bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La recepción literaria a la luz de la teoría de la resonancia: obras disponibles e indisponibles y lectores mediopasivos
Authors: Pino Posada Juan Pablo
Published: July 2024

Fenómenos contemporáneos en torno a la visibilización de los autores y sus obras, y relacionados con las responsabilidades de los diversos agentes en el campo literario, ponen sobre la mesa una y otra vez preguntas a propósito de los mecanismos y las expectativas del ejercicio de lectura crítica por parte de los lectores. El presente artículo se propone explicitar los rendimientos descriptivos y normativos que para dicho ejercicio ofrece el concepto de resonancia, propuesto por Hartmut Rosa en el seno de su sociología crítica de la vida buena. La pregunta rectora reza: ¿de qué manera la idea de un vínculo resonante con la obra enriquece la comprensión y modelización de la lectura crítica? Para responder a ello, el artículo expone en primer lugar el concepto de resonancia; a continuación, ilustra tres formas de relación con la obra mediante analogías con los casos retratados en el documental Grizzly Man de Werner Herzog, en la novela Rayuela de Julio Cortázar y en el cuento “Ficción” de Alice Munro. Finalmente, a modo de respuesta, se plantea la tesis de que la teoría de la resonancia permite conceptualizar la agencia (deseable) del lector en términos de una mediopasividad o medioactividad que involucra tanto la exposición a diferentes instancias de mediación como la materialización de un juicio crítico-ético sobre la obra, en la estela de Wayne C. Booth.
Review on base and inter storey seismic isolation systems for high rise buildings
Authors: Avinash Gudipati Chaitanya ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh- 522302, India, Lingeshwaran N. ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (Deemed to be University), Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh- 522302, India
Published: July 2024

In recent decades, the construction of high-rise buildings has accelerated in modern urban areas as a response to the world's expanding population and demand for efficient space utilization. These high- rise buildings are inherently more susceptible to hazards such as strong winds, earthquakes, and human activities, which could jeopardize structural stability. However, when this rapid growth in high-rise construction continues in earthquake-prone regions it highlights the need for cautious design and oversight measures to guarantee the comfort of occupants and overall safety of buildings. So, the necessity to adopt vibration control strategies in structural engineering is therefore becoming more and more clear. As technology is advancing, several control strategies were created and implemented for high-rise buildings around the world. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of base-isolation and inter-storey isolation systems for high-rise buildings, which is accomplished by extracting useful insights from analytical and design features of real-life high-rise buildings equipped with these base isolation and inter-storey isolation systems. In detail the article explores the basic concept and the characteristics of the Base isolation system, and types of isolation bearings used for buildings. The fundamental concepts and benefits of inter-storey isolation system over base isolation. Additionally, the importance of vibration control strategy for buildings, and the different types of vibration control systems were also discussed.
Banks' Portfolio Similarity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   People & Global Business Association, Dongwoo Kim Dongwoo Kim
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study tries to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the similarity of banks' loan portfolios.
Design/methodology/approach: Using the entire firm-level bank loan data from 2009 to 2020 in the Korean market, this study analyzes the cosine similarity in terms of credit rating, industry, and region between banks.
Findings: The study discovered that interbank portfolio similarity has escalated over time, with the similarity notably intensifying during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it was found that larger banks exhibit greater similarities, a trend that has become increasingly pronounced during the pandemic period.
Research limitations/implications: This study provides empirical evidence of the synchronization in lending behaviors among major South Korean banks during the COVID-19 pandemic. It posits that while the synchronicity of banks' lending patterns during typical financial crises is generally accepted, further research in financial markets of other countries is necessary to substantiate this claim universally.
Originality/value: Therefore, the role of financial authorities to alleviate deepening interbank portfolio synchronization triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting escalation of financial market instability is emphasized.
The Effect of Bank Clerks' Human Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Rapport
Authors:   People & Global Business Association, Ji-Hwan Moon Ji-Hwan Moon , Bo-kyeong Kim Bo-kyeong Kim , Jae-Ho Yang Jae-Ho Yang
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of bank clerks' human service quality(HSQ) on customer sat-isfaction (CS), as well as the effect of rapport established between the service provider and the customer on satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach: This study conducted quantitative approach with a survey over five days (from April 7 to 11, 2023) by Macromill Embrain, a professional survey agency, among consumers who had recently visited a bank and had experience using face-to-face services.
Findings: The three sub-factors of HSQ, namely professionalism, reliability, and interactivity, had a significant positive impact on the formation of rapport with customers. The sub-factors of rapport, namely enjoyable interaction (EI) and personal connection (PC), were also affected by HSQ. The rapport formed in this way had a significant positive effect on CS. Therefore, the quality of human service provided by bank clerks plays a crucial role in building rapport and ultimately leads to CS.
