Foundation Project Research Articles

Research on programmatic multi-attribute decision-making problem: An example of bridge pile foundation project in karst area.

The selection of construction plans for adverse geological conditions frequently encountered during the construction of bridge pile foundations will have a significant impact on the project's progress, quality, and cost. There is a need for the optimization of multi-attribute decision-making methods, considering the subjectivity in in weight allocation and the practical implementation obstacles. In this study, an evaluation framework for pile foundation construction schemes in karst areas was established. The directed graph and Bellman-Ford algorithm are employed to improve the Analytic Network Process (ANP) in the systematic structure, thereby calculating the subjective weights of various indicators. Simultaneously, based on the concept of dynamic weighting, a multiple linear regression is introduced for analyzing the weights of similar projects, resulting in the derivation of universal weights for the primary indicators within the evaluation system. The combination weights are subsequently determined through the weighted average of the two types of weights. Finally, the comprehensive scores of alternative schemes are computed using the grey-fuzzy evaluation method to enable decision-making in scheme selection. Cloud model, ELECTRE-II, and VIKOR methodologies were utilized for the comparison of results. Combining with a case study of a bridge project in karst development area in southern China, the findings indicate that the improved ANP method possesses practical applicability and yields effective computational results. The introduction of universal weights serves to ameliorate the inherent subjectivity in weight allocation. The pile foundation quality achieved using the optimal construction plan is classified as Class I, which prove the feasibility of the model.

Association of GAB2 genotype with EEG characteristics and vascular reactivity to hyperventilation in nondemented adults during aging

AbstractBackgroundGAB2 rs2373115 genotype increases the risk of Alzheimer’s (AD) and vascular (VD) diseases (Reiman et al., 2007; Lambert et al., 2013; Kondreddy et al., 2021). EEG reactivity to hyperventilation (HV) depends on hypocapnia‐induced cerebral vasoconstriction, which may be impaired in subjects with preclinical AD and VD. EEG differences in the carriers of GAB2 genotype in nondemented adults remain unknown. The study was aimed to determine the possible effect of GAB2 rs2373115 genotype on resting EEG and EEG reactivity to HV in non‐demented adults during aging.MethodThe enrolled cohort included 151 healthy volunteers, age range 20‐80 years, stratified by GAB2 rs2373115 genotype. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants. All subjects underwent a neurological examination and cognitive screening. The significance of the differences between the EEG in different subgroups was estimated using ANOVA in the general linear model. APOE and sex was included in the analysis as covariates.ResultIn the entire sample the presence of GAB2 C allele was associated with higher alpha2 relative power in resting EEG, with more pronounced differences in the right parietal area.EEG reactivity to HV decreased with aging, and the decrease was more pronounced in the carriers of GAB2 C allele. Under HV the older GAB2 AC&CC carriers as compared with the older GAB2 AA carriers had lower theta power. The HV reactivity of blood pressure and heart rate was decreased in aging to a greater extend in the GAB2 C allele carriers than in the homozygous GAB2 AA individuals.ConclusionThe results show that GAB2 genotype is associated with alpha2 relative power difference in non‐demented adults. Reduced EEG and vascular reactivity to HV in the older GAB2 C allele carriers indicates altered cerebrovascular reactivity to hypocapnia and suggests that vascular factors can mediate GAB2‐related AD susceptibility.The study was supported by Russian Science Foundation (Project N 22‐15‐00448, Project N 19‐75‐30039 genotyping) and the National Institutes of Health, United States (grant R01AG054712 to ER statistical analysis).

Overcoming Agricultural Challenges with GMOs as a Catalyst for Poverty Reduction and Sustainability in Lebanon

This study assesses the potential impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on poverty reduction and agricultural development in Lebanon, against a backdrop of economic crisis and agricultural uncertainties. GMO adoption is considered a viable strategy to enhance food security, spur economic growth, and alleviate poverty. Simulating various GMO adoption scenarios, specifically in the apple agriculture sector of Mount Lebanon’s Sannine–Baskinta area, this research examines their effects on poverty rates. The findings demonstrate a substantial reduction in poverty rates, from 55% to 36%, with a simulated GMO adoption rate of 70%, underscoring the transformative potential of GMOs in poverty alleviation. The study highlights the critical importance of well-informed decision-making and evidence-based policymaking to address challenges in the agriculture sector. It serves as a foundational pilot project for the introduction of genetically modified crops in Lebanese agriculture, with a focus on the Sannine–Baskinta region. The identified GMOs offer prospects for enhanced resilience to weather conditions and pests, reduced pesticide usage, elimination of chemical fertilizers, increased yield, and improved nutritional value. Future research endeavors aim to extend the project to encompass other crops and regions in Lebanon, as well as in other Arab countries.

