutional environment as a tool for managing the development of the region in the context of digitalization.Objectives: the management of the implementation of state programs in the context of digital transformation, compliance with the requirements of federal and regional legislation regulating project activities, the possibility of regulating the mechanisms of project management of regional programs are considered; the role of project management is considered as an effective tool for the implementation of national projects in changing conditions, ensuring the achievement of national goals.Methodology. In the process of carrying out the work, analytical methods were used to study the mechanisms of regional management, including digital technologies and their impact on the efficiency of management processes.Results. As a result of the work on this study, it was revealed that project management of government programs today comes to the fore. project management has a fundamental difference in terms of integration and synchronization of target indicators of state programs, taking into account the requirements of legislation at the federal and regional levels. More significant factors of the internal and external environment are identified that influence the result during project management, regulatory regulation, monitoring control points, and assessing the effectiveness of using the resource potential of the region, the ability to make timely adjustments during the implementation of activities by responsible participants to achieve results, for which it is necessary to simplify the adjustment procedure.Conclusions. When forming government programs, it is important to assess the impact of the process of organizing project activities in each region. Compliance with the requirements of regulatory legal acts and other methodological frameworks regulating the organization of project activities, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of regional programs is assessed. In this regard, improving the legislation regulating project activities in order to ensure the implementation of national projects will strengthen the possibilities for the transition of the real sector of the economy to a digital format.

Development of continuous design education using the STEAM approach

Relevance. The relevance of this study lies in the growing interest of specialists in the reorientation and reconstruction of Ukrainian design education following the Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) approach. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to investigate the features of the STEAM approach and its application in the context of continuous design education. Methodology. The study employed theoretical research methods, including analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, comparison, systematisation, classification, and generalisation. Results. The study employed theoretical research methods, including analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, comparison, systematisation, classification, and generalisation. The main results highlighted the regulatory documentation on the development of a modern design system. The study found the of the New Ukrainian School (NUS) in the development of continuous design education and the need to study natural, mathematical, and humanitarian disciplines for effective design education. The educational, methodological, and software framework for secondary and higher design education in Ukraine were considered. Conclusions. The correct organisation of continuous education contributes to the development of students� motivation in studying design disciplines that meet the requirements of STEAM education. A vital stage of the STEAM system is the design of an integrated curriculum platform in the context of interdisciplinary learning, the application of the dynamics of mathematical, engineering, modelling, creative, and other design processes. A high-quality STEAM approach in design education will help to develop students� critical thinking and creative approach to problems. Keywords: thinking; integration; creative abilities; learning environment; art; project activity

Methods of Formation of Socio-Cultural Competence in Teaching English

In today's globalized world, the ability to effectively communicate and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds is an important skill. The ways to develop this socio-cultural competence are participation in cultural events and meetings with native speakers, the use of authentic materials, project activities and the exchange of international programs. Discusses the importance of these activities for improving the socio-cultural competence of students.

Effect of Beneficiary Participation on Project Performance: A Case of an HIV Peer Education Project in Gicumbi District, Rwanda

The HIV/AIDS pandemic remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence rates are among the highest in the world. This study investigated the impact of beneficiary participation on the performance of an HIV peer education program implemented by the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV (RRP+) in Gicumbi District from 2017 to 2020. Researchers examined three specific areas: project planning, implementation, and monitoring. Stakeholder and Engagement Theory alongside Participation Theory were reviewed. The study adopted a descriptive research design with qualitative and quantitative approaches. The total study population for this research was be 3,938 that included Recipients of Care (RoC) and stakeholders directly involved in the HIV peer education project implemented by the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV (RRP+) in Gicumbi District, Rwanda, from 2017 to 2020. A mixed sampling approach was employed to select participants for this research. This approach involves a combination of probability and non-probability sampling methods. Therefore, the sample size calculated using the Yamane formula was 387 Recipients of Care (RoC) and stakeholders. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Findings indicated significant beneficiary involvement in strategic planning and annual plans, with mean scores of 3.78 and 3.50, respectively, on a 1-4 scale. Moderate familiarity with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) (average 3.22) was observed. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant positive impact on Project Performance (p < 0.05). Beneficiaries reported satisfactory healthcare and psychosocial support (mean score 0.99) and moderate satisfaction with supportive supervision (mean score 1.62). Capacity-building (average 1.02) showed room for improvement, yet still had a significant positive influence on Project Performance (p < 0.05). Limited involvement in monitoring (mean score 1.04) was observed, with high satisfaction in feedback meetings (mean score 4.15). Feedback acceptability (average 3.42) indicated moderate acceptability, also positively impacting Project Performance (p < 0.05). The positive unstandardized coefficient (B) of 0.398 indicate that increased healthcare and psychosocial support are associated with higher project performance. The positive unstandardized coefficient (B) of 0.026 suggest that supportive supervision has a relatively positive relationship with project performance. The positive unstandardized coefficient (B) of 0.293 highlight the importance of training beneficiaries during project implementation. The study recommended foster greater beneficiary involvement in project planning by conducting regular consultations, workshops, and feedback sessions. Review and refine the supportive supervision approach to address the varying levels of satisfaction among beneficiaries. Maintain regular and productive feedback meetings to capture beneficiary input and concerns. Enhance feedback collection and analysis processes to ensure feedback is incorporated into project activities effectively. Form a strengthened system of monitoring and evaluation in order to consistently evaluate performance of project as well as adapt to evolving requirements of the beneficiary. Additionally, formulate models of sustainability to ascertain that favorable and positive impacts of the project are preserved after its overall completion.