Research limitations/implications: In the financial industry, building rapport between service providers and cus-tomers has a positive effect on trust. With the rise of internet-only banks, it is crucial to establish a rapport with customers to provide differentiated services that cannot be offered by internet-only banks due to their limited avail-ability and business hours. This will also help prevent customers from switching to internet-only banks.
Originality/value: This study recognizes that although there are many online-only banks, there is still a customer base that favors traditional banks. The paper aims to explore, from both theoretical and practical perspectives, whether meeting the needs of these customers and providing human service quality and rapport in competition with online banks can address the fundamental issue of customer satisfaction. Therefore, this study seeks to empha-size the importance of HSQ in driving CS, explore the most efficient and effective ways for banks to manage this quality for the continuous acquisition of loyal new and existing customers.
Enhancing Innovation Performance through Business Process Innovation: The Strategic Role of External Collaboration
Authors:   People & Global Business Association, Gun Jea Yu Gun Jea Yu , Joonkyum Lee Joonkyum Lee , Bumsoo Kim Bumsoo Kim
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This research examines the effects of collaboration with external firms on innovation performance, with a specific focus on the mediating influence of business process innovation. The objective is to explore how external collaborations contribute to improving innovation performance by facilitating internal process innovations, enabling firms to effectively convert external knowledge into practical innovation results.
Design/methodology/approach: Utilizing data from the Korean Innovation Survey (KIS), this research utilizes lo-gistic regression analysis to test the hypotheses concerning the relationships between external collaboration, business process innovation, and innovation performance. It measures innovation performance associated with product in-novation and assesses collaboration with external firms via a survey.
Findings: The results demonstrate that external collaborations enhance innovation performance, emphasizing the value of external knowledge and the pivotal role of business process innovation in transforming this knowledge into tangible outcomes. This highlights the critical need to refine internal processes to maximize the benefits of external partnerships.
Research limitations/implications: This study is limited by its focus on small and medium-sized enterprises in South Korea's manufacturing sector, so it may not fully represent the dynamics in other countries or sectors. Future research should explore the influence of external knowledge on firm performance across diverse contexts.
Originality/value: This research contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the pivotal role of business process innovation as a key mediator in integrating external collaboration into firms' innovation strategies. By pro-viding empirical insights into the innovation practices of South Korean firms, it enriches the global discourse on innovation management. This study's integration of open innovation, firm attributes, and business process innovation into a unified analysis offers a comprehensive perspective on the factors influencing innovation success and under-scores the importance of internal processes in maximizing the benefits of collaboration with external firms.
UM OLHAR INCLUSIVO SOBRE OS DIREITOS E GARANTIAS DAS PESSOAS NEURODIVERGENTES E NEUROATÍPICAS
Authors: Xavier de Souza José Rafael , Tavares Thiago Passos , Fontes Mota Marlton
Published: July 2024

Os direitos e as garantias de inclusão das pessoas com transtornos do espectro autista (TEA) e transtornos do déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) foram progressivamente acentuados nas últimas décadas, seguindo a perspectiva humanizada da Constituição Federal de 1988. Ao estabelecer que a pessoa com transtorno do espectro autista é considerada pessoa com deficiência, para todos os efeitos legais, a Lei nº 12.764/2012 estabelece um marco diferenciador no quesito inclusão social e humanização, ampliando as garantias protetivas. A pesquisa foi delimitada a partir da seguinte problemática:  como a legislação brasileira concebe garantias protetivas às pessoas com transtornos do espectro autista (TEA) e o transtorno de déficit de atenção (TDAH) para assegurar os direitos desses indivíduos, sob a égide da Carta Constitucional de 1988? Foram estabelecidos como objetivo geral, compreender os elementos psicossociais e jurídicos que consolidam a proteção às pessoas neurodivergentes e neuroatípicas, e para os objetivos específicos: conceituar as terminologias intrínsecas à neurodivergência e à neuroatipicidade; analisar os institutos legais direcionados às pessoas com deficiência e identificar o alcance proposto pelas legislações específicas, inclusive para consignar o exercício constante de uma educação inclusiva. Os resultados comprovam, de forma conclusiva, a necessidade de um maior envolvimento da sociedade no objetivo de tornar inclusiva a atenção às pessoas neurodivergentes e neuroatípicas.
Research on the Business Processes in the Waste Management Industry in the Russian Federation (In Russ.)
