bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic ectopic thyroid tissue: A case report and analysis of literature
Authors: Zheng Hai-lan , Lin Xiao , Zhang Ming-jian , Zhang Guo-hua 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Ectopic thyroid is a rare malformation induced by a migration defect in the developing gland during embryogenesis. In 90% of cases, the ectopic thyroid is located in the lingual region, whereas it is extremely rare in the abdominal cavity, particularly in the pancreas. A 50-year-old female patient presented to the Taizhou First People’s Hospital with a complaint of recurrent mid-lower abdominal pain and diarrhea for approximately a month. The abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a space-occupying lesion with abundant blood supply in the head of the pancreas during the consultation. This led to the suspicion of a neuroendocrine tumor. The doctor considered that this lesion in the head of the pancreas could be responsible for the patient’s incontinence. A laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed after relevant tests were undertaken and contraindications were ruled out. The patient was diagnosed with ectopic thyroid of the pancreas through postoperative pathology. Ectopic thyroid can be considered in middle-aged and elderly women who present with a mass with abundant blood supply and an unknown diagnosis. Subsequent treatments should be decided after fine-needle aspiration cytology.
Markov decision processes approximation with coupled dynamics via Markov deterministic control systems
Authors: Portillo-Ramírez Gustavo , Cruz-Suárez Hugo , López-Ríos Ruy , Blancas-Rivera Rubén 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This article presents an approximation of discrete Markov decision processes with small noise on Borel spaces with an infinite horizon and an expected total discounted cost by the corresponding deterministic Markov process. In both cases, the dynamics evolve through a system consisting of two coupled difference equations. It is assumed that the difference equations of the system are perturbed by a small noise. Under our assumptions, a bound for the stability index is given, and the optimal cost convergence rate is estimated using a small perturbation parameter. Moreover, the convergence of the optimal policy on compact subsets is verified. Finally, two examples are presented to illustrate the developed theory.
Irregular boundaries stereo images dataset creating using depth estimation model
Authors: Wahsh Muntasser A. , Hussain Zainab M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis paper introduces a stereoscopic image and depth dataset created using a deep learning model. It addresses the challenge of obtaining accurate and annotated stereo image pairs with irregular boundaries for deep learning model training. Stereoscopic image and depth dataset provides a unique resource for training deep learning models to handle irregular boundary stereoscopic images, which are valuable for real-world scenarios with complex shapes or occlusions. The dataset is created using monocular depth estimation, a state-of-the-art depth estimation model, and it can be used in applications like rectifying images, estimating depth, detecting objects, and autonomous driving. Overall, this paper presents a novel dataset that demonstrates its effectiveness and potential for advancing stereo vision and developing deep learning models for computer vision applications.
СОЦИАЛЬНО-ДЕМОГРАФИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ОПОРНОГО КАРКАСА РАССЕЛЕНИЯ
Authors: Козлова Ольга Анатольевна , Ситковский Арсений Михайлович 
Published: October 2023

Целью исследования является определение перечня опорных населённых пунктов, составляющих опорный каркас расселения Чувашской Республики с помощью авторской методики, базирующейся на анализе социально-демографических факторов.
Методологическую базу исследования составляют общелогические методы, методы исследования статистики, геоинформационные методы (построение карт-схем, метод изохрон). Для подготовки и обработки данных использовались MS Excel и MS Power BI, для построения карт — ESRI ArcGis и Here Studio. Источниками данных выступили краеведческие источники, данные «Всероссийской переписи населения-2010», оценочные данные о численности населения в населённых пунктах за 2020 год, а также данные о наличии и качестве объектов социальной инфраструктуры в населённых пунктах Чувашии, представленные на официальном геоинформационном портале Чувашии.
Результаты. В статье представлена методика выявления «опорного каркаса расселения» региона на основе анализа социально-демографических факторов. В данном случае «опорный каркас расслоения» представлен как сеть наиболее устойчивых населённых пунктов с точки зрения их демографической динамики, а также наиболее перспективных в плане наличия необходимой социальной инфраструктуры. Методика позволила выявить «опорный каркас расселения» Чувашской Республики. «Каркас» включает в себя 10 узловых центров, один из которых представлен Чебоксарской агломерацией, тогда как остальные 9 — «опорными населёнными пунктами» (включая 3 потенциальных и 3 состоящих из пары сопредельных населённых пунктов). Результат представлен в виде карты-схемы. Проанализированы и визуализированы зоны 30 и 60-минутной транспортной доступности от узловых центров «опорного каркаса».
Перспективы исследования. Представленная в статье методика определения «опорного каркаса расселения» на примере Республики Чувашии может служить инструментом для принятия обоснованных управленческих решений по формированию приоритетов в финансировании и модернизации узловых центров. Данный подход позволит создать ситуацию «управляемого сжатия» и обеспечить подавляющее большинство населения региона качественными услугами социальной сферы.
ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ ИНФОРМАЦИОННОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ЛИЧНОСТИ В УСЛОВИЯХ ЦИФРОВИЗАЦИИ В СОВРЕМЕННОМ РОССИЙСКОМ ОБЩЕСТВЕ
Authors: Маслова Юлия Владимировна , Самыгин Сергей Иванович 
Published: October 2023

Цель исследования — анализ актуальных проблем в сфере обеспечения безопасности личности в информационной сфере в условиях цифровизации в современном российском обществе и определение оптимальных способов их решения в контексте государственной политики.
Методологическую базу исследования составляет совокупность приемов и методов, позволивших изучить проблематику, связанную с обеспечением безопасности личности в информационной сфере, и включивших основные теоретические положения социологии безопасности, концепцию постиндустриального и информационного общества, теорию виртуализации.
Результаты исследования. Проблема обеспечения безопасности личности в информационной сфере представляет собой проблему фундаментального характера, эффективное решение которой является залогом успешного развития общества в условиях новой, цифровой эпохи. Информационная безопасность личности выступает в качестве особого состояния, предполагающего высокий уровень защищенности психики человека от различных информационных угроз, которые препятствуют формированию адекватных ориентиров поведения личности в социуме. К числу наиболее значимых направлений политики государства, связанных с обеспечением безопасности личности в информационной сфере, следует отнести обеспечение защищенности граждан от различных угроз информационного характера, в том числе посредством формирования культуры личной информационной безопасности, а также повышение уровня цифровой грамотности граждан.
Перспективы исследования заключаются в возможности определения и практической реализации политики государства, направленной на обеспечение безопасности личности в информационной сфере в условиях цифровизации в современном российском обществе.
Cumhuriyetimizin 100. Yılında Sosyal Bilimler Özel Sayısı Fotoğraf Albümü
Authors: SOSYAL BİLİMLER DERGİSİ Anadolu Üniversitesi 
Published: October 2023

Anadolu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi
Cumhuriyetimizin 100. Yılında Sosyal Bilimler Özel Sayısı
Fotoğraf Albümü
Assessment of knowledge of differentiated service delivery among HIV-positive patients receiving care in a Southeastern Nigerian State
Authors: Ekwuofu Azubuike A. , Dim Obinna F. , Adibe Maxwell O. , Okwara Uzoma B. 
Published: October 2023

Background: Since the adoption of the differentiated service delivery (DSD) as a programmatic strategy in the delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Imo state, no research has assessed the level of knowledge of DSD among HIV-positive patients receiving ART in the state, a research gap which this study aimed to fill.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out among the adult patients receiving ART in three DSD models and the usual care group at one tertiary and three secondary hospitals using a structured questionnaire validated by the researcher. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using the statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) version 24. All the analysis was performed at p≤0.05.
Results: Of the 542 questionnaires retrieved, the female gender was predominant in all the groups. Up to 57.3% and 55.5% of the patients had good knowledge and perception towards differentiated care respectively. A significant difference was found in the mean perception among the groups (F (3.538)=9.309, p<0.05). While education and participation in HIV activities were found to be significant predators of knowledge of DSD, (F (10.466)=3.082, R2 of 0.062, p<0.05), only education was found to be determinant of perception.
Conclusions: This study has shown that the patients had fair knowledge of the DSD in all the models examined, as well as the usual group; and this did not differ significantly across the groups. However, there is need to improve on patients' enlightenment of the initiative, especially for those in the usual care group.
Budget system of Ukraine: impact of war and challenges of post-war reconstruction
Authors: Bui Tetiana , Primierova Olena 
Published: October 2023

The article examines and systematizes the directions and scope of the impact of the full-scale invasion of Russia on the budget system of Ukraine, in particular, on the structure and volume of budget revenues and expenditures, the growth of the budget deficit and public debt, changes in the public finance legislation, and the decrease in financial capacity of the regions. It was determined that due to the social and military orientation of a large part of budget expenditures, as well as numerous tax incentives, the possibilities of budget financing in areas that contribute to the economic development of the country are limited.The experience of foreign countries, in particular Poland, Israel, Georgia, Germany, and Japan, regarding the economic recovery and budgetary reformation after the end of the wars is summarized in the article. Priority measures to improve the budget system of Ukraine and exit from the budget crisis are proposed, which must be taken both during the war and immediately after its end. In particular, among the main measures of the wartime, support of small and medium-sized businesses, cancellation of temporary tax benefits, reform of the customs service, protection of investors rights and guarantees, financing of priority expenses such as defense, security and social protection, attraction of grant financing, use of fundraising tools and continued digitization of the economy are mentioned.After the end of the war, it was proposed to shift the direction of economic policy towards the active involvement of investors, development of export-oriented production and strategically important competitive industries, restoration of budget reforms (decentralization, medium-term planning, program-target method, expenditures review, digital services) and fiscal rules, reduction of debt burden with simultaneous social protection support of the population affected by the war.
