Definition Of Structure Research Articles

Exploring different research questions via complex multi-state models when using registry-based repeated prescriptions of antidepressants in women with breast cancer and a matched population comparison group

BackgroundMulti-state models are used to study several clinically meaningful research questions. Depending on the research question of interest and the information contained in the data, different multi-state structures and modelling choices can be applied. We aim to explore different research questions using a series of multi-state models of increasing complexity when studying repeated prescriptions data, while also evaluating different modelling choices.MethodsWe develop a series of research questions regarding the probability of being under antidepressant medication across time using multi-state models, among Swedish women diagnosed with breast cancer (n = 18,313) and an age-matched population comparison group of cancer-free women (n = 92,454) using a register-based database (Breast Cancer Data Base Sweden 2.0). Research questions were formulated ranging from simple to more composite ones. Depending on the research question, multi-state models were built with structures ranging from simpler ones, like single-event survival analysis and competing risks, up to complex bidirectional and recurrent multi-state structures that take into account the recurring start and stop of medication. We also investigate modelling choices, such as choosing a time-scale for the transition rates and borrowing information across transitions.ResultsEach structure has its own utility and answers a specific research question. However, the more complex structures (bidirectional, recurrent) enable accounting for the intermittent nature of prescribed medication data. These structures deliver estimates of the probability of being under medication and total time spent under medication over the follow-up period. Sensitivity analyses over different definitions of the medication cycle and different choices of timescale when modelling the transition intensity rates show that the estimates of total probabilities of being in a medication cycle over follow-up derived from the complex structures are quite stable.ConclusionsEach research question requires the definition of an appropriate multi-state structure, with more composite ones requiring such an increase in the complexity of the multi-state structure. When a research question is related with an outcome of interest that repeatedly changes over time, such as the medication status based on prescribed medication, the use of novel multi-state models of adequate complexity coupled with sensible modelling choices can successfully address composite, more realistic research questions.

A Proposed Human Structural Brain Connectivity Matrix in the Center for Morphometric Analysis Harvard-Oxford Atlas Framework: A Historical Perspective and Future Direction for Enhancing the Precision of Human Structural Connectivity with a Novel Neuroanatomical Typology

A complete structural definition of the human nervous system must include delineation of its wiring diagram (e.g., Swanson LW. Brain architecture: understanding the basic plan, 2012). The complete formulation of the human brain circuit diagram (BCD [Front Neuroanat. 2020;14:18]) has been hampered by an inability to determine connections in their entirety (i.e., not only pathway stems but also origins and terminations). From a structural point of view, a neuroanatomic formulation of the BCD should include the origins and terminations of each fiber tract as well as the topographic course of the fiber tract in three dimensions. Classic neuroanatomical studies have provided trajectory information for pathway stems and their speculative origins and terminations [Dejerine J and Dejerine-Klumpke A. Anatomie des Centres Nerveux, 1901; Dejerine J and Dejerine-Klumpke A. Anatomie des Centres Nerveux: Méthodes générales d’étude-embryologie-histogénèse et histologie. Anatomie du cerveau, 1895; Ludwig E and Klingler J. Atlas cerebri humani, 1956; Makris N. Delineation of human association fiber pathways using histologic and magnetic resonance methodologies; 1999; Neuroimage. 1999 Jan;9(1):18–45]. We have summarized these studies previously [Neuroimage. 1999 Jan;9(1):18–45] and present them here in a macroscale-level human cerebral structural connectivity matrix. A matrix in the present context is an organizational construct that embodies anatomical knowledge about cortical areas and their connections. This is represented in relation to parcellation units according to the Harvard-Oxford Atlas neuroanatomical framework established by the Center for Morphometric Analysis at Massachusetts General Hospital in the early 2000s, which is based on the MRI volumetrics paradigm of Dr. Verne Caviness and colleagues [Brain Dev. 1999 Jul;21(5):289–95]. This is a classic connectional matrix based mainly on data predating the advent of DTI tractography, which we refer to as the “pre-DTI era” human structural connectivity matrix. In addition, we present representative examples that incorporate validated structural connectivity information from nonhuman primates and more recent information on human structural connectivity emerging from DTI tractography studies. We refer to this as the “DTI era” human structural connectivity matrix. This newer matrix represents a work in progress and is necessarily incomplete due to the lack of validated human connectivity findings on origins and terminations as well as pathway stems. Importantly, we use a neuroanatomical typology to characterize different types of connections in the human brain, which is critical for organizing the matrices and the prospective database. Although substantial in detail, the present matrices may be assumed to be only partially complete because the sources of data relating to human fiber system organization are limited largely to inferences from gross dissections of anatomic specimens or extrapolations of pathway tracing information from nonhuman primate experiments [Front Neuroanat. 2020;14:18, Front Neuroanat. 2022;16:1035420, and Brain Imaging Behav. 2021;15(3):1589–1621]. These matrices, which embody a systematic description of cerebral connectivity, can be used in cognitive and clinical studies in neuroscience and, importantly, to guide research efforts for further elucidating, validating, and completing the human BCD [Front Neuroanat. 2020;14:18].