Authors: Kurganskaia A. A. ,   ITMO University, Pavlova E. A. ,   ITMO University
Published: July 2024

The study of business processes in the waste management industry in Russia is significant for the development of strat-egies and solutions in the field of sustainable development, contributing to the preservation of the environment and resources, as well as the reduction of the negative impact of waste on society and the economy. This article analyzes key stages and events related to waste processing and disposal, describing the most effective methods and technologies used in this industry. The main objective of the research is to identify the problems and potential of business processes in the waste management industry in Russia. The article raises an important question about the need to improve busi-ness processes in this industry to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of companies operating in this field. To achieve these goals, an analysis of the key stages and processes related to waste processing was conducted. The study examines the fundamental technologies and methods employed in Russia for the treatment of various types of waste, including plastic, glass, metals, and organic waste. The findings of the research allowed for the identification of existing problems faced by waste management companies in Russia. One of the main issues is the insufficient efficiency of business processes, leading to the loss of resources and opportunities for sustainable development. Based on the ob-tained research results, the article proposes recommendations and strategies for improving business processes in the waste management industry in Russia. The implementation of these recommendations will enhance the efficiency of resource utilization, reduce the negative impact of waste on the environment and society, and improve the competi-tiveness of companies in this industry. The study also presents strategies for increasing the economic efficiency of the waste management industry in Russia through the use of business modeling tools for sustainable national develop-ment.
INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE COMBAT IN THE EU AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF INDUSTRY DECARBONIZATION
Authors: Reznikova Nataliia ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Grod Myhaylo ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: July 2024

The purpose of the article is to determine the specifics of the process of institutionalization of the fight against climate change in the EU and generalize the potential socio-economic effects of industrial greening with an emphasis on the inevitability of changes in the taxation system. It is argued that the rhetoric in many European countries is changing, from perceiving the climate as a burden, challenge and danger to promoting the idea of the benefits that can be gained by gaining the status of a "leader of the green transition". It was concluded that in order to implement ambitious plans for industrial greening, it is necessary to use the potential of macroeconomic regulation with a combination of monetary and tax-budgetary policy instruments, to review the "ceiling" of the permissible budget deficit and to determine priority areas for capital investments. At the same time, the reduction of intra-European competition will be facilitated by the coordination of industrial development strategies of the EU member states, and, therefore, the volumes of state aid and subsidies related to the functioning of ETS1 and ETS2. Such large-scale government interventions at the national and supranational levels of the EU will enable the green transition, because no one will succeed in creating a "new green reality" relying on the market. The existing economic approach, according to which private investments determine the directions of development, without interfering with what, how and why companies actually produce, is losing its relevance. And that is why the states will have to formulate and consolidate with relevant legal acts a clear and comprehensive understanding of sectoral climate goals with the subsequent inclusion of these goals in the process of economic decision-making. After all, the creation of new markets while gradually closing existing ones implies the creation of transparent rules of the game. This involves approving requirements for subsidizing instruments, taxation, permitting procedures, providing grants for R&D, as well as developing new infrastructure solutions and state funding mechanisms. Therefore, governments, and not "spontaneous" markets, will have to take on the authority to coordinate pricing mechanisms, as well as develop principles for attracting investments and applying uniform rules for regulating economic activity. The declared "green transition", if it is also "just", will require deeper structural changes, for example, thanks to the increase in the amount of "green" investments for low-income or low-income families.
FORMS OF ECONOMIC PROXIMITY AND THEIR IMPACT ON INNOVATION PERFORMANCE: A STUDY OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS IN INDUSTRY
Authors: Trachuk A. V. , Kolobov A. V.
Published: July 2024

This article analyses the influence of different types of economic proximity (geographical, organisational, technological and social) of business units of multidisciplinary organisations on the effectiveness of their innovative activities. The conducted research is based on a survey of a sample of 83 holdings belonging to 27 MCOs (a total of 189 respondents). The analysis confirmed that most of the companies surveyed associate increased efficiency of innovation activities with organisational and technological proximity, while geographical and social proximity are significantly underestimated by respondents. It was also possible to identify separate profiles of different types of economic proximity of the business units in the sample. Thus, the net profit from the sale of new products is more influenced by technological and social proximity, the introduction of new products to the market is influenced by technological and geographical proximity, and the growth in the number of patents registered is influenced by organisational, technological and social proximity.

Based on econometric estimates, our results suggest that while all types of proximity have a positive effect on the introduction of new products to the market, only organisational and technological proximity have a direct effect on net profits from the sale of new products.
DEMAND FOR JEWELLERY: THE MAIN DRIVERS
Authors: Umgaeva O. V.
