Supply Routes Research Articles

Desjudicialização da saúde e diálogos interinstitucionais em Minas Gerais: a análise do Acordo de Cooperação Técnica para a gestão dos medicamentos Ranibizumabe e Aflibercept

Objective: to understand the judicialization of health in Brazil and analyze, from the perspective of health de-judicialization, the Technical Cooperation Agreement signed on December 2, 2021, between the State Health Departmentof Minas Gerais , the State Attorney General's Office of Minas Gerais, and the State Public Defender's Office of Minas Gerais for the management of the medications Ranibizumab and Aflibercept. Method: a narrative review of the literature on the judicialization of health and an exploratory study based on documentary analysis of the antecedents of the Technical Cooperation Agreement were carried out. Results and discussions: Self-composition and consensual resolution of conflicts by the Public Administration has broad legal support and, in the current legal and administrative scenario, is the most effective and efficient means of realizing the underlying public interest, notably the right to health, promoting its dejudicialization. This scenario points to the potential for new solutions, including the implementation of interinstitutional dialogues, such as the Technical Cooperation Agreement studied, which is expected to serve as the embryo for a permanent trend in the management of the judicialization of health within the scope of State Health Departmentof Minas Gerais. Final considerations: ahe cooperation agreement studied has great potential for the dejudicialization of actions with requests for ophthalmological medicines, in addition to others whose incorporations are proposed within it. It also promotes synergistic and convergent action by actors involved in judicialization. The perspective is that, from this milestone, these legal actions will decrease and patients will begin to be served through the United Health System administrative supply route. Submission: 03/19/24| Review: 08/16/24| Approval: 09/01/24

COMPARISON OF DRUG-ELUTING STENTS VERSUS BARE-METAL STENTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Coronary artery disease is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to serious complications such as heart attack or stroke. Objectives: The study compares drug-eluting stents to bare-metal stents for treating coronary artery disease. Methods: The present study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of drug-eluting stents (1) versus bare metal stents (BMS) for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). The study was conducted at Cardiology Department Hayat Abad Medical Complex Peshawar Pakistan, from 01 January 2022 till 30 June 2022. The study included a total of 384 patients with CAD who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with either DES or BMS. Results: The study included a total of 384 patients with CAD who underwent PCI with either DES or BMS. The mean age of the study participants was 58.2 ± 9.4 years, and 75.8% were male. The baseline characteristics, including demographic data, clinical presentation, cardiovascular risk factors, and angiographic findings, were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study contrasting medication-eluting stents versus exposed metal stents for the treatment of coronary supply route sickness found that drug-eluting stents were related to a lower chance of unfriendly heart occasions, including objective vessel revascularization, myocardial dead tissue, and cardiovascular demise, contrasted with uncovered metal stents.

The Solute Carrier (SLC) Transporter Superfamily as Therapeutic Targets for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is the most prevalent cancer in the head and neck region, originating from the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. The solute carrier (SLC) transporter superfamily, consisting of over 400 proteins across 65 families, plays a crucial role in cellular functions and presents promising targets in precision oncology. This study aims to analyze the expression of SLC transporters in HNSC and their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods: We leveraged mRNA and protein expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Human Protein Atlas (HPA) to examine SLC transporter expression in HNSC. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted to assess the involvement of SLC transporters in various oncogenic pathways. Results: Significant upregulation of SLC transporters was observed in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, with notable increases in SLC16A3, SLC53A1, SLC25A32, and SLC2A3. This upregulation correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). GSEA revealed that these transporters are significantly involved in critical oncogenic pathways, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and hypoxia, which are vital for cancer progression and metastasis. Conclusions: The study identifies SLC transporters as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HNSC. Targeting these transporters with small molecule inhibitors could disrupt essential supply routes for cancer cells, enhancing treatment efficacy and improving patient outcomes. This study paves the way for developing SLC-based target therapies in precision oncology, with the goal of improving survival rates for patients with HNSC.