Institutionalisation of social risks of digitalisation of the educational space of universities in the provincial cities of Russia

The article analyses the problem of institutionalisation of social risks of digitalisation of the educational space of universities in the Russian provinces. The risk- generating nature of digitalisation is emphasised, the conclusion about risk as digitalisation systemic element, that includes not only threats, but also significant opportunities for development, is substantiated. The task of managing risk genesis is formulated, the neces sary condition of which is the institutionalisation of risks. The institutionalisation of social risks of digitalisation of the educational space of universities in the provincial cit ies of Russia is interpreted as a system of actions of actors in the educational space taken to prevent undesirable consequences of the risks of digitisation and digitalisation and to use their creative potential, including the establishment of corporate norms and behavioural standards, the definition of structures that ensure their implementation in risk situations. Three main tasks of institutionalisation are considered: definition of norms and rules of risk management; formation of institutions implementing it; development and implementation of corporate standards of behaviour in risk situations.

Adjuvant Radiation Treatment of Breast Cancer After Mastectomy: Advanced Algorithms and Partial Bolus Improve the Dose Calculation Accuracy in the Case of Thin-Chest-Wall Irradiation

The aim of this study was to examine measured and calculated dose distributions in a thin-chest-wall phantom and estimate the variations in the dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters used in plan evaluation for patient geometries with chest-wall thicknesses <15 mm with and without bolus implementation. Measurements were made using thermoluminescent dosimeters in a chest-wall phantom. The Monte Carlo method, anisotropic analytical algorithm, and Acuros XB Eclipse algorithms were used to calculate dose distributions for clinical plans. DVH parameters for clinical target volume tumor (CTVT) and planning target volume (PTV) and mean doses were evaluated for 15 patients with a chest-wall thickness of 8 to 15 mm with and without partial bolus and for 10 patients with a chest-wall thickness of 20 to 25 mm without bolus. Measurements showed that the dose at a depth of 2 to 12 mm at the beam entrance and laterally was within 90% of the dose at 8 mm depth. Monte Carlo and Acuros XB calculations were well aligned with the experimental data, whereas the anisotropic analytical algorithm underestimated the beam entrance and lateral doses. The DVH parameters for the patients with a thin chest wall were sensitive to calculation algorithm, resolution, body structure definition, and patient geometry. The parameters CTVTV95%, CTVTD98%, and PTVD98% were much lower than the tolerance criteria. Partial bolus improved the values for all algorithms and decreased the variations due to patient geometry. Dose calculations for patients with a chest-wall thickness of 20 to 25 mm resulted in sufficient target coverage and low dependence on patient geometry and calculation algorithm without the use of bolus. Dose calculations using advanced algorithms and resolution <2 mm are recommended for patients with a thin chest wall. Specific DVH criteria or the implementation of partial bolus was needed to facilitate plan development and evaluation for this patient group.