Published: July 2024

Jewellery made of precious stones and metals is a luxury item, referring to goods with excessive consumer properties. At the same time, the sphere of turnover of precious metals, precious stones (PMPS) and products made from them is of strategic importance for the formation and development of the state economy. Businesses operating in this sphere are subject to compulsory registration in a special state register. The government is interested in supporting the jewellery industry and increasing its turnover, which is directly dependent on the population’s demand for PMPS products.

Popular demand, in turn, depends on many factors that have their own specificities in relation to the area under study. An assessment of the factors based on expert opinion, conducted by the author with interviews of a group of consumers, the study of scientific research materials and journalistic articles from various Internet resources, indicates the acceptable superiority of offers of jewellery made of precious stones and metals, focused on the potential increase in the possibilities of sunlight.

The conclusions presented in the paper on the factors influencing demand are recommended for use in the development of business development strategies and may be useful in making decisions on state regulation of the sale of jewellery made from PMPS.
Comparison of the methods of operation of the artificial intelligence system in the ultra-high sensitivity mode for the autonomous description of chest X-rays without pathology
Authors: Nikitin Evgeniy D. , Plaksin Nikita S. , Garetz Maria  B. , Gutin Evgeniy M.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Up to 95% of digital fluoroscopy screening studies are free of pathologic changes. Radiologists typically spend the majority of their time reviewing and describing such studies. In these cases, artificial intelligence systems can be used to automate the description, thereby saving physicians’ time [1–3].
AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of various algorithms within an existing artificial intelligence system in an ultra-high sensitivity scenario and to estimate the percentage of X-rays that could be automatically characterized.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The artificial intelligence system “Cels.Fluorography” version 0.15.3 was used for the analysis. A dataset derived from disparate medical organizations, comprising 11,707 studies devoid of pathology and 5,846 studies exhibiting pathology, was selected for comparison. A subsample of 500 studies with pathology and 9,500 studies without pathology (5% to 95% balance) was randomly selected 1,000 times from the dataset to calculate the metrics. The resulting metrics were then averaged.
The markup of two physicians was used as the source of the target variable. In the event of a discrepancy in opinion, the study was subjected to an expert physician evaluation. An X-ray was considered pathological if the final markup contained at least one of 12 radiological features [4].
Five methods were used to compare metrics: by maximum (1) and mean (2) probability of radiological features localized by the neural network-detector; by maximum (3) and mean (4) probability of feature presence derived from dedicated “heads” of the neural network trained to determine the presence of each feature on the image (0 for no feature, 1 for presence); by probability (5) derived from a separate “head” of the neural network trained to determine the binary presence of pathology on the study (0 for normal, 1 for pathology).
For each method, a response threshold was selected to ensure that no more than one missed pathology was identified per 1,000 examinations in the current subsample. The percentage of X-rays that could be correctly identified as pathology-free by artificial intelligence was calculated as the main quality metric.
RESULTS: The methods demonstrated the following average percentages of norm dropout: 66.4%, 72.2%, 69.0%, 74.1%, 68.7%—and the following area under the ROC curve: 0.948, 0.957, 0.964, 0.967, 0.971. The 95% confidence interval for the dropout rate associated with the optimal method was found to be 66.1% to 79.4%.
CONCLUSIONS: Modern artificial intelligence systems can be used to automate the description of a significant portion of screenings. The most efficacious method for norm screening (over 74% of the flow) was demonstrated by the averaging of probabilities derived from special “heads” of the neural network trained to identify the presence of pathology.
Abnormal hypervascularity in placenta accreta spectrum disorders: when to expect severe blood loss during surgical delivery
Authors: Kirillova Elizaveta A. , Semenova Elena S. , Kozlova Polina V. , Vyshedkevich Elena D. , Mashchenko Irina A.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: One of the principal indications of placenta accreta is pathological vascular remodeling in the region of the placental site. This phenomenon, which may result from various mechanisms, can give rise to significant blood loss in women undergoing cesarean section [2].
AIM: The study aims to evaluate the correlation between different types of abnormal hypervascularization observed on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging in pregnant women with placenta accreta and blood loss during surgical delivery by cesarean section.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 224 patients in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy with placenta previa and placenta accreta were examined. This was confirmed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and subsequently by histopathologic examination. The mean age of the patients was 34.8±0.41 years (M±SE, p 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted in accordance with a three-stage protocol on tomographs with magnetic field strengths of 1.5 and 3 Tesla. The diagnosis of placenta accreta was based on 11 signs, as outlined in the joint consensus statement of the Society of Abdominal Radiology and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology [1]. In addition, signs of hypervascularization were evaluated, including intrauterine (retroplacental, intramural, and subserosal) and extrauterine (parametrial, paracervical, and uterine-ovarian anastomosis zone) regions. The diagnostic criteria for hypervascularization were defined as an increase in the diameter of vessels, as indicated by areas of magnetic resonance signal dropout, their pronounced tortuosity, and their location in the corresponding anatomical regions relative to the uterus. Blood loss during labor was assessed in five categories: 1000 mL, 1000–1500 mL, 1500–2000 mL, 2000–3000 mL, and 3000 mL [3]. The correlation between variables was assessed using linear regression and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and one-way analysis of variance. Differences were considered statistically significant at p 0.05.
