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Economic growth combined with industrialization brought negative repercussions, notably the depletion of resources and environmental challenges. In light of new global consumption patterns, unprecedented challenges arise for Supply Chain Management (SCM). Given the magnitude and consequences of this issue, there is a gap in the literature that explores the relationship between supply chains (SC) and sustainable development (SD). In this context, this article analyzes the interdependence between SC and SD, considering the impact of consuming products and services on sustainable issues. This study also aims to categorize the subtypes of SC most frequently discussed in the literature and identify the methodologies most used in research on sustainable chains. This study was conducted through a systematic literature review (SLR) in the Scopus database, following a research protocol validated by the literature. The analysis was conducted on the textual corpus of 485 articles published in the last decade. The results indicate a High interdependence between SC and SD, with environmental sustainability as the most firmly established theme. However, there has also been a consolidation of social and economic sustainability. In the theoretical field, it is necessary to establish the Circular Economy as a field of research and relate it to SC. In the practical and managerial field, attention must remain focused on food SC, which needs to be well explored, mainly to avoid food waste, which affects sustainability in all areas of the triple bottom line. This research innovates by exploring the interrelationship between (SC) and (SD) through a comprehensive approach that goes beyond geographic boundaries and specific categorizations of SC. While many previous studies have focused on niches or specific geographic contexts, the present research breaks with this norm by considering SC's global and multifaceted character, aligned with the vastness and complexity of SD. The adopted approach differentiates this work from others in the field. It reflects the magnitude and depth necessary to understand and propose practical solutions to the challenges interconnecting SC and SD in the contemporary scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractOccupational exposure to crystalline silica (CS) is known to induce silicosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by the formation of granulomas and severe lung fibrosis. Specifically, individuals exposed to low doses of CS may develop silicosis after a decade or more of exposure. Similarly, in rat silicosis models exposed to occupationally relevant doses of α-quartz, there is an initial phase characterized by minimal and well-controlled pulmonary inflammation, followed by the development of robust and persistent inflammation. During the initial phase, the inflammation provoked by α-quartz is subdued by two mechanisms. Firstly, α-quartz particles are engulfed by alveolar macrophages (AMs) of the alternatively activated (M2) subtype and interstitial macrophages (IMs), limiting their interaction with other lung cells. Secondly, the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-10, is constitutively expressed by these macrophages, further dampening the inflammatory response. In the later inflammatory phase, IL-10–dependent anti-inflammatory state is disrupted by Type I interferons (IFNs), leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to α-quartz, aided by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). This review delves into the complex pathways involving IL-10, LPS, and Type I IFNs in α-quartz–induced pulmonary inflammation, offering a detailed analysis of the underlying mechanisms and identifying areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (SALI) is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory and immune response. As a key component of the innate immune system, macrophages play a vital role in SALI, in which a macrophage phenotype imbalance caused by an increase in M1 macrophages or a decrease in M2 macrophages is common. Despite significant advances in SALI research, effective drug therapies are still lacking. Therefore, the development of new treatments for SALI is urgently needed. An increasing number of studies suggest that natural products (NPs) can alleviate SALI by modulating macrophage polarization through various targets and pathways. This review examines the regulatory mechanisms of macrophage polarization and their involvement in the progression of SALI. It highlights how NPs mitigate macrophage imbalances to alleviate SALI, focusing on key signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, TLR4/NF-κB, JAK/STAT, IRF, HIF, NRF2, HMGB1, TREM2, PKM2, and exosome-mediated signaling. NPs influencing macrophage polarization are classified into five groups: terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and others. This work provides valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of NPs in targeting macrophage polarization to treat SALI. Highlights: This paper reviews the characteristics of macrophage polarization and explores the signaling pathways that regulate polarization phenotypes. This paper reviews the changes in macrophage phenotypes and their regulatory mechanisms during the three stages of sepsis-induced lung injury: the overwhelming inflammatory phase, the immunosuppressive phase, and the fibrotic phase. This paper reviews natural compounds with potential therapeutic effects on macrophage polarization-related sepsis-associated lung injury (SALI) and explores their mechanisms of action against SALI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a rapidly growing health problem worldwide, affecting both adults and children and increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, obesity is closely linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) by either exacerbating