JEL classification: E62, N44, O52, H61, H62, H63
Management of virtual teams: behavioral aspects
Authors: Humenna Oleksandra , Synytsya Maksym 
Published: October 2023

Since the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of companies have switched their employees to remote work. This has led to a number of problems, both technical and psychological. Technical problems related to online work are accompanied by questionable employee productivity and an unsatisfactory psychological climate in virtual teams.In order to address these shortcomings of working in virtual teams, the purpose of the article is to systematize employees’ feedback on the specific positive and negative aspects of remote work, and to propose effective methods for improving the efficiency of such work, using the principles of behavioral economics already tested in practice.The paper attempts to describe the importance of a comprehensive approach to evaluating work in virtual teams, which is based not only on the analysis of the effectiveness of such work, but also on the moral and psychological state of the team. It is also shown that behavioral principles (including various motivational tools) should be considered in the management strategy of virtual teams.The article proposes a comprehensive approach to the management of virtual teams based on the systematization of problems and specific ways to solve them.As a result of this study, it is proposed to use behavioral science approaches to improve remote work, such as loss aversion, endowment effect, framing effect, priming, and social comparison, which has already proven to be effective to a certain extent. Further studies, taking these aspects into account, will need to be undertaken.
JEL classіfіcatіon: D03, D21, M31, M37
Shatavari Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women Alters the Skeletal Muscle Proteome and Pathways Involved in Training Adaptation
Authors: O'Leary Mary , Jackman Sarah R , Bowtell Joanna L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Shatavari is an understudied, widely available herbal supplement. It contains steroidal saponins and phytoestrogens. We previously showed that six weeks of shatavari supplementation improved handgrip strength and increased markers of myosin contractile function. Mechanistic insights into shatavari’s actions are limited. Therefore, we performed proteomics on vastus lateralis (VL) samples that remained from our original study.
Methods: In a randomised double-blind trial, women (68.5 ± 6 years) ingested either placebo or shatavari (equivalent to 26,500 mg/d fresh weight) for six weeks. Tandem mass tag global proteomic analysis of VL samples was conducted (N=7 shatavari, N=5 placebo). Data were normalised to total peptides and scaled using a reference sample. Data were filtered using a 5% FDR. For each protein, the pre to post supplementation difference was expressed as log2 fold change. Welch’s t tests with Benjamini-Hochberg corrections were performed for each protein. Pathway enrichment (PADOG, CAMERA) was interrogated in Reactome (v85).
Results: No individual protein was significantly different between supplementation conditions. Both PADOG and CAMERA indicated that pathways related to 1) Integrin/MAPK signalling, 2) metabolism/insulin secretion; 3) cell proliferation/senescence/DNA repair/cell death; 4) haemostasis/platelets/fibrin; 5) signal transduction; 6) neutrophil degranulation and 7) chemical synapse function were significantly upregulated. CAMERA indicated pathways related to translation/amino acid metabolism, viral infection, and muscle contraction were downregulated.
Conclusion: Our analyses indicate that shatavari may support muscle adaptation responses to exercise. These data provide useful signposts for future investigation of shatavari’s utility in conserving and enhancing musculoskeletal function in older age. Trial registration NCT05025917 30/08/21, retrospectively registered.
Global high-resolution total water storage anomalies from self-supervised data assimilation using deep learning algorithms
Authors: Gou Junyang , Soja Benedikt 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Total water storage anomalies (TWSAs) describe the variations of the terrestrial water cycle, which is essential for better understanding our climate system. This study proposes a self-supervised data assimilation model with a novel loss function to provide a global TWSA product with a spatial resolution of 0.5 degrees. The model combines the hydrological simulations as well as the measurements from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its follow-on (GRACE-FO) satellite missions. The efficiency of the high-resolution information is proved by closing the water balance equation while preserving large-scale accuracy inherited from the GRACE(-FO) measurements. They contribute to monitoring natural hazards locally and show potential for better understanding the impacts of natural and anthropogenic activities on the water cycle. We anticipate our approach to be generally applicable to other TWSA data sources and the resulting product to be valuable for the geoscience community and society.