RESULTS: According to the data of correlation analysis, the formation of anterior (r=0.3591, p 0.0001) and lateral (r=0.2799, p 0.0001) parametrial vascular collateralization, as well as utero-ovarian anastomosis (r=0.1369, p=0.0407) had the most significant effect on the severity of postpartum hemorrhage. There was no statistically significant effect of retroplacental hypervascularization on the increase in blood loss volume (r=–0.01611, p=0.6051).
CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that patterns of abnormal vascular remodeling in the placental site can be clearly identified by magnetic resonance imaging and used as a predictor of severe hemorrhage. Pregnant women with such MRI findings should be referred to a level 3 perinatal center to ensure adequate control of increased risks of obstetric hemorrhage during operative delivery.
The system of accounting and control of dose loads on the lacrimal apparatus during radiotherapy of thyroid cancer
Authors: Yudakov Danila V. , Trukhin Alexey A. , Sheremeta Marina S. , Makeev Anatoliy S. , Yartsev Vasiliy D.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Lacrimal glands and lacrimal pathways are one of the main undesirable targets during radionuclide therapy using I-131, namely, in 24% of cases, secondary lacrimal pathways obliteration occurs [1]. In the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of atomic energy use, there are a number of administrative documents obliging to keep records and control of individual radiation doses with the provision of data to the unified system for monitoring individual radiation doses of citizens. At the same time, statistical analysis does not include systematic accounting and control of individual doses of internal radiation to patients, in particular, to the lacrimal apparatus, when using nuclear medicine methods for therapeutic purposes.
AIM: To develop a software and hardware preventive complex — a system for accounting and monitoring dose loads on lacrimal pathways during radioiodotherapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: GE Discovery NM/CT 670 imaging systems, GE Discovery NM 630, the Xeleris 4 DR Workstation nuclear Medicine Workstation and the I-131-based radioisotope were used. To exclude the ingress of radioisotope into lacrimal pathways, the use of vasoconstrictive drugs and the use of tear point obturators were considered. The client part of the web service was implemented based on the React JavaScript library. The development of the Backend component was carried out in the Python programming language.
RESULTS: To assess the risk of complications, a method was developed that takes into account the following parameters: age, gender, total administered activity to the patient, the presence of current lacrimation at the time of hospitalization, the presence of menopause (for women) and the accumulation index I-131 in lacrimal pathways. The primary data (anamnesis and prescribed treatment) are entered by the patient's attending physician in the questionnaire during the initial examination. At 72 hours after the introduction of radioisotope, using a molecular imaging system, a medical physicist determines the index of accumulation of radioisotope in lacrimal pathways. Based on the data obtained, the overall risk level of secondary obliteration of the lacrimal tract is determined and, depending on the result obtained, appropriate recommendations are made to the patient. Since the described process is quite time-consuming in a clinical setting, an intelligent medical decision support system has been developed that allows automating the process and minimizing the likelihood of errors.
CONCLUSION: The development of a software and hardware preventive complex will make it possible to prescribe preventive methods with greater efficiency at all stages of the course of treatment in order to minimize the occurrence of adverse events (such as secondary obliteration of the tear ducts), which in turn will improve the quality of life of patients.
Emission textural features I-131 of differentiated thyroid cancer tissue
Authors: Maltsev Mikhail S. , Trukhin Alexey A. , Manaev Almaz V. , Reinberg Maria V.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: The management of differentiated thyroid cancer includes single-photon emission tomography combined with X-ray computed tomography after radioiodine therapy. Despite a good response to surgery and radioiodine therapy, recurrence is noted in some cases, leading to an unfavorable prognosis in 8% of cases [1]. A preliminary analysis of the distribution of I-131 in residual thyroid tissues and foci of metastasis allows for the estimation of the probability of differentiated cancer recurrence. Currently, there is no method that is simultaneously effective and easy to perform for predicting the recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer.