Mismanagement and poor transparency in the European processed seafood supply revealed by DNA metabarcoding

In the global processed seafood industry, disparate actors play different roles along the supply chain, creating multiple opportunities for mistakes, malpractice, and fraud. As a consequence, consumers may be exposed to non-authentic products, which hinder informed purchasing decisions and broader efforts to improve trade transparency and sustainability. Here, we characterised the taxonomic composition of 62 processed seafood products in Italian, British and Albanian retailers, purposefully obtained from different supply routes, using multiple DNA metabarcoding markers. By combining molecular results with metadata reported on labels, we revealed patterns of mislabelling in 24 products (39%) across sampling regions, denoting lack of transparency of processed seafood products based on resources sourced from either Europe or globally. We show that the accuracy of label claims and the mis-represented and underestimated levels of traded biodiversity are largely determined by the management of raw material by global processors. Our study shows that DNA metabarcoding is a powerful and novel authentication tool that is mature for application at different stages of the seafood supply chain to protect consumers and improve the sustainable management of fish stocks.

Investigation of Concentration Stabilization Methods for Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas Grid Based on Gas Supply Routes

Investigation of Concentration Stabilization Methods for Hydrogen-Blended Natural Gas Grid Based on Gas Supply Routes

Comparison of the mechanical properties of bypass grafts: Experimental assays.

One prevalent therapeutic strategy for addressing atherosclerosis is using an alternative blood supply route to the heart, referred to as bypass surgery. In these surgeries, the saphenous vein, radial artery, and internal mammary artery are commonly used to create this bypass route. Unfortunately, due to negligence regarding the compatibility of the graft with the host tissue, reoperation is often required after several years. One method that can aid in selecting a suitable vein for bypass is simulating the solid-fluid interaction, and performing such simulations requires knowledge of the mechanical properties of bypass grafts. Therefore, extracting the mechanical properties of bypass grafts is essential. In this study, human bypass grafts were subjected to uniaxial tensile testing, and their elastic modulus was extracted and compared. Additionally, the hyperelastic properties of these grafts were extracted using the Mooney-Rivlin model for use in numerical software. The average elastic modulus in the circumferential direction for radial artery, mammary artery, and saphenous vein samples were determined to be 1.384 ± 0.268MPa, 3.108 ± 1.652MPa, and 7.912 ± 2.509MPa, respectively. Based on the results of uniaxial tests, the saphenous vein exhibited the highest stiffness among the three vascular tissues. The mechanical characterization results of the bypass vessels can be applied to the clinical studies of heart diseases. They may help develop an appropriate treatment approach.

Two enzymes contribute to citrate production in the mitochondrion of Toxoplasma gondii

Citrate synthase catalyzes the first and the rate-limiting reaction of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, producing citrate from the condensation of oxaloacetate and acetyl-coenzyme A. The parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii has full TCA cycle activity, but its physiological roles remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified three proteins with predicted citrate synthase (CS) activities two of which were localized in the mitochondrion, including the 2-methylcitrate synthase (PrpC) that was thought to be involved in the 2-methylcitrate cycle, an alternative pathway for propionyl-CoA detoxification. Further analyses of the two mitochondrial enzymes showed that both had citrate synthase activity, but the catalytic efficiency of CS1 was much higher than that of PrpC. Consistently, the deletion of CS1 resulted in a significantly reduced flux of glucose-derived carbons into TCA cycle intermediates, leading to decreased parasite growth. In contrast, disruption of PrpC had little effect. On the other hand, simultaneous disruption of both CS1 and PrpC resulted in more severe metabolic changes and growth defects than a single deletion of either gene, suggesting that PrpC does contribute to citrate production under physiological conditions. Interestingly, deleting Δcs1 and Δprpc individually or in combination only mildly or negligibly affected the virulence of parasites in mice, suggesting that both enzymes are dispensable invivo. The dispensability of CS1 and PrpC suggests that either the TCA cycle is not essential for the asexual reproduction of tachyzoites or there are other routes of citrate supply in the parasite mitochondrion.