diabetic complications or directly causing kidney damage. Obesity-related CKD is characterized by proteinuria, lipid accumulation, fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, which can gradually impair kidney function. Among the immune cells of the innate and adaptive immune response involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases, macrophages play a crucial role in the inflammation associated with CKD. In obese individuals, macrophages enter a pro-inflammatory state known as M1 polarization, which contributes to chronic inflammation. This polarization promotes tissue damage, inflammation and fibrosis, leading to progressive loss of kidney function. In addition, macrophage-induced oxidative stress is a key feature of CKD as it also promotes cell damage and inflammation. Macrophages also contribute to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes by releasing inflammatory molecules that impair glucose metabolism, complicating the management of diabetes in obese patients. Hypertension and atherosclerosis, which are often associated with obesity, also contribute to the progression of CKD via immune and inflammatory pathways. Macrophages influence blood pressure regulation and contribute to vascular inflammation, particularly via the renin-angiotensin system. In atherosclerosis, macrophages accumulate in arterial plaques, leading to chronic inflammation and plaque instability, which may increase the risk of CVD in CKD patients. This review focuses on the involvement of macrophages in CKD and highlights their role as a critical link between CKD and other pathologies. Targeting macrophage polarization and the ensuing macrophage-induced inflammation could be an effective therapeutic strategy for CKD and related diseases and improve outcomes for patients with obesity-related kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged local vibration (LV) is thought to promote brain plasticity through repeated Ia afferents discharge. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study therefore aimed at determining the acute after-effects of 30-min LV of the flexor carpi radialis muscle (FCR) on sensorimotor (S1, M1) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) areas activity. Sixteen healthy participants were tested before and immediately after 30 min of FCR LV. Electroencephalographic signals were recorded during isometric submaximal wrist flexions. Time-frequency analyses were performed at source levels during contraction preparation, contraction initiation, force plateau, and relaxation. After LV, the results showed an increase in α and β desynchronizations in the source activity for the estimated M1, S1, and PPC during contraction preparation (P ≤ 0.05) and contraction initiation (P ≤ 0.05; except for PPC in the β band: P = 0.07), and a greater α desynchronization in M1, S1, and PPC (P < 0.01) during force plateau. No LV-induced changes were observed during relaxation. Prolonged LV on the upper limb could increase estimated cortical activity within M1, S1, and PPC areas during subsequent isometric contractions. This could be due to LV-induced Ia afferents inputs projecting onto cortical areas through proprioceptive pathways, and likely triggering brain use-dependent plasticity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Prolonged local vibration (LV) is thought to promote brain plasticity, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we used electroencephalography in healthy subjects and found increased activity in primary motor, primary somatosensory, and posterior parietal areas after a single exposure to LV. This may be due to LV-induced Ia afferents inputs projecting onto cortical areas through proprioceptive pathways, and likely triggering brain plasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-20 (NOAA-20) satellite was launched on 18 November 2017. The on-orbit calibration of the NOAA-20 VIIRS visible and near-infrared (VisNIR) bands has been very stable over time. However, NOAA-20 operational M1 (a dual gain band with a center wavelength of 0.41 µm) sensor data records (SDR) have exhibited persistent scene-dependent striping over clear-sky ocean (high gain, low radiance) since the beginning of the mission, different from other VisNIR bands. This paper studies the root causes of the striping in the operational NOAA-20 M1 SDRs. Two potential factors were analyzed: (1) polarization effect-induced striping over clear-sky ocean and (2) imperfect on-orbit radiometric calibration-induced striping. NOAA-20 M1 is more sensitive to the polarized lights compared to other NOAA-20 short-wavelength bands and the similar bands on the Suomi NPP and NOAA-21 VIIRS, with detector and scan angle-dependent polarization sensitivity up to ~6.4%. The VIIRS M1 top of atmosphere radiance is dominated by Rayleigh scattering over clear-sky ocean and can be up to ~70% polarized. In this study, the impact of the polarization effect on M1 striping was investigated using radiative transfer simulation and a polarization correction method similar to that developed by the NOAA ocean color team. Our results indicate that the prelaunch-measured polarization sensitivity and the polarization correction method work well and can effectively reduce striping over clear-sky ocean scenes by up to ~2% at near nadir zones. Moreover, no significant change in NOAA-20 M1 polarization sensitivity was observed based on the data analyzed in this study. After the correction of the polarization effect, residual M1 striping over clear-sky ocean suggests that there exists half-angle mirror (HAM)-side and detector-dependent striping, which may be caused by on-orbit radiometric calibration errors. HAM-side and detector-dependent striping correction factors were analyzed using deep convective cloud (DCC) observations (low gain, high radiances) and verified over the homogeneous Libya-4 desert site (low gain, mid-level radiance); neither are