AIM: The aim of the study was to develop a technique for extracting and computing textural features of the I-131 accumulation region using a single-photon emission tomography system corresponding to differentiated thyroid cancer tissue.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of single-photon emission tomography combined with X-ray computed tomography of the neck and thorax of 23 patients was conducted. Regions of interest, including foci of I-131 accumulation in the primary tumor bed, regional and distant metastases, were delineated in Xeleris 4DR software. The obtained mask with the original image was processed in a program written with the help of the Matlab package, which localizes the foci. The textural features of foci are calculated based on the obtained spatial adjacency matrix. This matrix shows how often pixels with certain gray scale brightness values occur in an image. Therefore, the features based on the spatial adjacency matrix reflect the frequency distribution of different pixel neighborhoods in a given context.
RESULTS: An algorithm for constructing three-dimensional matrices of a radiation source surrounded by tissue of differentiated thyroid cancer was developed. The textural features of three-dimensional matrices were investigated. It was demonstrated that there are tendencies for differences in texture features corresponding to the ordering of pixel values and image contrast. The values of the obtained features obey the lognormal distribution.
CONCLUSIONS: An algorithm for extracting textural features of I-131 accumulation foci allows post-therapy single-photon emission tomography images combined with X-ray computed tomography to be analyzed for the likelihood of recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer.
Magnetic resonance imaging as a method for evaluating the effect of drinking mineral water on motor-evacuation function
Authors: Panteleev Kirill E. , Maksimov Kirill V. , Shklyaev Alexey E.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: One of the primary pathophysiological mechanisms of functional dyspepsia is a disruption in the postprandial reflex relaxation of the proximal part of the stomach, which results in an impairment of its motor-evacuation function. This impairment can be verified by magnetic resonance imaging with a stress drinking test. Correction of gastric relaxation accommodation disorders in functional dyspepsia is possible with the help of drinking mineral waters. However, further studies are required to assess the effect of these waters on the motor-evacuation function of the stomach.
AIM: The study was aimed at comparative evaluation of the effect of intake of therapeutic medium mineralized sulfate-sodium-calcium mineral water and ordinary drinking water on gastric evacuation function using magnetic resonance tomography.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-fold magnetic resonance imaging procedure was conducted on an empty stomach using a closed-type Philips Intera 1.5T device (Philips, Netherlands) in 10 patients aged 22.8±1.2 years with a diagnosis of functional dyspepsia. On day 1, 200 ml of drinking water was used, and on day 2, 200 ml of mineral water was used. The examination was conducted in abdominal mode, with the subjects lying on their back. A slice thickness of 3 mm was used in coronal, axial, and sagittal projections, with images acquired every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. The following imaging modes were employed: T1, T2-weighted images, T2 Spair, and b-FFE. The volume of gastric contents and the rate of fluid evacuation were calculated using the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer program (Medixant, Poland).
RESULTS: In patients with functional dyspepsia, the volume of liquid in the stomach after ingestion of 200 ml of drinking water was 163.71 ± 28.9 mL, while after ingestion of mineral water, the volume was 101.57 ± 26.88 mL. Furthermore, the volume of evacuated liquid after ingestion of mineral water was 1.040–2.5 times greater. By minute 15, the volume of liquid in the stomach was 8.0 ± 6.16 mL after mineral water intake and 58.85 ± 40.06 mL after drinking water. The mean gastric evacuation rate following ingestion of ordinary drinking water was 12.9 ± 5.29 mL/min, while that following ingestion of mineral water was 24.1 ± 4.53 mL/min (1.07–3.76 times greater). The increase in gastric evacuation rate observed in the examined subjects when using mineral water ranged from 7.58% to 276.21%.
CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging of the stomach allows for the verification of the effect of mineral water on its motor-evacuation function, thus enabling the estimation of the rate of gastric emptying. A single intake of the studied mineral water has a prokinetic effect, which can be used to correct motor disorders in patients with functional dyspepsia.
Changes in the functional connections of the brain at rest in patients with acute ischemic stroke and hypersomnia
Authors: Trushina Lidiya I.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Brain damage after ischemic stroke results in changes in a wide range of structural and functional brain networks [1]. Scientific studies show that although stroke is primarily a focal lesion, it also affects the functional connectivity of anatomical and functional regions, often resulting in altered integration of brain networks and affecting whole-brain function, leading to cognitive and emotional impairment [2, 3].
AIM: The aim of the study was to determine changes in functional brain connectivity during hypersomnia in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 patients with acute ischemic stroke were examined. The participants were divided into two groups based on the presence of sleep disorders. Group 1 included 22 patients with hypersomnia, which was objectively confirmed by polysomnography. Group 2 also included 22 patients who did not have sleep disorders and constituted the control group. The age of patients in both groups ranged from 45 to 65 years.