When regional energy cooperation fails: learning from the struggles of Northeast Asia’s joint oil import mechanism

The question of why some regions reject energy cooperation initiatives that aim to improve their overall security of supply puzzles scholars and policymakers advocating for deeper regional integration through energy trade. This was the case in Northeast Asia, where efforts to create a joint oil import mechanism to improve China, South Korea and Japan’s collective bargaining power against Middle East suppliers repeatedly failed and turned instead into competing bilateral contracts at higher prices for all three countries. This article offers two explanations for this puzzle. First, the unique technical challenges and costly logistics of establishing reliable oil and gas supply routes make bilateral agreements more credible than multilateral guarantees in regions characterised by geographical remoteness and high differential vulnerability to disruptions among its members. Second, the tendency of policymakers to securitise their country’s energy supply pushes them to overemphasise their relative vulnerabilities and fear any loss of autonomy over their supplies.

Cytological structures and physiological and biochemical characteristics of covered oat (Avena sativa L.) and naked oat (Avena nuda L.) seeds during high-temperature artificial aging

BackgroundSeed aging, a natural and inevitable process occurring during storage. Oats, an annual herb belonging to the Gramineae family and pooideae. In addition to being a healthy food, oats serve as ecological pastures, combating soil salinization and desertification. They also play a role in promoting grassland agriculture and supplementing winter livestock feed. However, the high lipid and fat derivatives contents of oat seeds make them susceptible to deterioration, as fat derivatives are prone to rancidity, affecting oat seed production, storage, development, and germplasm resource utilization. Comparative studies on the effects of aging on physiology and cytological structure in covered and naked oat seeds are limited. Thus, our study aimed to determine the mechanism underlying seed deterioration in artificially aged ‘LongYan No. 3’ (A. sativa) and ‘BaiYan No. 2’ (A. nuda) seeds, providing a basis for the physiological evaluation of oat seed aging and serving as a reference for scientifically safe storage and efficient utilization of oats.ResultsIn both oat varieties, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in seeds showed increasing and decreasing trends, respectively. Variance analysis revealed significant differences and interaction in all measured indicators of oat seeds between the two varieties at different aging times. ‘LongYan No. 3’ seeds, aged for 24–96 h, exhibited a germination rate of < 30%, Conductivity, malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, and soluble protein levels increased more significantly than the ‘BaiYan No. 2’. With prolonged aging leading to cell membrane degradation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, disrupted antioxidant enzyme system, evident embryo cell swelling, and disordered cell arrangement, blocking the nutrient supply route. Simultaneously, severely concentrated chromatin in the nucleus, damaged mitochondrial structure, and impaired energy metabolism were noted, resulting in the loss of ‘LongYan No. 3’ seed vitality and value. Conversely, ‘BaiYan No. 2’ seeds showed a germination rate of 73.33% after 96 h of aging, consistently higher antioxidant enzyme activity during aging, normal embryonic cell shape, and existence of the endoplasmic reticulum.ConclusionsROS accumulation and antioxidant enzyme system damage in aged oat seeds, nuclear chromatin condensation, mitochondrial structure damage, nucleic acid metabolism and respiration weakened, oat seed vigor decreased. ‘LongYan No. 3’ seeds were more severely damaged under artificial aging than ‘BaiYan No. 2’ seeds, highlighting their heightened susceptibility to aging effects.

Understanding and managing drug trafficking in prison. A rapid evidence assessment (REA)

This Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) discusses the structure, organisation, and motivation of drug trafficking in prison, as well as the supply route and how these evolve, which could be key in developing strategies to restrict the supply of drugs in prisons. Literature within this area is limited, specifically research into prison drug markets and distribution, despite it being a significant focus within policies within custodial settings. The aims of this REA were achieved, and the findings have been divided into structure, organisation and motivation of drug trafficking and supply as well as distribution routes, which have then been subdivided into further themes. The insight and understanding provided in the current review, could inform the development and implementation of effective management strategies for drug trafficking in prison, including interventions for this population. Additionally, these findings could be used to aid Forensic Psychologists in providing consultancy, conducting research, as well as assessing and understanding the criminogenic needs for this population.

