Complex Management Research Articles

Renal involvement in solid cancers: epidemiological, clinical and histological characteristics study of 154 onconephrology patients.

Onconephrology is a growing discipline that aims to improve the management of patients with cancer and kidney disease. If kidney histology is an essential key, the anatomopathological data remain weak although essential to this complex management. Patients with active cancer who had a kidney biopsy (KB) between 2014 and 2020 were included, and their clinicobiological and histological data were analyzed retrospectively. Our cohort consisted of 154 patients (83 women) with a mean age of 58 years. One hundred twelve patients presented with proteinuria, 95 with acute kidney injury, and 59 with arterial hypertension. Histologically, interstitial fibrosis was found in 74% of KBs, tubular atrophy in 55.1%, arteriolar hyalinosis in 58.4%, and fibrous endarteritis in 54.4%. Regarding the main acute lesions, thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) was found in 29.9% of biopsies, acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in 51.3%, and acute interstitial nephritis in 24.8%. The etiological diagnosis most often made was the nephrotoxicity of anticancer drugs (87 patients), followed by a pre-renal (15 patients) and kidney disease unrelated to cancer (13 patients). Sixty-seven patients presented with at least 2 associated diagnoses reflecting the complexity of kidney damage in cancer. Different clusters were found, highlighting that immunotherapy and anti-VEGF were the most commonly involved drugs. During onconephrology practice, kidney toxicity of treatments is the most common etiology. Several mechanisms can be involved, underscoring the importance of kidney biopsy and the complexity of its management. Chronic histological lesions were very common.

General practitioners’ views on inappropriate prescribing for older patients: a qualitative study through focus groups

BackgroundInappropriate prescribing (IP) is a common problem in the older population. Despite numerous attempts to tackle this issue, it remains a public health concern. In most European countries, general practitioners (GPs) are responsible for global primary care and are thus gatekeepers for the adequacy of medicines, specifically for older people. An in-depth analysis of the situation is necessary to understand why this phenomenon is still prevalent and to identify solutions that could help avoid IP in primary practice.MethodA qualitative study based on five focus groups (FG) comprising nine to thirteen general practitioners was conducted in the French-speaking part of Belgium. Participants were recruited among the Local Medical Evaluation Groups (LMEG) and selected to guarantee heterogeneity in working organisations, years of professional experience, gender and age. All interviews were recorded with prior agreement and transcribed in verbatims. The transcripts were coded and analysed to highlight the primary themes, considering dominant and marginal discourses.ResultsFifty four GPs participated in the study, with an average experience of 30 years. IPs are perceived as a significant problem in the older population, leading to dangerous health situations. The issue is associated with polypharmacy and multimorbidity, and GPs stated to manage IP using their clinical experience. Most of the study participants faced difficulties managing IP, mostly due to the specificity and complexity of elderly care. Indeed, managing an older patient is challenging due to medical complexity, poor adherence to drug regimes, or low medical literacy. In addition, the medical environment of general practice is challenging, with multiple providers, lack of time, prescribing routine and the absence of effective communication with specialists or other care providers. Additionally, the tools and support available to help medication management in primary care are inadequate. Enhancing collaboration with pharmacists is perceived as a strong potential facilitator.ConclusionThis article addresses the complex management of IP in the old age, from the point of view of GPs. Interesting clues were highlighted, like the need to clarify roles of healthcare providers, the better fit of tools to facilitate medication’s review with particularities of GPs needs and the empowerment of pharmacist collaboration.