An Integration of Geophysics and Petrophysics in Study of Rock at Elete, Lokoja Southwestern Nigeria

Granitic Gneiss and Banded Gneiss make up the bulk of the local rock types, and quartz veins are the most common intrusions seen there. Tectonic upheavals in the earth's crust are responsible for the region's structural features, including as foliations, folds, joints, and fissures. The goal of this research is to integrate several scientific techniques to subsurface structure definition. For this study, 16 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), petrophysical study, and background knowledge of geology were used to delineate subsurface rock. The Schlumberger array with a maximum electrode separation of 300m was employed for VES. Elete's true aquifer resistivity map shows that the South-Eastern and North-Eastern axis has relatively low resistivity values, which may indicate the presence of an aquiferous zone, while the North-Central and Southern regions have a wider range of resistivity values, which may not be consistent with a water-bearing zone. Additionally, petrographic analysis of the rock reveals that the mineral composition of Granitic Gneiss is Quartz (41.72%), Plagioclase (10.79%), Biotite (25.17%), Muscovite (19.42%), and Opaque (2.87%). While biotite makes up the granite gneiss. Biotite (45%), Muscovite (9.93%), Quartz (36.87%), Plagioclase (4.26%), and Opaque (3. 55%).Hydrogeologically, it stands to reason that Elete and its surroundings are situated in a region with medium to good groundwater potential based on the information at hand and the results of the geophysical investigation. Weathered/fractured basements are anticipated to contain productive aquifers.

Rhamnolipid Self-Aggregation in Aqueous Media: A Long Journey toward the Definition of Structure-Property Relationships.

The need to protect human and environmental health and avoid the widespread use of substances obtained from nonrenewable sources is steering research toward the discovery and development of new molecules characterized by high biocompatibility and biodegradability. Due to their very widespread use, a class of substances for which this need is particularly urgent is that of surfactants. In this respect, an attractive and promising alternative to commonly used synthetic surfactants is represented by so-called biosurfactants, amphiphiles naturally derived from microorganisms. One of the best-known families of biosurfactants is that of rhamnolipids, which are glycolipids with a headgroup formed by one or two rhamnose units. Great scientific and technological effort has been devoted to optimization of their production processes, as well as their physicochemical characterization. However, a conclusive structure-function relationship is far from being defined. In this review, we aim to move a step forward in this direction, by presenting a comprehensive and unified discussion of physicochemical properties of rhamnolipids as a function of solution conditions and rhamnolipid structure. We also discuss still unresolved issues that deserve further investigation in the future, to allow the replacement of conventional surfactants with rhamnolipids.

A novel network core structure extraction algorithm utilized variational autoencoder for community detection

Community detection technologies have the general research significance in complex networks, in which the topology information of network is worthy to be the focus for its widely application. It is the definition of community structure that the connection of nodes in the community is dense with the connection of nodes outside the community is sparse, which is corresponding to the core structure in the complex real networks is represented by a compact and dense set of connected nodes. While all the notes in the network are considered by the traditional topology, it is hard to extract the core structure with the continuous, exponential growth of community networks. In this paper, a novel network core structure extraction algorithm utilized variational autoencoder for community detection(CSEA) is proposed for finding the community structure more accurately. Firstly, the K-truss algorithm is used to find the core structure information in the network, and the similarity matrix is generated by similarity mapping combined with local information. Secondly, the variational autoencoder is used to extract and reduce the dimension of the similarity matrix containing the core structure of the network, and the low-dimensional feature matrix is obtained. Finally, the K-means clustering algorithm is utilized to obtain the community structure information. We compare CSEA algorithm with 18 different types of community detection algorithms using 4 evaluation metrics on 19 complex real networks. By extensively evaluating our algorithm on large real-world datasets, we show that CSEA algorithm has an excellent community division effect in dense complex real networks, especially in small and medium-sized networks, and it can accurately divide the complex real networks with unknown community structure. Simultaneously, CSEA algorithm also reveals some efficiency advantage in its on-line test.

Network-Based Characterization of Blood Large-Scale Coherent Motion in the Healthy Human Aorta With 4D Flow MRI.