Phosphorus Supply to Plants of Vaccinium L. Genus: Proven Patterns and Unexplored Issues

Phosphorus availability is a serious problem for plants growing and grown in acidic soils of bogs, poor in macronutrients. The application of phosphorus fertilizers to such soils is unprofitable because of the physical and chemical properties of these soils, where phosphate is firmly bound to organic and inorganic compounds and becomes inaccessible to plants. Plants of the Vaccinium genus both from natural stands and commercial plantations may suffer from phosphorus deficiency, so they need to have a number of adaptations that allow them to efficiently extract phosphorus. This review addresses the following issues in relation to plants of the Vaccinium genus: sources of phosphorus for plants; the release of phosphate ions from soil components; the transport of phosphate ions into plants; and the importance of mycorrhiza in supplying phosphorus to plants. Thus, we sought to draw researchers’ attention to sources and routes of phosphorus supply of plants of the Vaccinium genus and its unexplored aspects.

Pottery and Social Practice: Between Home and Abroad

This article aims to explore the uses of material culture and their relevance to identity formation. The premise is applied specifically to the moving auxilia, in order to observe the effects of movement and transfers on the selection and consumption of material culture within the military environment. It is common knowledge that pottery supply and use within the Roman military were to an extent governed by specific state-controlled supply routes and contracts, meaning that the same pottery styles could have been observed at different forts from different regions. Nonetheless, the cultural side of demand should not be overlooked as it may have tailored supply differently to various regions depending on the preferences in the area. Similarly, auxiliary units transferred from home may have preserved some of their familiar pottery styles and reproduce them upon arrival to the new territory. This article will explore the ways pottery was employed at locations associated with Batavian auxilia in order to capture their image construction between home and abroad. Once removed from their core territory and placed in a new environment with new norms in terms of material culture and even dressing and addressing one another, how did their consumption adapt to the area and to which extent did it keep a unique character? The main case-study explored in this paper is Războieni in order to assess the pottery consumption patterns of Batavian auxilia abroad in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

Explanatory and numerical examination of the fractional conditions of blood stream in a limit, slanted supply route utilizing the Akbari Ganji technique

This paper investigates the flow of blood through a slanted stenosed artery beneath the impact of a magnetism field. The equations that control the behavior of blood use a type of derivative called Caputo Fabrizio time fractional derivatives. These equations explain that blood acts like a non-Newtonian Casson fluid. The objective of this study is to explore the governing equations of blood flow in a narrow artery by utilizing Caputo Fabrizio fractional derivatives. Using the Laplace and limited Hankel changes of arrange zero, expository arrangements for the overseeing conditions have been inferred. Using the Akbari Ganji method, simple math problems have been solved and transformed into simpler forms. Answers have been found using this method. This article introduces a new approach by applying the AGM analytical and numerical method to address dimensionless fractional equations related to velocity and pressure, in conjunction with the Capato method, marking a significant innovation. Generally, the velocity of the particles is slower than the velocity of the blood. Anyway, the Reynolds number and Casson's liquid parameters are incrementing in both blood and molecule velocities. However, blood velocity diminishes with an increment within the Hartmann number. These discoveries hold noteworthy suggestions for the progress of atherosclerosis treatment. The narrowing of the diameter of the blood vessel with a radius of 45° and a relative percentage of 35 increases the flow resistance and height of the stenosis.

Spatial distribution of trace and rare earth elements of bottom sediments in Lake Ostrowite, Bory Tucholskie National Park, Poland