Factors Influencing Meal Provision and Dietary Support Behaviour of Caregivers of People with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Caregivers play an important role in supporting care recipients to navigate their health needs, including adherence to dietary recommendations, which are complex and multifaceted. This study aims to (i) describe the nutrition knowledge of caregivers of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and (ii) explore caregivers' perceptions of their role in providing healthy meals and nutrition support for care recipients. A cross-sectional study design employed a multi-strategy research approach. Caregivers (n = 78) of people with stage 1-5 CKD or post-transplant were recruited from a single centre. Their nutrition knowledge was assessed quantitatively with the revised General Nutrition Knowledge questionnaire. Theory-informed semi-structured interviews of a sub-sample (n = 12) qualitatively explored caregiver perceptions. Most caregivers were female (75.6%) and cared for a male care recipient (87%; aged 74 (66; 80) yrs.). The caregivers (75.6%) provided a meal ≥6 times/week to their care recipient and had moderate nutrition knowledge (66.1 (60.5; 73.9)%). Four themes emerged describing the caregivers' perceptions of meal provision and nutrition support, including the following: (i) food literacy skills are valued; (ii) social support is important; (iii) caregivers' sense of social responsibility; and (iv) the management of complex and multifaceted dietary needs. The caregivers had moderate nutrition knowledge; they wanted to provide healthy meals and support to their care recipients to adhere to dietary recommendations. Targeted, co-designed nutrition education programs for caregivers may enhance nutrition care delivery to people with CKD.

Automatic Design and Monitoring of Mass Concrete Based on Information Technology

Mass concrete construction has the characteristics of large scale, complex technology, high professional requirements, and complex management. In this paper, information technology is introduced into the construction process of mass concrete, aiming to develop a system that integrates the automatic design and visual management of mass concrete construction monitoring schemes to improve its construction efficiency. In this paper, the automatic design of a mass concrete construction monitoring scheme is designed, the information of its data acquisition terminal sensor is extended, and the sensor information model is created based on the IFC framework. Finally, this paper verifies the feasibility and practicability of the automatic design and visual monitoring of the monitoring scheme through the actual case-commercial complex raft foundation. The results show that the method provides a digital and information platform for mass concrete construction, highlighting the advantages of the proposed method and the traditional method.

Research on Multi-Sensor Fusion Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Spatiotemporal Attention Mechanism

As industrial systems become increasingly complex, real-time monitoring and intelligent management of industrial equipment have become imperative. However, the limitations in coverage and accuracy of single sensors make it challenging to comprehensively characterize the operational state of equipment, leading to reduced system reliability and increased pressures on data transmission and storage. To address these challenges, this study presents a novel fault diagnosis method based on multi-sensor fusion using a spatio-temporal attention mechanism. Initially, one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNN) are employed to extract features from raw signals, effectively capturing local characteristics and ensuring the integrity and validity of fault signals. Subsequently, the spatiotemporal attention mechanism adjusts the feature weights based on the temporal and spatial correlations of different sensors, as well as their respective importance, thereby capturing the spatio-temporal dependencies across multiple sensors and enhancing the efficacy of information fusion. Finally, the proposed method is validated through experiments on a nickel flash smelting furnace system. The results demonstrate that the method achieves a fault diagnosis accuracy exceeding 97.78%, significantly enhancing fault detection and decision-making performance.

Intravenous Anakinra for Treating Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Adult-Onset Still's Disease.

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease characterized by fever, rash, arthritis, and multi-organ involvement. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a serious complication of AOSD, poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 32-year-old male was diagnosed with AOSD in 2020 after being hospitalized for a fever of unknown origin and elevated liver enzymes. The patient was initially treated with corticosteroids and methotrexate but subsequently discontinued both treatment and follow-up. In September 2023, he presented with fever, sore throat, and elevated inflammatory markers. After screening for infections, methylprednisolone (MP) treatment was initiated because of AOSD activation. The following day, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit due to an altered state of consciousness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed brainstem involvement. Empirical treatments were initiated, including intravenous MP, and immunoglobulin therapy. Due to suspected macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), anakinra (ANA) infusion was initiated. Significant improvement was observed after the ANA infusion. This case highlights the complex management of severe AOSD complications, emphasizing the role of early recognition, aggressive therapy, and multidisciplinary care in improving outcomes. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a serious complication of adult-onset Still's disease characterized by systemic inflammation. Early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment are crucial due to the high mortality rate associated with MAS, especially when neurologic symptoms are present.Clinicians should not delay treatment pending confirmatory diagnostic tests when MAS is suspected, as early intervention can significantly impact patient outcomes.Anakinra, an interleukin-1 inhibitor, is typically administered subcutaneously but has shown promise when administered intravenously, particularly in severe cases of MAS.