Characterization of nano-SiO2 cemented soil under the coupled effects of dry-wet cycles and chlorination

In contrast to cemented soils in terrestrial natural environments, cemented soils in littoral and marine geotechnical engineering face numerous difficulties. In coastal and marine geotechnical engineering, cemented soils are frequently degraded by ion erosion, tidal scouring, and temperature variations. Long-term marine environments present numerous challenges for cemented soil foundation projects. In marine geotechnical engineering, addressing and enhancing these degradation issues has become a crucial topic. To address this engineering problem, Nano-SiO2 is added to cement-stabilized soils to enhance their engineering performance. To investigate the mechanical effects and erosion mechanisms of Nano-SiO2 cemented soil subjected to chloride ion erosion and tidal alternation scouring, laboratory experiments, including immersion erosion tests with sodium chloride solution and dry-wet cycle tests, were designed. On specimens subjected to dry-wet cycles after chloride ion erosion at varying concentrations, unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. The objective was to investigate the impact of chloride ions and Nano-SiO2 on the microstructure and strength of cemented soil. Adding 2.5% Nano-SiO2 can promote cement hydration reactions while preventing the entry of chloride ions into the cemented soil, thereby increasing the density and compressive strength of the cement.

Psychoanaliterature, or, how the American relational move made Are You My Mother? and The Argonauts

Psychoanaliterature, or, how the American relational move made <i>Are You My Mother?</i> and <i>The Argonauts</i>

Identity and the Cognitive Value of Logical Equations in Frege’s Foundational Project

Identity and the Cognitive Value of Logical Equations in Frege’s Foundational Project

NEW DATA ON GEOLOGY AND PALAEOGEOGRAPHICAL EVOLUTION OF THE SOUTHERN EAST SIBERIAN SEA

The paper deals with the results of geological and geophysical research of shallow-water areas of the East Siberian Sea, started in 2018 in the frame of State Geological Mapping project (Geological Map of 1 : 1 000 000 scale) and continued in 2022 under support of the Russian Science Foundation project. The seismostratigraphic scheme of the Quaternary sediment sequence is compiled, and the conception of the palaeogeographical evolution in the Late Pleistocene-Holocene is proposed.

Current Status and Trends in Lung Transplant Research Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

This study aimed to analyze research projects on lung transplant funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China from 1986 to 2022 and to provide a scientific reference for lung transplant research. We identified research hotspots and frontiers in the field of lung transplant research using CiteSpace visualization. From 1986 to 2022, the National Natural Science Foundation of China funded 93 projects related to lung transplant, with an average of 2.51 projects and ¥0.94 million annually. The National Natural Science Foundation of China funded 30 institutions across 20 provinces, with general and youth science foundation projects comprising 45.16% and 41.93% of the total projects, respectively. The main categories of disciplines included H0113 respiratory intervention, tracheal reconstruction, and lung transplantation; H1105 organ transplantation and transplant immunization; and H0109 acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The research hotspots mainly included ischemia-reperfusion injury, gene regulation, obliterative bronchiolitis, rejection reaction, T cells, and stem cells. The 6 main research clusters were ischemia-reperfusion injury, immune tolerance, obliterative bronchiolitis, stem cells, pulmonary fibrosis, and rejection reaction. The main key word bursts in the past 5 years were "vein endothelial" and "ex vivo lung perfusion." In the past 37 years, National Natural Science Foundation of China-funded projects have significantly advanced the clinical application and basic research of lung transplantation. However, compared with developed countries and other solidorgan transplantations, several problems still require attention and improvements in lung transplant research in China.