All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging on tomographs with a magnetic field induction strength of 1.5 Tesla, using the standard protocol and special pulse sequences of T-gradient echo 3D MPRAGE and BOLD. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was employed to assess functional connectivity. Postprocessing was conducted on specialized software, CONN-TOOLBOX, which generated appropriate graphical representations of quantitative results based on the selection of zones of interest.
RESULTS: In patients experiencing the acute phase of ischemic stroke, hypersomnia results in the strengthening of functional connections, predominantly in the temporo-occipital and parietal regions. This may be associated with impaired visual perception, memory, and spatial orientation. Additionally, there is a weakening of functional connections in the frontal and occipital cortex, which may indicate confusion of thinking and disorders of speech, arbitrary movements, and the regulation of complex behaviors.
The disruption of the functional connections between the medial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex and the cerebellum is indicative of impaired coordination and regulation of balance and muscle tone. However, it also has the potential to affect emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes in the brain.
CONCLUSIONS: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging is a technique that allows for the determination of changes in functional brain connections during hypersomnia in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Additionally, it enables the identification of neuroimaging markers corresponding to this pathology.
Composite materials based on quantum dots and polymer matrices for gamma radiation registration in the next-generation scintillation detectors
Authors: Knysh Alexander A. , Sosnovtsev Valery V. , Nabiev Igor R. , Samokhvalov Pavel S.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: The development of new scintillation materials based on fluorescent nanocrystals with a perovskite structure of CsPbBr3 composition and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots is a pressing topic that is being pursued by numerous scientific groups [1–4]. Both of these materials have a high potential for application in this role due to their excellent fluorophore properties, with a quantum yield of luminescence of approximately 100%. Additionally, they possess high values of the effective atomic Zeff number. The photoelectric cross section is dependent on Zeff as (Zeff)5, while the magnitude of X-ray absorption is dependent on Zeff as (Zeff)4/(AE3), where A is the atomic mass of the substance absorbing the γ-quantum and E is the energy of the X-ray photon [5].
AIM: The aim of the study was to develop a technique for fabricating scintillators based on quantum dots and polymer matrices with a high degree of transparency, high temporal stability of luminescence quantum yield, and short luminescence decay times (time of illumination or average lifetime of the substance in the excited state) for gamma-ray registration.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A HAMAMAMATSU R7400U-6 photomultiplier tube was employed to register scintillation signals. A 137Cs source with a γ-quantum energy of 661.7 keV was used as a source of ionizing radiation.
RESULTS: At irradiation with γ-quanta of 137Cs isotope samples based on poly(para-methylstyrene) matrix cross-linked with divinylbenzene molecules (10% wt%), activated with naphthalene (10%, primary acceptor), anthracene (1%) and quantum dots/perovskite nanocrystals (0, 1–1.0%, re-emitter), the energy spectrum showed effective Compton scattering of gamma-quanta in matter on atoms included in quantum dots/perovskite nanocrystals.
The study revealed that samples devoid of inorganic elements, including quantum dots and perovskite nanocrystals, do not exhibit the Compton effect for gamma-quanta. Furthermore, the paramethylstyrene matrix serves to safeguard perovskite nanocrystals from external influences. The photoluminescence quantum yield of bulk composite materials based on perovskite nanocrystals of the CsPbBr3 composition and poly(paramethylstyrene) remains constant over an extended period, with minimal fluctuations within the margin of error.
CONCLUSIONS: Experimental evidence has demonstrated that quantum dots and perovskite nanocrystals encapsulated in various polymer matrices exhibit scintillator properties when subjected to ionizing radiation. The fabricated samples of perovskite nanocrystals/quantum dots and various polymers have been identified as the most promising candidates for use as scintillation material for the registration of X-ray and gamma radiation.
Changes on diffusion-weighted MRT (DWI) in the hippocampus in transient global amnesia
Authors: Kokukhin Alexey V. , Zhuravlev Mikhail N. , Ponomareva Elena A. , Bakieva Railya F. , Stremaus Ekaterina P. , Zhigalova Evgenia L. , Murunov Sergey A. , Yatsenko Yana V.
Published: July 2024

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is considered as one of the variants of transient ischemic attack (TIA). Unlike the diagnosis of cerebral infarction, the definition of TIA presupposes not only the reversibility of neurological symptoms, but also the absence of morphological signs of cerebral infarction detected by imaging methods. While the clinical diagnosis of TGA is not difficult, there is no clear opinion regarding changes on MRI. The use of high-field MRI devices (3T, 7T) shows a fairly high frequency of detecting point DWI changes in the hippocampal projection (up to 50%), which can be used as one of the objective criteria for the diagnosis of TGA
Radiomics in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and leiomyomas. A literature review
Authors: Martirosyan Elina A. , Karmazanovsky Grigory G. , Kondratyev Evgeniy V. , Sokolova Elena A.