Business analytics in managerial decision-making: top management perceptions

Purpose Firms seek to improve their decision-making and enable more “fact-based” decisions by using business analytics. While the benefits of using business analytics to monitor, develop and improve daily operations have been reported by many scholars, using it in more complex top management decisions has received less attention. Building on the resource-based view of the firm, this study aims to investigate top management perceptions of using business analytics for making decisions on firm resources. Design/methodology/approach This study uses semi-structured interviews to collect perceptions of 12 top managers in large firms on when and why they use business analytics in their decision-making. Findings Top managers use business analytics output as their main source of information for monitoring ongoing business performance against set targets and taking corrective actions. Concerning future-oriented planning and strategic decision-making involving more complex changes on the firms’ resource base, top managers proactively complement knowledge derived via business analytics with other sources of knowledge, such as stakeholder and expert opinions. Moreover, top managers use of business analytics depends on their own expectations of its value potential and on the expectations of their organization. Originality/value This study adds to the extant literature on the business value of business analytics by outlining the purposes and reasons for top management business analytics use. By demonstrating when and why top managers apply business analytics when making decisions on the firm’s current and future resource base, this study contributes to the discussion on the resource-based view and decision-making practices of the firm.

Experimental study on thermal load characteristics of a U-bend pulse detonation combustor

The performance of pulse detonation turbine engines (PDTE) surpasses that of conventional turbine engines, primarily due to the pressure gain combustion process inherent in PDTE. A U-bend pulse detonation combustor (PDC) with a compact axial length was designed to meet the requirements of PDTE. However, the PDC introduces complex thermal management challenges. In this study, the wall temperature along the U-bend PDC was experimentally measured under various operating conditions, the thermal load characteristics were investigated. The results indicate that the external wall temperature increases monotonically with prolonged operation, whereas the internal wall temperature exhibits periodic fluctuations corresponding to the periodic filling and combustion process in the PDC. The temperature difference between the internal and external walls increases, then decreases over time, eventually fluctuates within a narrow temperature range. The wall temperature was observed to increase along the flow direction, peaking at 811 °C at 30 Hz at the location where the detonation wave is generated. Similarly, the heat flux of the PDC first increases, then decreases, and eventually reaches a constant value, indicating thermal equilibrium. The heat flux represents a significant energy loss, with the detonation section being the area of highest heat loss, reaching approximately 90.5 kW/m2 at 30 Hz.

Perspectives of Australian professionals who support younger people in residential aged care without access to individualised funding

Previous research demonstrates that living in residential aged care (RAC) has negative effects on the wellbeing of younger people (<65 years). This research reports on the barriers and enablers to avoiding or leaving RAC for younger people in Australia who do not have access to individualised disability funding packages. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 18 staff who worked in an Australia-wide Program supporting younger people, and 24 stakeholders. Participants reported barriers to avoiding or leaving RAC that included a lack of funding, lack of appropriate housing, lack of transitional and rehabilitation services, and the preferences of family members. Enablers included having help to navigate alternative options, and effective collaboration across services. Participants reported that some younger people wanted to remain in RAC because they had no other option, were hesitant of change, or felt safe there. Funding and housing are required, as well as long-term, complex case management.

Involving unused land in the economic turnover of the agricultural sector of a region: institutional regulation and economic feasibility

The article shows the necessity of institutional regulation of the process of involving unused agricultural land into the economic turnover of the agrarian sphere of a region. It presents quantitative and qualitative characteristics of previously withdrawn agricultural lands, their territorial distribution by soil and climatic microzones and administrative districts of a region, unused period duration, residual fertility level (in terms of humus content), and land plots degradation degree. A calculation-analytical complex such as an algorithm representing a four-stage mechanism of analysis, preparation and decision-making on the choice of the land plots restoration method and their further use option has been developed and proposed for use. It is recommended to use three options for land plots restoration: direct return to economic turnover in case of a short period of non-use; carrying out cultural and technical measures with subsequent implementation into the turnover; transfer to another category of use in case of a high degree of degradation and low fertility level. The developed algorithm of unused agricultural land involvement is aimed at preserving the land potential of a region, strengthening the rational land use system. The presented stages provide not only theoretical and methodological, but also practical significance. Application scope is scientific organizations, agroindustrial complex management bodies at the municipal and regional levels, and agricultural producers.