significantly affected by the polarization effect. The imperfect on-orbit radiometric calibration-induced striping in the NOAA operational M1 SDR has been relatively stable over time. After the correction of the polarization effect, the DCC-based striping correction factors can further reduce striping over clear-sky ocean scenes by ~0.5%. The polarization correction method used in this study is only effective over clear-sky ocean scenes that are dominated by the Rayleigh scattering radiance. The DCC-based striping correction factors work well at all radiance levels; therefore, they can be deployed operationally to improve the quality of NOAA-20 M1 SDRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The film industry can be considered the most important in creative industries since it possesses the characteristics of industrial organization, a high degree of demand uncertainty, contractual agreements, and business practices. What is more, the film industry strongly influences the other sub-sectors, because of the broad-based advantages that it delivers in terms of employment and economic growth. On the other hand, the economic value of creative industries does not arise from their relative contribution to economic value, but from the co-ordination of new ideas and technologies thereby influencing change in economic and cultural processes. Since European film industries are fragmented, there is a constant need to rethink possible model for their continuous growth. This is especially relevant in the context of smaller film industries in Europe such as in the Baltic States, because their budgets for film production are relatively small compared to bigger film industries. Therefore, in order to foster new industry development, which would also reflect the regional context of the Baltic States and its location strengths, the potential of co-productions - mission-economy approach is proposed as it emphasizes market co-creation, co-shaping, partnerships between business and public sector and other managerial and technological innovations.

Obesity causes insulin resistance (IR) through systemic low-grade inflammation and can lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the mechanisms that cause IR and T2DM in non-obese individuals are unclear. The Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat develops IR spontaneously and is a model of non-obese T2DM. These rats exhibit hyperglycemia beginning at weaning and exhibit lower body mass than control Wistar rats. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that macrophages of GK rats are permanently in a pro-inflammatory state, which may be associated with a systemic inflammation condition that mimics the pathogenesis of obesity-induced T2DM. Using eighteen-week-old GK and control Wistar rats, we investigated the proportions of M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) macrophages isolated from the peritoneal cavity. Additionally, the production of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cultured macrophages under basal and stimulated conditions was assessed. It was found that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation increased GK rat macrophage ROS production 90-fold compared to basal levels. This response was also three times more pronounced than in control cells (36-fold). The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), tended to be upregulated in cultured macrophages from GK rats under basal conditions. Macrophages from GK rats produced 1.6 times more granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), 1.5 times more monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and 3.3 times more TNF-α than control cells when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (p = 0.0033; p = 0.049; p = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, compared to control cells, GK rats had 60% more M1 (p = 0.0008) and 23% less M2 (p = 0.038) macrophages. This study is the first to report macrophage inflammatory reprogramming towards a pro-inflammatory state in GK rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory destructive disease occurring in periodontal supporting tissues. Atherosclerosis(AS) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Periodontitis can promote the development and progression of AS. Macrophage polarization is closely related to the development and progression of the above two diseases, respectively. The purpose of this animal study was to evaluate the effect of periodontitis on aortic lesions in atherosclerotic mice and the role of macrophage polarization in this process. 45 ApoE-/-male mice were randomly divided into three groups: control (NC), atherosclerosis (AS), and atherosclerosis with periodontitis (AS + PD). Micro CT, serological testing and pathological testing(hematoxylin–eosin staining, oil red O staining and Masson staining) were used for Evaluate the modeling situation. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) and immunofluorescence(IF) were performed to evaluate macrophage content and macrophage polarization in plaques. Cytokines associated with macrophage polarization were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(Elisa). The expression of macrophages in plaques was sequentially elevated in the NC, AS, and AS + PD groups(P < 0.001). The expression of M1 and M1-related cytokines showed the same trend(P < 0.05). The expression of M2 and M2-related cytokines showed the opposite trend(P < 0.05). The rate of M1/M2 showed that AS + PD > AS > NC. Our preliminary data support that experimental periodontitis can increase the content of macrophage in aortic plaques to exacerbate AS. Meanwhile, experimental periodontitis can increase M1 macrophages, and decrease M2 macrophages, increasing M1/M2 in the plaque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In transitional economies, contract farming is widely recognized as a means for addressing numerous market failures