scholarly journals Through 40.000 Years of Human Presence in Southern Europe: The Italian Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Aneli ◽  
Matteo Caldon ◽  
Tina Saupe ◽  
Francesco Montinaro ◽  
Luca Pagani
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Occupation ◽  
Hunter Gatherers ◽  
Italian Case ◽  
Open Questions

The Italian Peninsula, a natural pier across the Mediterranean Sea, witnessed intricate population events since the very beginning of human occupation in Europe. In the last few years, an increasing number of modern and ancient genomes from the area has been published by the international research community. This genomic perspective started unveiling the relevance of Italy to understand the post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) re-peopling of Europe, the earlier phase of the Neolithic westward migrations, and its linking role between Eastern and Western Mediterranean areas after the Iron Age. However many open questions are still waiting for more data to be addressed in full. With this review, we summarize the current knowledge emerging from the available ancient Italian individuals and, by re-analysing them all at once, we try to shed light on the avenues future research in the area should cover. In particular, open questions concern i) the fate of pre-Villabruna Europeans and to what extent their genomic components were absorbed by the post-LGM hunter-gatherers; ii) the role of Sicily and Sardinia before LGM; iii) to what degree the documented genetic structure within the Early Neolithic settlers can be described as two separate migrations; iv) what are the population events behind the marked presence of an Iranian Neolithic-like component in Bronze Age and Iron Age Italian and Southern European samples.

scholarly journals Through 40,000 years of human presence in Southern Europe: the Italian case study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Aneli ◽  
Matteo Caldon ◽  
Tina Saupe ◽  
Francesco Montinaro ◽  
Luca Pagani
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Occupation ◽  
Hunter Gatherers ◽  
Italian Case ◽  
Open Questions

AbstractThe Italian Peninsula, a natural pier across the Mediterranean Sea, witnessed intricate population events since the very beginning of the human occupation in Europe. In the last few years, an increasing number of modern and ancient genomes from the area have been published by the international research community. This genomic perspective started unveiling the relevance of Italy to understand the post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) re-peopling of Europe, the earlier phase of the Neolithic westward migrations, and its linking role between Eastern and Western Mediterranean areas after the Iron Age. However, many open questions are still waiting for more data to be addressed in full. With this review, we summarize the current knowledge emerging from the available ancient Italian individuals and, by re-analysing them all at once, we try to shed light on the avenues future research in the area should cover. In particular, open questions concern (1) the fate of pre-Villabruna Europeans and to what extent their genomic components were absorbed by the post-LGM hunter-gatherers; (2) the role of Sicily and Sardinia before LGM; (3) to what degree the documented genetic structure within the Early Neolithic settlers can be described as two separate migrations; (4) what are the population events behind the marked presence of an Iranian Neolithic-like component in Bronze Age and Iron Age Italian and Southern European samples.

The DEAH helicase DHX36 and its role in G-quadruplex-dependent processes

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Schult ◽  
Katrin Paeschke
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Transcriptional Level ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Multiple Functions ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
G Quadruplex ◽  
Cellular Pathways ◽  
Nucleic Acid Structures ◽  
Dependent Processes

AbstractDHX36 is a member of the DExD/H box helicase family, which comprises a large number of proteins involved in various cellular functions. Recently, the function of DHX36 in the regulation of G-quadruplexes (G4s) was demonstrated. G4s are alternative nucleic acid structures, which influence many cellular pathways on a transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. In this review we provide an overview of the current knowledge about DHX36 structure, substrate specificity, and mechanism of action based on the available models and crystal structures. Moreover, we outline its multiple functions in cellular homeostasis, immunity, and disease. Finally, we discuss the open questions and provide potential directions for future research.

Social capital in the theory and research of LIS professionals in the light of the literature on the subject. Review of current knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Dorota Wojciechowska
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Social Capital ◽  
Rural Libraries ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Moment ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to present the latest scholarly trends in the field of social capital in libraries, to review research concepts published by LIS professionals and to suggest further research possibilities in this area. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a review and critical analysis of literature associated with research on social capital in libraries to highlight its importance for the development of LIS and its impact on the functioning of environments linked with various types of libraries. The goal of literature analysis was to determine the current condition of research on social capital in libraries. The main trends were identified and the need for further qualitative analyses, which are missing at the moment, was confirmed. Findings It was determined that, so far, LIS professionals have focussed mainly on the role of municipal libraries in developing social capital, the problem of building trust, especially in immigrant circles and the impact of libraries on promoting a civil society. Academic libraries, rural libraries, organisational capital in libraries and individual social capital of librarians were a much less frequent subject of research. The role of libraries in developing social capital in educational (primary and secondary education) and professional (non-university professionals) circles is practically non-existent in research, and it will require in-depth studies and analyses in the coming years. Originality/value This paper constitutes a synthetic review of the latest research concepts concerning social capital in libraries. It identifies the most important research trends and areas that so far have not been explored and suggests research methods to help LIS professionals design future research in this area more effectively.