Large Language Models Meet Next-Generation Networking Technologies: A Review

The evolution of network technologies has significantly transformed global communication, information sharing, and connectivity. Traditional networks, relying on static configurations and manual interventions, face substantial challenges such as complex management, inefficiency, and susceptibility to human error. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to address these issues by automating tasks like network configuration, traffic optimization, and security enhancements. Despite their potential, integrating AI models in network engineering encounters practical obstacles including complex configurations, heterogeneous infrastructure, unstructured data, and dynamic environments. Generative AI, particularly large language models (LLMs), represents a promising advancement in AI, with capabilities extending to natural language processing tasks like translation, summarization, and sentiment analysis. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review exploring the transformative role of LLMs in modern network engineering. In particular, it addresses gaps in the existing literature by focusing on LLM applications in network design and planning, implementation, analytics, and management. It also discusses current research efforts, challenges, and future opportunities, aiming to provide a comprehensive guide for networking professionals and researchers. The main goal is to facilitate the adoption and advancement of AI and LLMs in networking, promoting more efficient, resilient, and intelligent network systems.

ПОНЯТТЯ ТА СТРУКТУРА МЕХАНІЗМУ ПУБЛІЧНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯ

The existence of a state without state administration is meaningless and simply impossible without the help of which it broadcasts its will. This is a lever with which regulation can be carried out. The State Administration is designed to activate and actualize the use of all available resources, opening new opportunities, creating stimulating conditions, and maintaining a favorable environment for increasing management efficiency and the population's quality of life. At the same time, a specific dependence is indicated between the full realization of the accumulated potential and the quality of public administration. It is manifested in the following: the higher the professional management level, the better the existing potential is used and multiplied. Thus, the realization of one's potential depends on the level of state administration. The regularity of modern management determines this relationship. The state management system forms a management mechanism and with the help of all the main elements of actions of management bodies, target settings, principles, functions, structures, resources, methods, technologies, and management tools. The control mechanism cannot exist without these system components, and at the same time, without the control mechanism, there is no control system. The paper analyzes the interpretation of the term "mechanism of state management" by researchers. It is emphasized that the structure of the mechanism of state administration includes practical measures, means, levers, and incentives, with the help of which state authorities influence society, production, and any social system to achieve the set goals. The main components of the state administration mechanism were studied, and their classification was considered. It emphasizes the distribution of state management mechanisms depending on state management that apply them. The composition of the complex management mechanism is defined, which may include economic, motivational, organizational, political, and legal mechanisms. The author's vision of defining the term "mechanism of state administration" is given.

Agent-oriented model of three-level hierarchical minimax management of a regional industrial complex

The developed countries experience indicates the relevance of managing problems of the territorial industrial complexes and the need to create and develop applicable models based on modern approaches that take into account uncertainty and the possibility of management optimizing. The methodological basis of the research was the theory of industrial economics, the theory of economic and mathematical modeling, the theory of optimal control, optimization theory, and game theory. The model uses an agent-oriented approach, methods of economic and mathematical modeling, methods of building management systems of socio-economic systems, a minimax approach. Three-level management model of the regional industrial complex is proposed, its hierarchical subject-object structure is determined. The parameters of industrial facilities are presented in the form of a phase vector, and for each agent the structure of control and information links, algorithms for the choice of control actions are formalized. The problems of forming minimax control actions sets for each agent, solved in the course of using the model, are formulated, and a general consistent algorithm for choosing optimal control actions is proposed. The developed model will make possible to implement it in a software environment and create a tool for modeling the processes of managing the regional industrial complex, and in future — a flexible extensible software toolkit for managing industry at the regional level is to be created.