affecting small farmers. Reviewing the scholarship on contract farming, we show that its traditional understandings have been framed by the narratives of transaction cost economics and power dynamics. We critically evaluate these narratives and demonstrate how stakeholder theory, with its relational understanding of business, offers a more comprehensive understanding of contract farming. We argue that a stakeholder theory perspective underscores the trust-based and collaborative nature of successful contract farming arrangements. It highlights the importance of informal and moral stakeholder relationships that compensate for the limitations of weak enforcement mechanisms and inadequate legal frameworks in transitional economies. This way, a stakeholder theory perspective on contract farming highlights its strategic management and business ethics dimensions, offering valuable guidance for cultivating successful stakeholder relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is a rapidly growing health problem worldwide, affecting both adults and children and increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, obesity is closely linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) by either exacerbating diabetic complications or directly causing kidney damage. Obesity-related CKD is characterized by proteinuria, lipid accumulation, fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, which can gradually impair kidney function. Among the immune cells of the innate and adaptive immune response involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases, macrophages play a crucial role in the inflammation associated with CKD. In obese individuals, macrophages enter a pro-inflammatory state known as M1 polarization, which contributes to chronic inflammation. This polarization promotes tissue damage, inflammation and fibrosis, leading to progressive loss of kidney function. In addition, macrophage-induced oxidative stress is a key feature of CKD as it also promotes cell damage and inflammation. Macrophages also contribute to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes by releasing inflammatory molecules that impair glucose metabolism, complicating the management of diabetes in obese patients. Hypertension and atherosclerosis, which are often associated with obesity, also contribute to the progression of CKD via immune and inflammatory pathways. Macrophages influence blood pressure regulation and contribute to vascular inflammation, particularly via the renin-angiotensin system. In atherosclerosis, macrophages accumulate in arterial plaques, leading to chronic inflammation and plaque instability, which may increase the risk of CVD in CKD patients. This review focuses on the involvement of macrophages in CKD and highlights their role as a critical link between CKD and other pathologies. Targeting macrophage polarization and the ensuing macrophage-induced inflammation could be an effective therapeutic strategy for CKD and related diseases and improve outcomes for patients with obesity-related kidney disease.

Employee experience refers to the entire journey of an employee within an organization, encompassing interactions from pre-employment to post-employment. In order to gain and maintain a sustainable competitive edge, organizations should incorporate human-centered design and prioritize employee experience in their organizational reforms, taking into account employees' emotions, ambitions, and expectations. This study aims to provide a clearer and operationalized understanding of the employee experience concept and empirically examines its relationship with employee engagement, considering the moderating role of positive affect - a state of pleasant feelings and moods that people often experience in business life-. Data was collected from 1347 employees in the finance sector of Türkiye, revealing that employee experience consists of dimensions such as manager support and collaboration, organizational identification and development, and career-focused human resource (HR) practices. These dimensions are positively associated with employee engagement. The study also examines the moderating role of the employees'positive affect on the relationship between these constructs. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.

Abstract Background C-X-C receptor 4(CXCR4) is widely considered to be a highly conserved G protein-coupled receptor, widely involved in the pathophysiological processes in the human body, including fibrosis. However, its role in regulating macrophage-related inflammation in the fibrotic process of prostatitis has not been confirmed. Here, we aim to describe the role of CXCR4 in modulating macrophage M1 polarization through glycolysis in the development of prostatitis fibrosis. Methods Use inducible experimental chronic prostatitis as a model of prostatic fibrosis. Reduce CXCR4 expression in immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages using lentivirus. In the fibrotic mouse model, use adenovirus carrying CXCR4 agonists to detect the silencing of CXCR4 and assess the in vivo effects. Results In this study, we demonstrated that reducing CXCR4 expression during LPS treatment of macrophages can alleviate M1 polarization. Silencing CXCR4 can inhibit glycolytic metabolism, enhance mitochondrial function, and promote macrophage transition from M1 to M2. Additionally, in vivo functional experiments using AAV carrying CXCR4 showed that blocking CXCR4 in experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) can alleviate inflammation and experimental prostate fibrosis development. Mechanistically, CXCR4, a chemokine receptor, when silenced, weakens the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as its downstream signal, reducing c-MYC expression. PFKFB3, a key enzyme involved in glucose metabolism, is a target gene of c-MYC, thus impacting macrophage polarization and glycolytic metabolism processes.