The need for distilling the hemodynamic complexity of aortic flows into clinically relevant quantities resulted in a loss of the information hidden in 4D aortic fluid structures. To reduce information loss, this study proposes a network-based approach to identify and characterize in vivo the large-scale coherent motion of blood in the healthy human aorta. The quantitative paradigm of the aortic flow as a "social network" was applied on 4D flow MRI acquisitions performed on forty-one healthy volunteers. Correlations between the aortic blood flow rate waveform at the proximal ascending aorta (AAo), assumed as one of the drivers of aortic hemodynamics, and the waveforms of the axial velocity in the whole aorta were used to build "one-to-all" networks. The impact of the driving flow rate waveform and of aortic geometric attributes on the transport of large-scale coherent fluid structures was investigated. The anatomical length of persistence of large-scale coherent motion was the 29.6% of the healthy thoracic aorta length (median value, IQR 23.1%-33.9%). Such length is significantly influenced by the average and peak-to-peak AAo blood flow rate values, suggesting a remarkable inertial effect of the AAo flow rate on the transport of large-scale fluid structures in the distal aorta. Aortic geometric attributes such as curvature, torsion and arch shape did not influence the anatomical length of persistence. The proposed in vivo approach allowed to quantitatively characterize the transport of large-scale fluid structures in the healthy aorta, strengthening the definition of coherent hemodynamic structures and identifying flow inertia rather than geometry as one of its main determinants. The findings on healthy aortas may be used as reference values to investigate the impact of aortic disease or implanted devices in disrupting/restoring the physiological spatiotemporal coherence of large-scale aortic flow.

Application of Q-FWI-tomography and least-squares migration to improve seismic resolution in Tengiz oil field

Seismic image deterioration is a major problem for structures under complex overburdens. In areas under major faults and salt bodies, it is common to observe amplitude washout zones, poor structural definition, and relatively strong coherent and incoherent seismic noise. We developed a data-driven workflow of Q least-squares migration to mitigate these problems by enhancing the horizontal and vertical resolutions of seismic images. The workflow includes accurate velocity model building with joint full-waveform inversion and tomography to maximize the stacking power of P-wave primaries, Q tomography that balances weak-amplitude washout zones and minimizes swing noises, and least-squares migration with the aid of a constraint map that yields higher-resolution structural images. Its application on a wide-azimuth data set from the Tengiz oil field demonstrates the effective mitigation of fault shadow issues with an overall improvement of image quality. In addition, the uplift in focusing of diffracted energies shows promising improvements in enhancing seismic mega-amplitude events. Thus, the proposed method greatly increases the fidelity of seismic attribute analysis when compared with conventional vintage processing.

Evaluation of emotional dynamics in social media conversations: an approach based on structures of opposition and set-theoretic measures

The paper presents the results related to the definition and adoption of structures of opposition, built with set-theoretic measures, to evaluate emotional dynamics that arise during conversations on social media. Specifically, a graded hexagon of opposition is used to compare the emotional profiles of individuals involved in a dyadic conversation. Set-theoretic measures, based on fuzzy logic, are used to construct the hexagon whose analysis allows us to understand the tendency of the conversation toward empathy or lack of empathy. The results can be useful in the context of the current trend of social media sensing and, in particular, to support social media providers in receiving early warnings related to the analysis of emotional dynamics that could lead to or degenerate into information disorder. The results have been evaluated with conversations extracted from the Empathetic Dialogue dataset.

Heat and mass transfer modeling of an artisan coffee roasting process: A comparative study

In order to achieve effective coffee roasting control, there is a need for coffee roasting process models that can solve in real-time. This paper contributes by evaluating the roasting process model performance for different roasting time periods and bean moisture contents. The method firstly involved selecting roasting profile models from literature on the basis of their computational efficiency and simplified geometry definition of the coffee bean structure. Three models were considered constituting different bean temperature and moisture content sub-models. Next the modeled results were compared with experimental results obtained from an instrumented commercial artisan roaster. It was found that all three models could sufficiently predict the roast profile from the modeled bean temperature and moisture content. However, all three consistently overestimated the moisture content during roasting. For longer roasting times, the final moisture content prediction was closer to the experimental value.

Dynamics of the Social Security Index in the Context of the Economic Crisis in Romania

In conditions of uncertainty, social protection issues are of paramount importance, and supporting measures are needed for the vulnerable population with an impact on social costs. Those costs have to be included in the state budget, and they generate budgetary imbalances that need to be counterbalanced by relevant budgetary policy measures. This paper proposes to develop, on the basis of state budgets and of demographic indicators, a social security index, whose dynamics will reflect the impact of the necessary measures in a period of economic and financial uncertainties. The key indicators used for calculating the social security index are composite financial risk, which is quantified using the budget’s dynamic expenditures, composite labour risk using employment stock, and unemployment and composite social risk using equilibrium between labour and retired labour. The paper studies the evolution of this index to identify inflection points that impact social security policy. We have dynamically identified the evolution clusters that differentiate the variability of the social security index over time, translated into the social security matrix proposed by the study for each composite index. The used methods in the study are empirical and analytical in nature, consisting of an econometric definition of the index structure and a dynamic analysis of the results obtained over the period 2010–2020. The results of the study will identify the financial risk diagram, which, based on the forecasted clusters of financial, social, and labour market risks, will create a useful picture for social policy makers that will highlight the current vulnerabilities of the three clusters from a social perspective. Last but not least, the presentation of the social security index is a valuable result for practitioners in their efforts to optimise social policies and increase socio-economic welfare. The results of this research will allow decision-makers to adjust their social policies on an informed basis in relation to the elements of vulnerability during periods of uncertainty, in comparison with the elements of stability identified during periods of economic growth.