On the Concept and Objective Attributes of the National Interests

The relevance of the subject matter in this article can be attributed to the growing interest in both scientific papers and legal acts. Despite the widespread use of this concept, there is no consensus in legal science regarding its precise definition or content.&#x0D; The purpose of this article is to develop scientific provisions that reflect the patterns of development and functioning of the states national interests. Thus, while developing this article, the author set the following principles: to define the concept of national interests, describe the stages of their definition, identify the objective properties of national interests, and reveal the characteristic features of the reflection of national interests in the strategic acts of the Russian Federation.&#x0D; However, while studying national interests, the dialectical method of cognition was used as a philosophical basis, as well as general scientific research methods such as ascending from the abstract to the concrete and the system-structural method. Additionally, specific scientific methods such as formal-legal were applied, and logical tools for knowledge, including analysis, synthesis, deduction, and induction.&#x0D; As a result, the following conclusions were drawn:&#x0D; 1) national interests can be defined as the basis on which a states foreign and domestic policies are implemented; 2) when describing national interests, it is important to consider the interests of society; 3) to assess the national interest, it seems possible to note several objective properties such as social significance, sustainability, and reality; 4) within the strategic documents of the Russian Federation relating to national interests, there is an indication that the goal of realizing national interests, is to protect the constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals and citizens. These statements can be considered a benchmark against which specific decisions should be evaluated and assessed. This article was described within the framework of the Russian Science Foundation project No. 23-28-01457 Vectors for the development of law-making in the implementation of certain interests of Russia: problems and prospects.

A Neutrosophic Multi-Criteria Model for Evaluating Sustainable Soil Enhancement Methods and their Cost Implications in Construction

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) to promote sustainable soil practices in construction foundation projects. The aim is to evaluate the environmental impact and long-term sustainability of soil-related activities in construction through the lens of LCA. This assessment encompasses a wide array of factors, including soil quality, erosion control, contaminant remediation, soil stability, conservation, drainage management, and compliance with regulatory standards. To address this multifaceted evaluation, we employ a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model, specifically introducing the Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC) method. This MCDM technique is utilized to appraise the sustainability of soil practices and is integrated with a neutrosophic set to handle imprecise information. Our study incorporates nine criteria and eight alternative methods. Through the application of LCA, construction professionals can uncover strategies to minimize the carbon footprint of their projects, optimize soil utilization, and enhance the long-term resilience of their structures. Achieving a comprehensive LCA tailored to the specific requirements of each project and local regulations necessitates close collaboration between soil engineers, environmental experts, and construction practitioners.

Development and validation of CT-based radiomics deep learning signatures to predict lymph node metastasis in non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a multicohort study

Lymph node status is an important factor for the patients with non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PanNETs) with respect to the surgical methods, prognosis, recurrence. Our aim is to develop and validate a combination model based on contrast-enhanced CT images to predict the lymph node metastasis (LNM) in NF-PanNETs. Retrospective data were gathered for 320 patients with NF-PanNETs who underwent curative pancreatic resection and CT imaging at two institutions (Center 1, n=236 and Center 2, n=84) between January 2010 and March 2022. RDPs (Radiomics deep learning signature) were developed based on ten machine-learning techniques. These signatures were integrated with the clinicopathological factors into a nomogram for clinical applications. The evaluation of the model's performance was conducted through the metrics of the area under the curve (AUC). The RDPs showed excellent performance in both centers with a high AUC for predicting LNM and disease-free survival (DFS) in Center 1 (AUC, 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84-0.92; DFS, p<0.05) and Center 2 (AUC, 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85-0.97; DFS, p<0.05). The clinical factors of vascular invasion, perineural invasion, and tumor grade were associated with LNM (p<0.05). The combination nomogram showed better prediction capability for LNM (AUC, 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89-0.96). Notably, our model maintained a satisfactory predictive ability for tumors at the 2-cm threshold, demonstrating its effectiveness across different tumor sizes in Center 1 (≤2cm: AUC, 0.90 and>2cm: AUC, 0.86) and Center 2 (≤2cm: AUC, 0.93 and>2cm: AUC, 0.91). Our RDPs may have the potential to preoperatively predict LNM in NF-PanNETs, address the insufficiency of clinical guidelines concerning the 2-cm threshold for tumor lymph node dissection, and provide precise therapeutic strategies. This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP22K20814; the Rare Tumor Research Special Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82141104) and Clinical Research Special Project of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (202340123).