AbstractLake pollution has attracted concerns worldwide; especially the excessive accumulation of trace elements (TEs) and rare earth elements (REEs) in bottom sediments can pose a serious threat to ecosystem health. However, there is still a knowledge gap on the level of sediment pollution in lakes isolated from the direct impact of pollution sources, their spatial variability, and also on the factors influencing this state. The aim of this study is to investigate the level and spatial variability of TEs and REEs concentrations, as well as to determine their source and the factors determining their distribution in the bottom sediments of Lake Ostrowite. Lake Ostrowite is the largest and deepest water body located in the Bory Tuholskie National Park (in northern Poland), which completely isolates the lake from the direct impact of pollution sources. The study covered analyses of 32 surface samples of bottom sediments. The concentrations of 24 TEs and 14 REEs were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐QQQ‐MS). The assessment of the enrichment of bottom sediments in TEs and REEs employed geochemical background values (GBV) that provided the basis for the calculation of relative concentrations and geochemical indices. The determination of their sources and supply routes was based on the cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The obtained results point to the enrichment of the bottom sediments with TEs and REEs. Relative concentration values of TEs and REEs in reference to geochemical background values were in ranges from 0.01 to 7.31, at an average of 0.99, and from 0.03 to 4.29, averaging 1.76, respectively. The enrichment factor values show moderately severe enrichment of sediments at the study sites. This was primarily determined by the concentrations of Ag (from the TEs group) and Lu (from the REEs group). The metal pollution index values showed an approximate spatial distribution of points in terms of the presence of TEs and REEs. The lowest concentrations of TEs and REEs occurred on the eastern shore of the western basin of Lake Ostrowite. TEs and REEs concentrations in sediments are positively correlated with the content of organic matter and depth and negatively correlated with distance of the sampling point from the river outflow from Lake Ostrowite. On the eastern shore of the western basin, TEs and REEs concentrations are additionally shaped by wind, predominantly from the western direction. With water wave action, organic matter is transported to the central part of the western basin, where it is accumulated. Since the lake is isolated from point and nonpoint pollution sources, relevant from a biogeochemical point of view are dry and wet depositions from the atmosphere as well as aquatic vegetation, shoreline vegetation, forest litter, soil, and groundwater.

A Qualitative Analysis of How Underage Adolescents Access Nicotine Vaping Products in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Despite policies setting a minimum legal sales age, youth continue to access electronic cigarettes (ECs). Evidence of rising youth vaping prevalence in many countries suggests existing measures have serious loopholes and raise important questions about how youth source vaping products. We explored how youth source ECs using in-depth interviews with 30 adolescents aged 16-17 who vaped at least once a month and lived in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our semistructured interview guide probed participants' vaping experiences and how they developed and used social, quasi-commercial, and commercial supply routes to access ECs. We used an inductive reflexive thematic analysis approach to interpret the data. Nearly all participants shared ECs with peers and sharing was the sole access route for some. Many used proxies, often older relatives or people they knew socially, to purchase ECs on their behalf; however, others recruited proxies by approaching previously unknown people they identified on social media. Participants also sourced ECs via quasi-commercial networks that existed within schools and on social media, and some purchased in their own right, usually from smaller retail outlets that did not ask for ID. Disrupting social supply will be challenging, though reducing ECs' availability, appeal, and affordability could make social supply, including sharing and proxy purchasing, more difficult. Reports that youth purchase ECs from commercial retailers known to waive age verification suggest stronger monitoring and enforcement, along with escalating retailer penalties, are required. Vaping access routes sit on a continuum from informal, spontaneous sharing to carefully planned commercial purchases. While supply via friends, siblings and other social contacts is an important means of access, nicotine dependence drives some to use riskier access routes, including approaching unknown people to act as proxy purchasers. Evidence young people identify noncompliant retailers suggests policy makers should monitor and enforce existing measures more stringently and consider additional penalties for recidivist underage suppliers. A more comprehensive response that reduces the appeal, addictiveness, affordability, and availability of vaping products would address factors fostering and maintaining youth vaping.

Spatial and temporal variation in long-term sediment accumulation in a back-barrier salt marsh

In situ persistence of salt marshes in the face of sea-level rise relies on their ability to maintain substrate elevation through sufficient vertical accretion of sediment. However, sedimentation rates in salt marshes vary spatially and temporally, which complicates the assessment of their ability to keep up with sea-level rise. Here, we explore the spatial and temporal variation in sediment accumulation in a single back-barrier salt marsh site. Using one-time in situ measurements at the landscape scale, we obtained synoptic information of elevation and sediment thickness over the entire salt marsh in a chronosequence over centuries. Repeated measurements along short elevation transects (0.3–0.9 m +MHT) revealed decadal changes, complementing the broader marsh data with detailed information on elevation, thickness of the marsh deposits and accumulation rates. Thickness of the deposits was largely related to the elevation gradient: the sediment layer was thinner at the higher marsh (near the dunes and far away from the intertidal flats), and thicker at the lower marsh (near the intertidal flats). Moreover, the thickness of the layer increased with salt marsh age along the chronosequence, and age accounted for 72 % of variability in sediment accumulation. The rate of sediment accumulation was higher than the local rate of sea-level rise in the younger marsh, whereas it was equal to the rate of sea-level rise in the older marsh. In the older salt marsh, sediment accumulation was lower, possibly due to autocompaction in the thicker, older layers. Both at the landscape scale and along short elevation transects within individual drainage basins, sediment accumulation decreased with distance to sediment supply routes. However, their relative importance depended on the scale of observation. Distance to creeks accounted for 17 % of the variability in sediment accumulation at the landscape scale, compared to 4 % at the smaller scale. Similarly, the influence of distance to intertidal flats varied from 1 % at the landscape scale to 13 % at the smaller scale. Our main findings indicate that lower-elevation older marshes and higher-elevation younger marshes far away from sediment sources are at risk of not keeping pace with the local rate of sea-level rise and are potentially vulnerable to increased flooding.