Published: July 2024

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BACKGROUND: A limited number of studies have been conducted in Russian and world literature on the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors with other intra-abdominal tumors. The treatment of gastric non-epithelial tumors is dependent on the histologic type. The standard treatment for localized forms of gastrointestinal stromal tumors is surgery. For subepithelial masses up to 2 cm in size, in the absence of endoscopic signs of high risk, a strategy of active surveillance with mandatory endoscopic ultrasound examination and compliance with short-term intervals may be considered. Leiomyomas, benign masses, do not typically necessitate surgical intervention in the absence of clinical symptoms. Therefore, preoperative determination of the tumor type may help to avoid unwarranted surgical intervention. However, the ability of computed tomography to differentiate these tumor types is limited due to the similar radiological picture. Therefore, new scientific and clinical methods are needed. One of the possible techniques is texture analysis (radiomics).
AIM: The study aims to investigate the potential of texture analysis (radiomics) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and gastric leiomyomas by analyzing the available world scientific literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for published articles using the following keywords gastrointestinal stromal tumors, leiomyomas, and radiomics. The review included 4 meta-analyses and 16 original articles.
RESULTS: Texture analysis represents a promising tool for quantifying the heterogeneity of masses on radiologic images, thereby enabling the extraction of additional data that cannot be assessed by imaging analysis. The potential applications of texture analysis for differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors with other gastrointestinal neoplasms, risk stratification, and prediction of outcome after surgical treatment, as well as assessment of the mutational status of tumors, were explored. A differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors should be made with other mesenchymal tumors of the stomach (schwannoma, leiomyoma), as well as with malignant tumors (adenocarcinoma, lymphoma), although the number of such publications is limited. Some published studies on texture analysis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors have demonstrated excellent reproducibility of the obtained models.
CONCLUSIONS: The lack of standardization and differences in study methodology present significant challenges to the clinical application of radiomics. Texture analysis may offer a valuable tool for the initial evaluation of gastric tumors, reducing the time required for diagnosis and determining patient management before biopsy. This approach could help to prevent inappropriate treatment.
“Live surgery” as a modern and visual way of training medical specialists
Authors: Fedortsov Alexander A. , Moshurov Ivan P. , Manukovskaya Olga V. , Povarkov Sergey M.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: The teaching of surgical skills is a complex and time-consuming process. From the time when surgery became the primary method of curing patients of diseases to the present day, the transfer of knowledge through direct participation in surgical interventions remains relevant. However, technically complex interventions, as well as those that carry a high risk of error, cannot always be allowed to be performed as a learning process. In such cases, the term “live surgery” becomes particularly relevant, as it refers to a demonstration surgery conducted in real time and broadcast on screens in a lecture-dialogue format [1]. This format is particularly valuable in the training of oncologists, whose patients initially face a number of intra- and postoperative surgical risks.
AIM: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of live surgery as an effective tool for teaching surgical skills to physicians.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive synthesis of the literature data was conducted to justify the need to implement live surgery in the process of training physician specialists. In the course of writing the paper, studies reflecting various aspects of the process of training physicians in surgical skills using telecommunication technologies were analyzed.
RESULTS: In all the studies analyzed, the authors agree that the use of telecommunication technologies that facilitate live surgery sessions for the transfer of knowledge regarding operative techniques to specialists has educational value and presents an opportunity to present a list of practical skills necessary for surgical intervention in a visual and step-by-step manner [1–8]. C. T. Huerta et al. posit that live surgery broadcasts have a greater educational effect than similar manipulations presented by video recordings [2]. A significant number of authors engaged in the study of the potential applications of live surgery have sought to ascertain the safety of this procedure for the patient. The majority of these studies have demonstrated that live broadcasts do not result in an increased incidence of intra- and postoperative complications [1, 3–5], yet a few researchers have identified potential risks, which, when properly mitigated, can be effectively managed through the implementation of a set of rules for live surgery [6, 7]. Furthermore, it is important to obtain the patient’s consent to live surgical treatment prior to the event [7].
CONCLUSIONS: To summarize the above, live surgery can be considered an effective method for training medical specialists in surgical skills. Its use should become regular and technically practiced. At the same time, in order to avoid any potential harm to the patient's health, it is necessary to adhere to the clear rules of live surgery, having previously obtained the patient's informed consent to participate in this event.