Analisis Perbandingan Aplikasi Program Microsoft Project Dan Metode Cpm Dalam Penjadawalan Proyek Konstruksi

Ganesha Hotel problems can affect the delay of a project. Often the project delays will be very expensive, good value. viewed from the contractor's and owner's side. In order to avoid incurring implementation time and costs, it is necessary to carry out project scheduling so that research on project completion time to avoid problems using the existing critical path method and MS Project scheduling will be very useful in project development. the relationship between one activity and other activities and the entire project, identifying activities that must be prioritized, the benefits of the critical path method is knowing the critical path, delays in project activities on the critical path will automatically hinder all project activities, and this Microsoft Office Project MS Project tool for more efficient projects and project portfolio management, the most frequently used for MS Project for construction projects are the main modules of MS Project including project work and project teams. This MS Project makes it easier to create construction schedules, create Wed prices This research is a descriptive analysis, namely describing the condition of the construction of the Ganesha Hotel by collecting data from the project using this method to analyze the efficiency, time and cost of research using the Ms Project application and the Critical Path Method. The prediction results for each segment are compared to make a comparison to find out which work needs to be done. comes first and work that doesn't need to come first. From the research carried out, it can be concluded that in the research process using Ms Project, the results were that the completion time was 189 days from the project plan of 210 days, so there was a time efficiency of 21 days, whereas in the research using CPM, the results were that the completion time was 188 days from the project plan of 210 days, so there were efficiency 22 days From the research we conducted to compare the time of Ms Project and Critical Path Method there is a difference of one day while for the costs obtained from comparing the 2 methods IDR 26,426,500,000

ПОДХОДЫ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ МОТИВАЦИИ К ВЕДЕНИЮ ЗОЖ И ПРОВЕДЕНИЮ ПРОФИЛАКТИЧЕСКИХ МЕРОПРИЯТИЙ ПО УКРЕПЛЕНИЮ ЗДОРОВЬЯ У СТУДЕНТОВ МЕДИЦИНСКИХ УНИВЕРСИТЕТОВ

The priority direction of educational policy within the framework of the Priority 2030 academic strategic leadership program is to provide the country's healthcare with qualified and motivated medical personnel, in connection with which the requirements for clinical knowledge and skills, as well as for the skills of a modern doctor, are growing. Research, innovation and project activities become mandatory elements of educational programs, which are implemented through an individual educational trajectory to train specialists who meet a high standard of competencies. One of the directions of the individual educational trajectory is the creation of additional educational programs that expand the opportunities for students to obtain additional competencies. Purpose. On the basis of a sociological survey, to study students' satisfaction with the additional educational program aimed at the formation of professional competencies for training doctors to perform new labor functions in the formation of preventive programs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and giving up bad habits. Materials and methods. The study includes the development of an additional professional program "Strengthening Public Health" using digital technologies in the field of preserving and strengthening public health, for the training of health professionals. Based on the results of the course of the additional professional program, a sociological survey was conducted in an online format through the Google Forms resource. A link to the survey was sent via email and WhatsApp messenger. Results. The data obtained in the course of the study allow us to see the problem of motivation of students who adhere or do not adhere to a healthy lifestyle and to develop measures aimed at attracting medical university students to physical education, sports and the formation of a healthy lifestyle. Conclusion. The formation of motivation for a healthy lifestyle among students of medical universities is one of the most significant areas of professional training of medical specialists.

Ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus subset stimulates tissue thermogenesis via preoptic area outputs

ObjectiveHypothalamic signals potently stimulate energy expenditure by engaging peripheral mechanisms to restore energy homeostasis. Previous studies have identified several critical hypothalamic sites (e.g. preoptic area (POA) and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN)) that could be part of an interconnected neurocircuit that controls tissue thermogenesis and essential for body weight control. However, the key neurocircuit that can stimulate energy expenditure has not yet been established. MethodsHere, we investigated the downstream mechanisms by which VMN neurons stimulate adipose tissue thermogenesis. We manipulated subsets of VMN neurons acutely as well as chronically and studied its effect on tissue thermogenesis and body weight control, using Sf1Cre and Adcyap1Cre mice and measured physiological parameters under both high-fat diet and standard chow diet conditions. To determine the node efferent to these VMN neurons, that is involved in modulating energy expenditure, we employed electrophysiology and optogenetics experiments combined with measurements using tissue-implantable temperature microchips. ResultsActivation of the VMN neurons that express the steroidogenic factor 1 (Sf1; VMNSf1 neurons) reduced body weight, adiposity and increased energy expenditure in diet-induced obese mice. This function is likely mediated, at least in part, by the release of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP; encoded by the Adcyap1 gene) by the VMN neurons, since we previously demonstrated that PACAP, at the VMN, plays a key role in energy expenditure control. Thus, we then shifted focus to the subpopulation of VMNSf1 neurons that contain the neuropeptide PACAP (VMNPACAP neurons). Since the VMN neurons do not directly project to the peripheral tissues, we traced the location of the VMNPACAP neurons' efferents. We identified that VMNPACAP neurons project to and activate neurons in the caudal regions of the POA whereby these projections stimulate tissue thermogenesis in brown and beige adipose tissue. We demonstrated that selective activation of caudal POA projections from VMNPACAP neurons induces tissue thermogenesis, most potently in negative energy balance and activating these projections lead to some similar, but mostly unique, patterns of gene expression in brown and beige tissue. Finally, we demonstrated that the activation of the VMNPACAP neurons' efferents that lie at the caudal POA are necessary for inducing tissue thermogenesis in brown and beige adipose tissue. ConclusionsThese data indicate that VMNPACAP connections with the caudal POA neurons impact adipose tissue function and are important for induction of tissue thermogenesis. Our data suggests that the VMNPACAP → caudal POA neurocircuit and its components are critical for controlling energy balance by activating energy expenditure and body weight control.