Abstract 4452: The macropinosome: Uncovering the molecular anatomy of an oncogene-driven organelle

Abstract As an integral aspect of the metabolic reprogramming that occurs in cancer, oncogenic KRAS mutations drive the stimulation of macropinocytosis, a type of endocytosis that mediates nonselective fluid-phase uptake. Using KRAS-driven models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we were the first to demonstrate that macropinocytosis functions in tumor cells as a nutrient acquisition pathway. Macropinocytosis triggers the internalization of extracellular proteins via discrete endocytic vesicles called macropinosomes. The incoming protein cargo is targeted for lysosome-dependent degradation, causing the intracellular release of amino acids. These protein-derived amino acids support metabolic fitness by contributing to the intracellular amino acid pools, as well as to the biosynthesis of central carbon metabolites. In this way, macropinocytosis represents a novel amino acid supply route that tumor cells use to survive the nutrient-poor conditions of the tumor microenvironment. While the tenets of the signal transduction events that drive macropinocytosis in cancer have emerged, a detailed picture of the macropinosome itself is not yet available. With the aid of nanotechnology, we have developed a methodology to isolate a pure fraction of macropinosomes from PDAC cells. Using a large-scale proteomic approach, we have been able to generate a list of proteins that reside in macropinosomes. The specificity of this approach was confirmed through the identification and validation of proteins known to specifically localize to these organelles in different contexts, such as Rab5 or SDC1. Thanks to this innovative method, we have demonstrated the involvement of two calcium channels, ATP2B1 and ATP2B4, in the formation of macropinosomes. By elucidating the molecular anatomy of KRAS-driven macropinosomes, we will gain further insight into the regulation and function of macropinocytosis in cancer. Moreover, having a clearer picture of the macropinosome will make us better positioned to exploit this pathway therapeutically and deliver breakthroughs to patients. Citation Format: Ambroise Manceau, Koen M. Galenkamp, Cheska M. Galapate, Cosimo Commisso. The macropinosome: Uncovering the molecular anatomy of an oncogene-driven organelle [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4452.

RARE EARTH METALS: KEY COMPONENTS OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES

Purpose. The aim of the article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the supply routes for rare earth elements and forecast the development of the market for these elements in the current conditions arising from the war and other factors. Methodology of research. The scientific research methodology was used in the process of writing the article to determine generalised synthetic indicators on strategic ways of development and diversification of rare earth elements supply, as well as statistical and graphical methods to analyse the rare earth elements market and forecast supply and demand using time series. Graphs were used to visualise this data. Findings. It has been found that lithium, cobalt, neodymium and graphite, as well as other elements, are becoming increasingly important in modern technologies and everyday life, which leads to an increase in demand for these rare earth elements. The market for rare earth elements is analysed and demand is forecasted to grow in the future due to the development of green technologies and high-tech devices. The ways of developing and diversifying the supply of rare earth elements are investigated, which made it possible to consider them critical due to possible shortages, supply restrictions and the lack of local concentrations for mining. The global REE market is dominated by Chinese production of REE oxides. That is why, in order to avoid potential risks in the supply of rare earth materials, it is important to consider alternative sources and modern processing technologies to meet demand and ensure further production of rare earth elements. Originality. The article analyses the ways of supplying rare earth elements and their important role in modern technologies. A forecast is made, with an analysis of the market for rare earth materials, which will grow in connection with the transition to a climate-neutral economy. The work is relevant because it is the first to analyse the integrated use of rare earth elements in technologies such as lithium-ion battery technology, fuel cell (FCs) technology and permanent magnet motors. Potential risks in the supply of rare earth materials were determined and ways to avoid them were proposed. Practical value. The practical significance of this research is that in the 20th century, rare earth elements became a key to the production of electronics and other technologies. China, which has significant REE resources, controls a large share of global production, which leads to geopolitical tensions in the supply sector. The results of the study can be used to analyse and forecast the ways of supplying rare earth materials, as well as to solve issues related to future challenges and the development of competition for resources. Key words: rare earth elements (REEs); critical material; lithium-ion battery technology; Fuel cells (FCs) technology; permanent magnet motors; statistical method; forecasting.