Kyle Banerjee’s Getting Ready for the Big Move

With a potential migration on the horizon, a colleague discovered the Fall 2022 Northern Ohio Technical Services Librarians (NOTSL) meeting "Migration Station: Tips &amp; Tricks to Manage Your Data" and a number of us viewed it. I was particularly impressed by the first of three presentations made during the meeting and chose to evaluate Getting ready for the big move, now available on YouTube. Additionally, you can access the presentation slides from this meeting on their website. The presenter, Kyle Banerjee, who works as Senior Implementation Consultant for EBSCO on the Open Library Foundation (OLF) project FOLIO, gave a two-hour presentation on integrated library system (ILS) migration.

Occurrence of microplastics and disturbance of gut microbiota: a pilot study of preschool children in Xiamen, China

Microplastics (MPs) have garnered widespread attention because of their presence in human placenta, stool, and even blood. Ingestion is considered the major route of human exposure to MPs. It has been found that the consumption of food and water is associated with more MP abundance in human stools. The usage of plastic containers, particularly feeding bottles, may be a major contributor to MP contamination. However, human exposure to MPs and potential factors that influence exposure, especially for preschoolers, remains largely unknown. When exposed to MPs, mice exhibited gut microbiota dysbiosis, including alterations in diversity indices, a decreased relative abundance of probiotics and an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Such results have also been observed in human gut invitro models, however, the actual association between MP exposure and human intestinal microbiota remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate MP concentrations in preschoolers' stools, explore possible dietary factors that influence preschooler exposure to MPs, and investigate their potential association with the gut microbiota. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Xiamen, China in October 2022. We investigated the feeding behaviours and dietary habits of preschool children. A total of 69 couples of stool samples were collected and analyzed for MPs test and gut microbiota analysis. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was used for quantifying 11 types of MPs. The gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that only polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polyamide 6 (PA6) were detected in 85.5% stool samples, with concentrations of 317.4 (152.0, 491.9) μg/g dw, 299.0 (196.1, 619.9) μg/g dw, 206.2 (154.1, 240.3) μg/g dw, and 17.9 (13.4, 18.6) μg/g dw, respectively. The median estimated daily intake (EDI) for preschoolers was 425.9 (272.5, 762.3) μg/kg-bw/d. Dairy intake may influence MP concentration in preschoolers' stools, and the usage of feeding bottles may be a specific source of MP contamination. Moreover, higher PVC concentrations were observed in the stools when the children took more time to eat a meal. MP exposure was inversely associated with alpha indices and possibly affected certain probiotic taxa, such as Parabacteroides and Alistipes, in preschool children. Our data provided baseline evidence for MP exposure doses and potential dietary factors that may influence MP exposure in preschoolers. These findings supported the perspective that MP exposure might be associated with the disturbance of gut microbiota. Further studies focusing on sensitive populations with larger sample sizes are needed. This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant number: 82003412), the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (grant number: 20214Y0019), and the Project of Shanghai Municipal Financial Professional foundation (Food Safety Risk Assessment) (grant number: RA-2022-06).

THU081 Differences In Circulating Microrna Levels In Genetically Confirmed Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 And Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Phenocopies As Assessed By Next Generation Sequencing