Background: C-X-C receptor 4(CXCR4) is widely considered to be a highly conserved G protein-coupled receptor, widely involved in the pathophysiological processes in the human body, including fibrosis. However, its role in regulating macrophage-related inflammation in the fibrotic process of prostatitis has not been confirmed. Here, we aim to describe the role of CXCR4 in modulating macrophage M1 polarization through glycolysis in the development of prostatitis fibrosis. Methods: Use inducible experimental chronic prostatitis as a model of prostatic fibrosis. Reduce CXCR4 expression in immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages using lentivirus. In the fibrotic mouse model, use adenovirus carrying CXCR4 agonists to detect the silencing of CXCR4 and assess the in vivo effects. Results: In this study, we demonstrated that reducing CXCR4 expression during LPS treatment of macrophages can alleviate M1 polarization. Silencing CXCR4 can inhibit glycolytic metabolism, enhance mitochondrial function, and promote macrophage transition from M1 to M2. Additionally, in vivo functional experiments using AAV carrying CXCR4 showed that blocking CXCR4 in experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) can alleviate inflammation and experimental prostate fibrosis development. Mechanistically, CXCR4, a chemokine receptor, when silenced, weakens the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as its downstream signal, reducing c-MYC expression. PFKFB3, a key enzyme involved in glucose metabolism, is a target gene of c-MYC, thus impacting macrophage polarization and glycolytic metabolism processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective：To explore the effects of Zhiyan mixture on the activation of classically activated macrophages (M1) and T helper cells 2 (Th2) immune responses in mice with mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. Methods：C57BL/6J mice were divided into control group, MP group, Zhiyan mixture group and azithromycin group. Except control group, models of MP infection were prepared by nasal drip of MP bacterial solution (1×107 CFUs/ml) in the other groups. Zhiyan mixture group was given intragastric administration of Zhiyan mixture, azithromycin group was given intragastric administration of azithromycin, control group and MP group were given the same volume of normal saline. The pathological damage of lung tissues were observed by HE staining, and pathological scoring was conducted. The changes of MP load in lung tissues were detected by solid culture method. M1 level was detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α and CXC chemokine 1 (CXCL1) in lung tissues were detected by PCR. The levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 in lung tissues were detected by ELISA. The expressions of NF-κB pathway-related proteins in lung tissues were detected by Western blot. Results：The pathological scores of lung tissues, MP load, F4/ 80+ cell level, ratios of CD86+/F4/80+ and MHC Ⅱ+/F4/80+, and mRNA levels of iNOS, TNF-α and CXCL1 in MP group, Zhiyan mixture group and azithromycin group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05), levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13, and expressions of p-p65/p65 and p-IKK/IKK in lung tissues were all higher than those in control group (P<0.05) . The pathological scores of lung tissues, MP load, F4/80+ level, ratios of CD86+/F4/80+ and MHC Ⅱ+/F4/80+, and mRNA levels of iNOS, TNF-α and CXCL1 in Zhiyan mixture group and azithromycin group were lower than those in MP group (P<0.05), levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13 were higher than those in MP group (P<0.05), and protein expressions of p-p65/p65 and p-IKK/IKK in lung tissues were lower than those in MP group (P<0.05) . Conclusion：Zhiyan mixture can improve lung injury in mice with MP infection, which may be related to reducing M1 activity, increasing Th2 immune response and inhibiting NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) often targets the EEG-guided C3/C4 area that may not accurately represent M1 for hand muscles. This study aimed to determine if the neuroanatomy-based scalp acupuncture-guided site (AC) was a more effective spot than the C3 site for neuromodulation. Fifteen healthy subjects received one 20-minute session of high-definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) intervention (20 Hz at 2 mA) at the AC or C3 sites randomly with a 1-week washout period. Subjects performed ball-squeezing exercises with the dominant hand during the HD-tACS intervention. The AC site was indiscernible from the finger flexor hotspot detected by TMS. At the baseline, the MEP amplitude from finger flexors was greater with less variability at the AC site than at the C3 site. HD-tACS intervention at the AC site significantly increased the MEP amplitude. However, no significant changes were observed after tACS was applied to the C3 site. Our results provide evidence that HD-tACS at the AC site produces better neuromodulation effects on the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscle compared to the C3 site. The AC localization approach can be used for future tES studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volitional modulation of neural activity is not confined to the cortex but extends to various brain regions. Yet, it remains unclear whether neurons in the basal ganglia structure, the external globus pallidus (GPe), can be volitionally controlled. Here, we employed a volitional conditioning task to compare the volitional modulation of GPe and primary motor cortex (M1) neurons as well as the underlying circuits and control mechanisms. The results revealed that the volitional modulation of GPe neuronal activity engaged both M1 and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) neurons, indicating the involvement of the cortex–GPe–SNr loop. In contrast, the volitional modulation of M1 neurons primarily occurred through the engagement of M1 local circuitry. Furthermore, lesioning M1 neurons did not affect the volitional learning or volitional control signal in GPe, whereas lesioning of GPe neurons impaired the learning process for the volitional modulation of M1 neuronal activity at the intermediate stage. Additionally, lesion of GPe neurons enhanced M1 neuronal activity when performing the volitional control task without reward delivery and a random reward test. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that GPe neurons could be volitionally controlled by engagement of the cortical–basal ganglia circuit and inhibit learning process for the volitional modulation of M1 neuronal activity by regulating M1 neuronal activity. Thus, GPe neurons can be effectively harnessed for independent volitional modulation for neurorehabilitation in patients with cortical damage. Key points: The cortical–basal ganglia circuit contributes to the volitional modulation of GPe neurons.Volitional modulation of M1 neuronal activity mainly engages M1 local circuitry.Bilateral GPe lesioning impedes volitional learning at the intermediate stages.Lesioning of GPe neurons inhibits volitional learning process by regulating M1 neuronal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the primary motor cortex (M1) and the cerebellum are crucial for postural stability and deemed as potential targets for non‐invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to enhance balance performance. However, the optimal target remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the role of M1 and the cerebellum in modulating balance performance in young healthy adults using facilitatory 5 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Twenty‐one healthy young adults (mean age = 27.95 ± 1.15 years) received a single session of 5 Hz rTMS on M1 and the cerebellum in a cross‐over order with a 7‐day washout period between the two sessions. Three balance assessments were performed on the Biodex Balance system SD: Limits of Stability (LOS), modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB), and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). No significant effect of rTMS was found on the LOS. The effect of rTMS on the mCTSIB was mediated by stimulation target, proprioception, and vision (p =.003, ηp2 = 0.37). Cerebellar rTMS improved the mCTSIB sway index under eyes closed‐foam surface condition (p =.02), whereas M1 rTMS did not result in improvement on the mCTSIB. The effect of rTMS on the BESS was mediated by stimulation target, posture, and proprioception (p =.049, ηp2 = 0.14). Cerebellar rTMS enhanced reactive balance performance during most sensory deprived conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines green performance (GP) through green human resource management (green HRM) practices and green capability (GC) in Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector. This study employed a quantitative method with a survey strategy that utilized a questionnaire. In total, the study used 396 valid cases collected from middle‑ and top‑level management employees. Using the structural equation model (SEM), the findings suggest that green HRM practices, such as green skill development (GSD), green motivation (GM), green involvement (GI), and green empowerment (GE), exert a significant positive effect on GC and GP. On the other hand, GC emerged as a non‑significant positive predictor of GP. Furthermore, GC is a significant mediator that develops a positive association between green HRM practice factors, such as GSD, GM, GI, and GP. By contrast, GC did not mediate the association between GE and GP. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the building blocks that underline the robust relationship between green HRM, GC, and GP. Moreover, this study would be helpful for policymakers to boost a greener environment to bring sustainability and GP in an emerging economy.

The industry organization theory in the early stage emphasizes the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) paradigm, indicating that industry characteristics and structure factors influence firm performance. Accompanied by technology development and the enhancement of innovation capabilities, the resource-based theory (RBT) has gradually attracted greater attention. Industry structure and competitive forces emphasize the role of external industrial environment factors in influencing a firm's strategic decision-making. Firms employ resources as their competitive advantage to adapt to the industrial environments and to shape the own performance.This study uses hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to integrate SCP and RBT and to analyze the different levels of effects on firm performance. The integrated theoretical framework suggests multi-level relationships between industry and firm dynamics. Specifically, industry-level factors include industry potential, scale, and dynamics that positively moderate firm-level competitive advantages (innovation resources, organizational resources, and slack resources) and firm performance. The research findings also reveal that industry competitiveness negatively moderates impacts on the relationship between firm competitive advantages and performance. The integration of both industry and firm competitive advantages shapes firm performance.