Unravelling the Role of Iroquois Homeobox 4 and its Interplay with Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Batra Jyotsna , Panchadsaram Janaththani , Tevz Gregor , Fernando Achala , Malik Adil , Rockstroh Anja , Kryza Thomas , Walpole Carina , Moya Leire , Lehman Melanie , Nelson Colleen , BioResource The Australian Prostate Cancer , Consortium The Practical , Sriniva Srilakshmi , Clements Judith 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have linked Iroquois-Homeobox 4 (IRX4) as a robust expression quantitative-trait locus associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk. However, the intricate mechanism and regulatory factors governing IRX4 expression in PCa remain poorly understood. Here, we unveil enrichment of androgen-responsive gene signatures in metastatic prostate tumors exhibiting heightened IRX4 expression. Furthermore, we uncover a novel interaction between IRX4 and the androgen receptor (AR) co-factor, FOXA1, suggesting that IRX4 modulates PCa cell behavior through AR cistrome alteration. Remarkably, we identified a distinctive short insertion-deletion polymorphism (INDEL), upstream of the IRX4 gene that differentially regulates IRX4 expression through the disruption of AR binding. This INDEL emerges as the most significant PCa risk-associated variant within the 5p15 locus, in a genetic analysis involving 82,591 PCa cases and 61,213 controls and was associated with PCa survival in patients undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy. These studies suggest the potential of this INDEL as a prognostic biomarker for androgen therapy in PCa and IRX4 as a potential therapeutic target in combination with current clinical management.
Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Perioperative Lung Preservation During VATS pulmonary surgery: Study Protocol of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhu Jiayu , Wei Biyu , Wu Lili , Li He , Zhang Yi , Lu Jinfeng , Su Shaofei , Xi Chunhua , Liu Wei , Wang Guyan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) extend the length of stay of patients and increase perioperative mortality after video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) pulmonary surgery. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) provides effective analgesia after VATS, however little is known about the effect of TPVB on PPCs. This study aims to determine whether TPVB combined with GA results in reducing PPCs and achieve perioperative lung protection in VATS pulmonary surgery compared with simple general anesthesia.
Methods
A total of 302 patients undergoing VATS pulmonary surgery will be randomly divided into two groups: Paravertebral block group (PV group) and Control group (C group). Patients of PV group will receive TPVB: 15 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine will be administered to the T4 and T7 thoracic paravertebral spaces respectively before general anesthesia. Patients of C group will not undergo intervention. Both groups of patients adopted protective ventilation strategy during operation. Perioperative protective mechanical ventilation and standard fluid management will be applied in both groups. Patient controlled intravenous analgesia was used for postoperative analgesia. The primary endpoint is the composite outcome of PPCs within 7 days after surgery. Secondary end points include blood gas analysis, postoperative lung ultrasound score, NRS score, QoR-15 score, hospitalization related indicators and long-term prognosis indicators.
Discussion
This study can better evaluate the impact of the use of TPVB on PPCs and long-term prognosis in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy / segmentectomy. The results may provide clinical evidence for optimizing perioperative lung protection strategies.
Trial registration: ID: NCT05922449. Registered on June 25, 2023.
Perceptions and experiences of family physicians on the roles of administrative staff during COVID-19: Findings from a cross-provincial qualitative study
Authors: Marshall Emily Gard , Moritz Lauren R , Buote Richard , Mathews Maria , Lukewich Julia , Brown Judith Belle , Sibbald Shannon , Hedden Lindsay , Ryan Dana , Spencer Sarah 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Administrative staff in primary care undertake numerous tasks to support patient care delivery. Although their roles are often overlooked, administrative staff are essential to the coordination and operations of primary care clinics. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced additional clinical and administrative tasks, including transitioning to virtual appointments and triaging patients for urgency, changing typical workflows. In Canada, existing pandemic plans for primary care did not account for these administrative tasks, nor the support that family physicians would require to continue to provide patient access to primary care. This research seeks to understand the administrative roles in primary care, with a particular focus on the roles of administrative staff, to help inform future pandemic planning.
Methods
We present findings from a qualitative case study across four regions in Canada: Vancouver Coastal health region in British Columbia, Ontario Health West region, the province of Nova Scotia, and the Eastern Health region of Newfoundland and Labrador. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with family physicians (n=68) across the four regions and thematically analysed the data.
Results
We identified five salient themes in the data, including 1) applying public health guidelines, 2) educating patients on COVID-19 and COVID-19 services, 3) re-organizing patient visits, 4) maintaining adequate staffing, and 5) recognizing administrative staff contributions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, family physicians took on numerous additional roles to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus with the support of their administrative staff. Family physicians emphasized the challenges of maintaining adequate staffing, and the importance of administrative staff in enabling the provision of primary care.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed existing gaps in primary care, such as the lack of clinical training for administrative staff, and challenges that should be addressed in future pandemic planning such as timely and consistent guidance and clearly delineated professional roles. Given the vital role of administrative staff, their tasks and responsibilities should be included in future pandemic plans.