Abstract Disclosure: D.A. Trukhina: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project N 19-15-00398-П). E.O. Mamedova: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project N 19-15-00398-П). P.A. Koshkin: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project N 19-15-00398-П). A.G. Nikitin: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project N 19-15-00398-П). G.A. Melnichenko: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project N 19-15-00398-П). Z.E. Belaya: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project N 19-15-00398-П). Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene encoding the menin protein (gMEN1). This syndrome is characterized by the occurrence of parathyroid tumors, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), pituitary adenomas, as well as other endocrine and non-endocrine tumors. Patients with MEN1 phenotype without MEN1 mutations are considered MEN1 phenocopies (phMEN1). It has not been studied whether the development of MEN1 phenocopies is determined by epigenetic changes, particularly by altered microRNA expression, which can affect menin. Materials &amp; methods Single-center, case-control study: assessment of plasma microRNA expression in patients with gMEN1, phMEN1 and healthy controls. Morning plasma samples were collected from fasting patients and gender-matched controls and stored at –80C. Total RNA isolation was performed using miRNeasy Mini Kit with QIAcube. The libraries were prepared by the QIAseq miRNA Library Kit. Circulating miRNA sequencing was performed on Illumina NextSeq 500. Subsequent data processing was performed using DESeq2 bioinformatics algorithm. Results We enrolled 24 patients with gMEN1 and 12 patients with phMEN1, along with 12 gender-matched controls. The median age of gMEN1 patients was 39 [35; 46]; in phMEN1 — 59 [51;60]; control — 59 [51.5; 62.5]. The gMEN1 group differed in age (p&amp;lt;0,01) compared to phMEN1 and control groups. We divided all assessed microRNAs into 3 groups based on the significance of the results: the first group consisted of samples with the highest level of detected microRNAs (&amp;gt;50 counts), the second group — moderate (10–50), the third group — the lowest (&amp;lt;10).98 microRNAs were differently expressed in groups gMEN1 and phMEN1 (84 upregulated microRNAs, 14 — downregulated). We found increased expression of microRNAs in gMEN1 which interact with menin: hsa-miR-421 (p adj = 0.0004362), hsa-miR-664a-5p (p adj = 0.0037814). We found several microRNAs associated with intestinal and pituitary tumors in gMEN1 and phMEN1 groups: up-regulated hsa-miR-7-5p (p adj = 0.0000084); downregulated hsa-miR-423-5p (p adj &amp;lt; 0.000001) and hsa-miR-432-5p (p adj = 0.0087227). 84 microRNA were differently expressed in groups gMEN1 and control (67 up-regulated microRNAs, 17 — downregulated). When comparing gMEN1 with phMEN1 and control a decrease in hsa-let-7a-5p miRNA was found, which, according to the literature, is downregulated in Men1 gene knockout cell lines. The phMEN1 vs control group showed downregulation of hsa-miR-122-5p (p adj = 0.0080138) and upregulation of hsa-miR-191-5p (p adj = 0.0002144), hsa-miR-486-5p (p adj = 0.0491822) that has been detected in GEP-NETs. Conclusion We found microRNAs which could potentially become biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of gMEN1 and phMEN1. The results need to be validated using a different measurement method with a larger sample size. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

THU400 Parameters Of Vitamin D Metabolism, Calcium And Phosphate Homeostasis In Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Abstract Disclosure: A. Zhukov: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project 19-15-00243-P). A. Povaliaeva: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project 19-15-00243-P). Z. Abilov: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project 19-15-00243-P). L. Usoltseva: None. D. Trukhina: None. E. Pigarova: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project 19-15-00243-P). L. Rozhinskaya: Grant Recipient; Self; Russian Science Foundation (project 19-15-00243-P). Objective: to evaluate the parameters of vitamin D metabolism and calcium and phosphate homeostasis in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: The study included 10 patients without chronic kidney disease and mineral metabolism disorders who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery for obesity. After surgery, all patients were recommended to take cholecalciferol depending on the initial level of 25-OH D in blood in accordance with the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Ninety nine [96; 130] days after the surgery, the levels of vitamin D metabolites: D3, 25-OH D3, 24,25-OH2 D3, 1,25-OH2 D3 were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography in combination with tandem mass spectrometry (certified by DEQAS) as well as the PTH, total calcium, albumin, creatinine, phosphorus, magnesium levels in serum. Results: Median age of the patients was 39 [34; 50] years, 80% women, 90% initially had type 2 diabetes mellitus (BMI before surgery 49.1 [39.7; 51.0] kg/m2, median decrease in BMI by the time of inclusion in the study 8.3 [8.0; 9.2] kg/m2). The median level of 25-OH D3 was 28.5 [24.6; 32.0] ng/ml (1 patient had a level less than 20 ng/ml, 6 patients from 20 to 30 ng/ml), D3 levels were below the laboratory sensitivity threshold (12.5 ng/ml) in all participants. The median 24,25-OH2 D3 level was 1.49 [1.04; 1.95] ng/ml (reference interval (RI) 0.5-5.6 ng/ml), the median 25-OH D3/24,25-OH2 D3 ratio was 21.87 [15.57; 22.55] (RI 7-23). All patients had normal levels of 1,25-OH2 D3 (median 45.95 [35.18; 53.65] pg/ml, RI 25-66). One patient had secondary hyperparathyroidism (albumin-adjusted calcium 2.14 mmol/l, RI 2.15-2.55; PTH 73.8 pg/ml, RI 15-65; 25-OH D3 24.8 ng/ml) while other biochemical parameters were normal. The remaining patients had normal levels of PTH, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Conclusions: The revealed changes in the levels of D3 and 25-OH D3 in patients undergoing bariatric surgery may be due to malabsorption, increased deposition in adipose tissue, an insufficient dosage of cholecalciferol or low patient compliance. At the subsequent stages of vitamin D metabolism, no abnormalities were identified. It is likely that this cohort of patients requires higher doses of cholecalciferol. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