8424 Complex Management Of Adrenal Insufficiency In Pregnancy: A Challenging Case

Abstract Disclosure: T. Avanessian: None. H. Alsamarraie: None. Background: Physiologic changes, including changes in the HPA axis and RAAS, during pregnancy pose challenges in the management of adrenal insufficiency in pregnant women. This case report discusses the management of adrenal insufficiency in a young primigravida female with Addison’s disease. Clinical Case: At 19.5 weeks of gestation, a 26-year-old primigravida, previously diagnosed with Addison’s disease 5 years ago, presented to an acute care center for syncopal episodes. The pregnancy had been complicated by persistent nausea and vomiting, labeled as hyperemesis gravidarum, and recurrent syncopal episodes, resulting in 6 ED visits and 3 hospitalizations, with symptoms improving each time after IV hydration and then returning within a few days. At presentation, the patient reported lightheadedness, sweating, palpitations, dyspnea, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a 10 lb weight loss since the beginning of pregnancy. The pre-pregnancy regimen was hydrocortisone 10 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the afternoon, with fludrocortisone 0.1mg daily. At 8 weeks of gestation, due to increased fatigue and hypotension, the hydrocortisone dose was doubled, while fludrocortisone was continued the same. During admission, blood pressure ranged from 67/37 to 90/56 mmHg, and heart rate ranged between 93-103 bpm. On labs, electrolytes were normal, and the serum renin level was elevated at 5.803 ng/ml/hr (0.167-5.380). Treatment included IV hydration and hydrocortisone 40 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the afternoon. Despite symptom improvement, blood pressure remained low. Thus, fludrocortisone was increased to 0.1 mg twice daily. Within 3 days, all symptoms improved, allowing for the down-titration of the hydrocortisone dose. The patient was discharged with hydrocortisone 30 mg at 8 AM, 10 mg at 3 PM, 5 mg at 7 PM, and fludrocortisone at 0.1 mg twice daily. Conclusion: Managing symptoms of adrenal insufficiency during pregnancy is challenging due to the overlap of symptoms and signs with physiologic manifestations of pregnancy. The use of biochemical testing is limited, given the physiological activation of RAAS and progressive increases in renin, CRH, ACTH (from both pituitary and placental sources), and cortisol during pregnancy. Monitoring mineralocorticoid requirements is further complicated by physiological changes in blood pressure and interstitial fluid status. While some literature suggests that adjusting fludrocortisone may not be necessary, as an increase in glucocorticoid dose can compensate, determining the correct dose of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement should be tailored to each patient and their specific symptoms.

EXAMINING THE INTEGRATION OF INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES IN MANUFACTURING

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies is transforming manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. This research paper explores the application of key technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics in the sector. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset that includes supply chain metrics from major corporations like Apple, Amazon, and Google, the study examines the impact of Industry 4.0 practices on critical supply chain performance indicators, including inventory turnover ratio, lead time, and customer satisfaction. Industry 4.0 technologies are reshaping supply chain management (SCM) strategies such as lean manufacturing, agile SCM, and cross-docking. AI and block chain are shown to significantly enhance supply chain agility and resilience. Companies that integrate these technologies tend to have more streamlined operations, shorter lead times, and higher customer satisfaction rates. Environmental sustainability practices are becoming increasingly important as businesses strive for more eco-friendly manufacturing processes. The study finds that organizations employing agile supply chain practices and leveraging advanced technologies often demonstrate superior operational efficiency and financial performance. The integration of these technologies also introduces challenges, such as increased supply chain complexity and risk management concerns. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of how Industry 4.0 technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing and supply chain dynamics. It highlights the future trajectory of smart manufacturing and emphasizes the need for continued innovation to address emerging challenges. The research offers insights into how companies can adapt their supply chain strategies to thrive in the evolving landscape of digital transformation and automation.