АДАПТАЦІЯ БІЗНЕС-СТРАТЕГІЙ УКРАЇНСЬКОГО БІЗНЕСУ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ: МІЖНАРОДНИЙ ДОСВІД

Russia's war against Ukraine destroyed infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, caused a loss of markets and resources, an outflow of human capital, and more. In such conditions, search for effective business adaptation and survival strategies ЕКОНОМIКА ТА УПРАВЛIННЯ ПЕРСОНАЛОМ 53 becomes critical. Turning to international experience, in particular to business strategies of the companies that faced crises and conflicts, can become a valuable source of knowledge and insights for Ukrainian business. International management operates with different types of business strategies. Among them: global strategy, multinational strategy, transnational strategy and international strategy. During crises and conflicts, companies are often forced to review their strategies and adapt them to new conditions. The ability to review is dictated by the presence of the following traits in the companies: strategic flexibility, dynamic capabilities, organizational stability, leadership and innovation. The key challenges and threats that Ukrainian enterprises face in wartime, and which must be taken into account when adapting business strategies: the reality of war, hostilities, missile attacks; almost complete blockade of key supply chains through sea lanes; inability to fully and quickly replace maritime supply routes with land ones; internal logistical problems associated with the physical destruction of a significant part of the infrastructure. Based on the international experience of business adaptation to crises, it is possible to recommend domestic management to adapt business strategies in the conditions of military challenges, primarily using proven approaches of international management, adapted to local conditions: in terms of optimizing supply chains, it is advisable to pay attention to the search for alternative, reliable suppliers and logistics routes from among the use of local resources to reduce dependence on imports; in terms of reorientation from exports to the countries of the former CIS, to focus on the domestic market and state orders (in particular, the military industry); to increase use of digital technologies to improve primarily internal business efficiency for digital transformation and innovation; to introduce strategic planning flexibility; personnel development; search for strategic partnerships; revision of approaches to finding financing and lending.

Methanol compared to other fuels for on-board hydrogen production in thermally balanced membrane reactors with internal recycle

New processes for hydrogen production from various sources are required, which will enable decentralized hydrogen utilization. Hydrogen is a challenging energy carrier due to its low volumetric energy density, requiring compression or liquefaction, which are costly steps, reducing the overall energy transformation cycle efficiency. Thus, a hydrogen supply route based on distributed on-demand production is more attractive compared to the traditional centralized production route. In this work we analyze the use of methanol as a hydrogen carrier to be converted to hydrogen in a conceptual autothermal scaled-down system for on-board pure hydrogen production. This system integrates two concentric reactors, membrane separation and heat exchange. The required heat is supplied by catalytic combustion of the reforming effluents which are recycled internally. The temperature profile is controlled by distribution of the combustion feed. A validated mathematical model shows that the thermal efficiency of the hydrogen production process from methanol will be much higher (e.g. 45 % vs 15 % in one case, 60 % vs 30 % in another case) compared to the efficiency obtained when feeding other fuels (methane, ethanol or glycerol). In all cases full conversion of the fuel is obtained. The reason for such a significant intensification is the lack of methane formation in the reforming reactor. This leads to higher driving force for hydrogen transport through the membranes and enables lower operating temperatures, reducing heat losses to the surroundings (which are the main source for efficiency loss). The lack of methane formation is due to the Cu-based catalyst used for methanol reforming, as opposed to the Ni-based catalyst used for reforming of other fuels.