The impact of teaching reform on students’ attention deficit

BackgroundStudents’ attention deficit has a negative impact on their learning and development. In traditional teaching environments, students with attention deficit often face problems such as difficulty concentrating, distraction, difficulty maintaining sustained attention, and controlling attention. At the same time, teaching reform has become a focus of attention in the education industry, aiming to improve students’ learning outcomes and cultivate comprehensive development abilities.Subjects and MethodsThe study adopts an experimental group and a control group design. The experimental group received teaching reform measures, including improving teaching methods, increasing interaction and cooperative learning, etc; The control group continued to use traditional teaching methods. The study collected data on students’ attention deficit scores and academic performance, and used SPSS 22.0 statistical software for data processing and analysis to compare the differences between the experimental group and the control group.ResultsThe attention deficit score of the experimental group students was significantly reduced, and the SPSS22.0 statistical method verified that the difference between the experimental group and the control group was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). In addition, the academic performance of the experimental group students has also significantly improved, such as improving exam scores and increasing interest in learning.ConclusionsThe research results indicate that teaching reform has a positive impact on students’ attention deficit. Improving teaching methods and increasing interaction and collaborative learning can help improve students’ concentration and attention regulation abilities.AcknowledgementKey Education Reform Project of Hainan Provincial Department of Education (No. Hnjg2022ZD-4220); High-level Talents Project of Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation (No. 621RC602); Major Special Project of Sanya University (No. USY22XK-04); Key Research and Development Project of Hainan Province (No. ZDYF2023GXJS007); School-level Project of Sanya University (No. USYYB22-07).

COLONIZATION: INDIVIDUAL TRAITS OF COLONISTS AND POPULATION PROCESSES

Human activity generates new global processes, including range expansions caused by landscape transformations, climate change, and biological invasions. The study of the causes and processes that accompany the colonization of new areas, as well as its ecological and evolutionary consequences, has been rapidly developing in the last 20 years at the junction between such areas of biology as spatial ecology, ecology of movement, ecology of invasions, metapopulation theory, behavioural ecology, evolutionary ecology, population genetics, and personality research. In our review, we summarize theoretical ideas and empirical studies to answer two main questions: what makes colonists distinguished from the residents of source populations and what specific demographic and genetic processes drive and accompany the wave of population expansion?This research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (project number 22-14-00223, https://rscf.ru/project/22-14-00223/).

Work stress and psychological conditions: a survey study of anxiety disorders among investment banking practitioners