A comprehensive control paradigm for prescribed performance attainment in complex nonlinear systems

This paper presents a comprehensive control framework tailored for achieving Prescribed Performance Control (PPC) in the context of complex nonlinear systems, addressing multifaceted challenges prevalent in control design. The focus is on a control scenario characterized by the simultaneous presence of nonlinearity, external disturbances, time delay, and unknown control direction—issues that pose considerable obstacles for existing solutions. To surmount these challenges, our proposed approach integrates well-established techniques, including neural networks, Nussbaum-type gains, and adaptive control strategies within a unified control design framework. The specific technical challenge addressed in this work involves the effective management of these intricate complexities in Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) systems. Our contributions extend the theoretical foundations, presenting an ideal PPC control design and introducing two adaptive neural network-based control methods capable of accommodating both known and unknown control directions. Utilizing Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, we showcase a unique integration that surpasses a mere combination of individual techniques. This work advances the theoretical underpinnings of control engineering tailored for real-world scenarios. The proposed controller’s efficacy is validated through rigorous simulations and compared with recent results and benchmark PPC controllers, establishing its superiority in addressing the intricacies of complex control scenarios.

Forecast, analytical and trend analysis of the development of the agro-industrial complex of Russia in the main agri-food markets as an area of state strategic guidelines

Abstract The modern structure of the Russian agro-industrial complex has the properties of consolidation, expansion and prevalence of agricultural organizations and agricultural holdings, as evidenced by the factor of their provision for about two-thirds of the total agricultural production. This circumstance states the growing dominance of large agricultural business and the progressive evolution of the agricultural sector, as well as the reduction in the importance of individual farms of the population. In the course of the study, the current state of development of the agro-industrial complex of Russia is considered, a forecast, analytical and trend analysis of the development of the domestic agro-industrial complex is carried out through the prism of the fundamental agri-food markets and the contours of the subsequent progress in the development of the agricultural sector in the context of the evolving restructuring of the social, economic and political situation are determined. The novelty of the research lies in the presentation of forecast estimates and trends in the development of the main agri-food markets of the Russian agro-industrial complex, which determine the presumptive transformation of the agrarian mechanism of Russia in the medium and long term: destabilization of international political and trade-economic cooperation, intensification of economic restrictive measures, as well as fundamentally new state priorities. The agricultural sector of the economy tends to react extremely sharply to the current situation in recent years, manifested in unstable international economic relations and foreign policy crises, which directly negatively affects the conditions for the functioning of the agricultural business. The presented forecast scenario for the development of agri-food markets will contribute to the formation of directions for state strategic management, planning and regulation of the agro-industrial complex for the medium and long term.

Non-Surgical Endodontic Management of Teeth with Aberrant Anatomy: A Case Series

The root canal therapy aims to remove the necrotic and vital pulp tissue remnants from the root canal to treat the periradicular inflammation. The knowledge of the tooth anatomy is essential to ensure a successful treatment. However, the deviation of the tooth anatomy complicates the diagnostic and treatment processes. Effective management of such complexities requires a tailored approach, utilizing detailed imaging and precise endodontic techniques to achieve successful outcomes and restore patient function and comfort. This case series presents the endodontic management of three different anatomic variations of permanent teeth that include taurodontism in the mandibular molar, two rooted mandibular canine and dilacerated maxillary central incisor and underscores the importance of personalized treatment planning and advanced diagnostic tools in managing complex dental anomalies.

Management of borer complex of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Management of borer complex of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Some aspects of the socio-economic consequences of informatization of economic management in agro-industrial complex

Abstract In this paper, the socio-economic aspects of the influence of information and communication technologies on the processes of managing the country’s economy in terms of the agro-industrial complex are considered. A brief retrospective analysis of the phased introduction of computer technology into management processes is presented on the example of practical experience in the implementation of informatization of a large agro-industrial holding in the Kuban. These works were carried out within the framework of the task “Electronics of agriculture” of the Integrated Program of the scientific and Technical Program of the member countries of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. At the same time, a systematic interconnection of work was carried out in the areas of informatization in terms of technological processes, organizational and economic management of enterprises, education, the social sphere of the village and agricultural science. It is shown that such a complex nature of informatization turned out to be unrealizable due to serious limitations of the complementary interdependencies of various assets. At the same time, the experience gained made it possible to develop a single digital platform for managing agro-industrial production and can be useful in modern conditions in relation to other sectors of the economy, primarily in terms of the organizational structure of the platform, providing for its scientific and personnel support.