Impact of perceived organizational support and green transformational leadership on sustainable organizational performance: a SEM approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manita Kusi ◽  
Fuqiang Zhao ◽  
Dinesh Sukamani
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Perceived Organizational Support ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Staff Level

PurposeThe study aims to scrutinize the concomitant associations between corporate social responsibility (CSR), perceived organizational support (POS), green transformational leadership (GTL) and organizational performance (OP). This paper aims to explore the role of intervening variable to measure the strength on the relationship between CSR and OP.Design/methodology/approachThis research administered a survey through self-administered questionnaire among the staff-level employees of construction companies of Nepal. Fully filled 305 responses from the participants were analyzed using a structural equation model. The study used self-structured questionnaire as research tool and face-to-face meetings as data collection technique.FindingsThe research indicates that POS showed competitive partial mediation relation between CSR and OP. Besides, a novel exploration of the moderation effect of GTL displays a supportive role in harmonizing the CSR with organizational support to achieve better OP. This study enriches empirical evidence to understand the linkage between CSR and POS in staff-level employees in the construction area. Moreover, the research shed a light on GTL 's moderating influence on the mediated model of CSR, POS and OP.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the results of the study add to the current knowledge base, several limitations highlight avenues for future research. Future studies can explore the relationship in other study areas with added evidence on a similar result with different analysis patterns and study sample. The research model studied in the context of Nepal creating evidence as a representation for the developing countries.Originality/valueThe intervening role of POS and GTL gives new insight for the research-based organization based social behavior and performance

scholarly journals Emerging role of a novel small non-coding regulatory RNA: tRNA-derived small RNA

ExRNA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fangfang Jin ◽  
Zhigang Guo
Keyword(s):  
Small Rna ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Regulatory Rna ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Non Coding Rna ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

Abstract The discovery of small non-coding RNAs, such as miRNA and piRNA, has dramatically changed our understanding of the role RNA plays in organisms. Recent studies show that a novel small non-coding RNA generated from cleavage of tRNA or pre-tRNA, called tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA), serves as a new regulator of gene expression. tsRNA has been determined participate in regulating some specific physiological and pathological processes. Although knowledge regarding the biological roles of miRNA and piRNA is expanding, whether tsRNAs play similar roles remains poorly understood. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of action and biological functions of tsRNAs in intracellular, extracellular and intergenerational inheritance, and highlight the potential application of tsRNAs in human diseases, and present the current problems and future research directions.

scholarly journals New evidence for prehistoric copper metallurgy in the vicinity of Bor

Starinar ◽  
2016 ◽  
pp. 173-191
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Kapuran ◽  
Dragana Zivkovic ◽  
Nada Strbac
Keyword(s):  
Material Culture ◽  
Bronze Age ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Copper Ore ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Metallurgical Furnaces ◽  
Copper Metallurgy ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
The Bronze Age

The last three years of archaeological investigations at the site Ru`ana in Banjsko Polje, in the immediate vicinity of Bor, have provided new evidence regarding the role of non-ferrous metallurgy in the economy of the prehistoric communities of north-eastern Serbia. The remains of metallurgical furnaces and a large amount of metallic slags at two neighbouring sites in the mentioned settlement reveal that locations with many installations for the thermal processing of copper ore existed in the Bronze Age. We believe, judging by the finds of material culture, that metallurgical activities in this area also continued into the Iron Age and, possibly, into the 4th century AD.

scholarly journals HYPOXIA AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: The presence and role of hypoxia in the endometrium

Reproduction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F17
Author(s):  
Rocío Martínez-Aguilar ◽  
Lucy E Kershaw ◽  
Jane J Reavey ◽  
Hilary O D Critchley ◽  
Jacqueline A Maybin
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hypoxic Episode ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Review Current