BackgroundThe work stress and psychological condition of financial investment bankers is a hot issue widely concerned by society. Excessive work pressure is a major risk factor for triggering anxiety disorder episodes. Anxiety disorders are often accompanied by symptoms such as nervousness, worry, muscle tension, panic, sweating, and avoidance of work or emotional instability. In order to reduce the level of anxiety among the practitioners of this industry, the study investigated the current status of anxiety disorders among the practitioners of investment banking.Subjects and MethodsA total of 1456 investment banking practitioners in a certain area were interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Schedule-3.0 (CIDI-3.0), and anxiety disorders were diagnosed according to the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Symptom Self-assessment Scale SCL90, and Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (SAQ).ResultsThere were significant differences in the scores on HAMA, HAMD, SCL90, and SAQ among investment banking practitioners with different distributions of age, gender, years of working experience, marital status, and income level (P&lt;0.01), and the differences in the detection rate of anxiety disorders distributed by education level were not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05).ConclusionsThe possibility of anxiety disorders among investment banking practitioners is high, and psychological guidance and proper guidance need to be strengthened. This survey study provides a theoretical basis for the development of targeted interventions for anxiety disorders in the future.AcknowledgementNational Social Science Foundation Project (No. 10BJY106).

Enabling Private Investment in Affordable Housing in Nigeria: Lessons from the Experience of the Millard Fuller Foundation Projects in Nasarawa State

Despite the shift to private sector-driven affordable housing in Nigeria for decades, the housing deficit has continued to increase to the disadvantage of low-income families. This paper explores the enabling strategies for stimulating private-driven affordable housing in Nigeria. A case study of the Millard Fuller Foundation projects was undertaken, and semi-structured interviews were administered to 12 residents of the estates and the developer to explore their experience and highlight the considerations for designing appropriate strategies. The data generated were analysed using thematic analysis with the support of Nvivo. This study identifies four major components of construction costs—land, design, materials, and finance—that policy improvement can target to stimulate private investment. It shows that developers are likely to adopt practices that will reduce these costs with repercussions for end-users. Mindful of this, and the concern to make returns on investment, strategies should aim to harmonise both developers’ interest and that of the end-users through widespread infrastructural development to make land available in all locations, and an incremental owner-building approach so that end-users can take decisions for their housing. Furthermore, access to National Housing Fund (NHF) mortgages should be enhanced by recognising supplementary incomes in the loan origination procedures.

Effect of high-dose glucocorticoid treatment on human brown adipose tissue activity: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over trial in healthy men

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely applied anti-inflammatory drugs that are associated with adverse metabolic effects including insulin resistance and weight gain. Previous research indicates that GCs may negatively impact brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity in rodents and humans. We performed a randomised, double-blinded cross-over trial in 16 healthy men (clinicaltrials.govNCT03269747). Participants received 40mg of prednisone per day for one week or placebo. After a washout period of four weeks, participants crossed-over to the other treatment arm. Primary endpoint was the increase in resting energy expenditure (EE) in response to a mild-cold stimulus (cold-induced thermogenesis, CIT). Secondary outcomes comprised mean 18F-FDG uptake into supraclavicular BAT (SUVmean) as determined by FDG-PET/CT, volume of the BAT depot as well as fat content determined by MRI. The plasma metabolome and the transcriptome of supraclavicular BAT and of skeletal muscle biopsies after each treatment period were analysed. Sixteen participants were recruited to the trial and completed it successfully per protocol. After prednisone treatment resting EE was higher both during warm and cold conditions. However, CIT was similar, 153 kcal/24h (95% CI 40-266 kcal/24h) after placebo and 186 kcal/24h (95% CI 94-277 kcal/24h, p=0.38) after prednisone. SUVmean of BAT after cold exposure was not significantly affected by prednisone (3.36g/ml, 95% CI 2.69-4.02g/ml, vs 3.07g/ml, 95% CI 2.52-3.62g/ml, p=0.28). Results of plasma metabolomics and BAT transcriptomics corroborated these findings. RNA sequencing of muscle biopsies revealed higher expression of genes involved in calcium cycling. No serious adverse events were reported and adverse events were evenly distributed between the two treatments. Prednisone increased EE in healthy men possibly by altering skeletal muscle calcium cycling. Cold-induced BAT activity was not affected by GC treatment, which indicates that the unfavourable metabolic effects of GCs are independent from thermogenic adipocytes. Grants from Swiss National Science Foundation (PZ00P3_167823), Bangerter-Rhyner Foundation and from Nora van der Meeuwen-Häfliger Foundation to MJB. A fellowship-grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF211053) to WS. Grants from German Research Foundation (project number: 314061271-TRR 205) and Else Kröner-Fresenius (grant support 2012_A103 and 2015_A228) to MR.