The endometrium is a multicellular tissue that is exquisitely responsive to the ovarian hormones. The local mechanisms of endometrial regulation to ensure optimal function are less well characterised. Transient physiological hypoxia has been proposed as a critical regulator of endometrial function. Herein, we review the literature on hypoxia in the non-pregnant endometrium. We discuss the pros and cons of animal models, human laboratory studies and novel in vivo imaging for the study of endometrial hypoxia. These research tools provide mounting evidence of a transient hypoxic episode in the menstrual endometrium and suggest that endometrial hypoxia may be present at the time of implantation. This local hypoxia may modify the inflammatory environment, influence vascular remodelling and modulate endometrial proliferation to optimise endometrial function. Finally, we review current knowledge of the impact of this hypoxia on endometrial pathologies, with a focus on abnormal uterine bleeding. Throughout the manuscript areas for future research are highlighted with the aim of concentrating research efforts to maximise future benefits for women and society.

scholarly journals Regular Physical Activity and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (08) ◽  
pp. 765-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid Brækkan ◽  
John-Bjarne Hansen ◽  
Line Evensen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dependent Manner

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complex multifactorial disease that represents a growing public health concern. Identification of modifiable risk factors at the population level may provide a measure to reduce the burden of VTE. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of physical activity on the risk of VTE and VTE-related complications. We also discuss methodological challenges related to research on physical activity, and put forward plausible mechanisms for an association between physical activity and VTE. Up to now, published studies have reported diverging results on the relationship between physical activity and VTE, and a complex picture has emerged. However, the available evidence appears to be balanced toward a small beneficial effect of physical activity on the risk of incident VTE, but not in a dose-dependent manner. Still, the lack of an operational definition and standardized assessment method for physical activity, as well as several sources of bias, impairs the interpretation of the available literature. Additional work is necessary to understand the role and how to apply physical activity in the VTE setting. Future research should utilize objective assessment strategies of physical activity and physical fitness, account for the fluctuating nature in habitual activity levels, and explore the role of physical activity in the areas of secondary prevention and VTE-related complications.

scholarly journals Role of microRNAs in Venous Thromboembolism

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vânia M. Morelli ◽  
Sigrid K. Brækkan ◽  
John-Bjarne Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gene Expressions

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that execute their function by targeted downregulation of gene expressions. There is growing evidence from epidemiological studies and animal models suggesting that the expression level of miRNAs is dysregulated in venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of miRNAs as biomarkers for VTE and provide general insight into research exploring the modulation of miRNA activity in animal models of venous thrombosis. Up to now, published studies have yielded inconsistent results on the role of miRNAs as biomarkers for VTE with most of the reports focused on diagnostic research. The limited statistical power of the individual studies, due to the small sample sizes, may substantially contribute to the poor reproducibility among studies. In animal models, over-expression or inhibition of some miRNAs appear to influence venous thrombus formation and resolution. However, there is an important gap in knowledge on the potential role of miRNAs as therapeutic targets in VTE. Future research involving large cohorts should be designed to clarify the clinical usefulness of miRNAs as biomarkers for VTE, and animal model studies should be pursued to unravel the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of VTE and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Ecological Interactions and Macroevolution: A New Field with Old Roots

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
David H. Hembry ◽  
Marjorie G. Weber
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
Interspecific Interactions ◽  
Biotic Interactions ◽  
Evolutionary Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Work Done ◽  
Lineage Diversification

Linking interspecific interactions (e.g., mutualism, competition, predation, parasitism) to macroevolution (evolutionary change on deep timescales) is a key goal in biology. The role of species interactions in shaping macroevolutionary trajectories has been studied for centuries and remains a cutting-edge topic of current research. However, despite its deep historical roots, classic and current approaches to this topic are highly diverse. Here, we combine historical and contemporary perspectives on the study of ecological interactions in macroevolution, synthesizing ideas across eras to build a zoomed-out picture of the big questions at the nexus of ecology and macroevolution. We discuss the trajectory of this important and challenging field, dividing research into work done before the 1970s, research between 1970 and 2005, and work done since 2005. We argue that in response to long-standing questions in paleobiology, evidence accumulated to date has demonstrated that biotic interactions (including mutualism) can influence lineage diversification and trait evolution over macroevolutionary timescales, and we outline major open questions for future research in the field.

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