3D electrical structure definition of aquifer systems in the Kalahari basin in Southern Angola based on legacy data reprocessing

The Kalahari-Ohangwena transboundary aquifer system, recently identified in Northern Namibia, comprises 3 major aquifers with very different characteristics. The shallowest is discontinuous and with limited reserves, but it has local importance in water supply for the population, since it is easy to reach, and often presents good hydrochemical quality. An intermediate deeper aquifer is characterized by high salinity while the deepest aquifer, also mostly saline, can present zones with fresh water. However, the latter is located at considerable depths and is shaped by the bottom of the basin basement. There hasn't been a systematic hydrogeological data acquisition for decades in this area of Angola, but legacy electrical resistivity data reprocessing from geophysical surveys conducted >50 years ago in the Cunene Province allowed the construction of a quasi-3D geoelectrical model for the Angolan side of KOH aquifer system in the Cuvelai-Etosha basin. This model is based on 482 vertical electrical soundings carried out in 1966–67, using the Schlumberger array, that contribute to confirming the presence of the Kalahari-Ohangwena aquifer system in Angola. The obtained quasi-3D model highlights the geoelectrical features of hard bedrock and is validated with other hydrogeological and geophysical information. The quasi-3D electrical resistivity data is interpreted using selected boreholes and two time-domain electromagnetics transects carried out in Namibia, in the 2000s. Although both geophysical data acquisitions were >40 years apart, the results show a very good correlation between the deeper aquifer and the aquitard separating the intermediate aquifer from the deeper aquifer either with the results from Namibia or the borehole data. This is a direct result of the lack of alteration in the hydraulic conditions over these decades, without significant anthropogenic activity and negligible extraction from deep wells. Based on this analysis, the original dataset was considered a reliable source and this quasi-3D model was validated. Furthermore, the model can be considered in the future as an important tool for groundwater resources management, as well as a good starting point for further hydrogeological research in the province of Cunene.

A proposed approach to defining per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) based on molecular structure and formula.

Various groups and researchers, including the authors of this work, have proposed different definitions of what constitutes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The different definitions are all based on a structural definition. Although a structural definition is reasonable, such an approach is difficult to execute if the intent is to narrow or refine the definition. This approach can also lead to inexplicable demarcations of what are and what are not PFAS. Our objective was to create a narrow, simple PFAS definition that allows interested groups to communicate with a common understanding and will also serve as a starting point to focus on substances that are of real environmental concern. Our studies have demonstrated that numerous highly fluorinated complex structures exist that make a structure-based definition difficult. We suggest that a definition based on fractional fluorination expressed as the percentage of fluorine of a molecular formula using atom counting offers advantages. Using a combination of a structure-based definition and a definition based on the fractional percentage of the molecular formula that is fluorine can provide a more inclusive and succinct definition. Thus, we propose a new definition based on four substructures along with any structures where the molecular formula is 30% fluorine by atom count. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1333-1347. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Antimalarial Activity of Tri- and Tetra-Substituted Anilino Pyrazoles

Pyrazole core represents a privilege scaffold in medicinal chemistry; a number of pyrazole compounds are endowed with various pharmacological activities in different therapeutic areas including antimalarial treatment. Supported by this evidence, a series of 5-anilino-3-(hetero)arylpyrazoles were evaluated for their antiplasmodial activity in in vitro assays. The compounds were synthesized according to regioselective and versatile protocols that combine active methylene reagents, aryl isothiocyanates and (substituted)hydrazines. The considered derivatives 2 allowed the definition of consistent structure-activity relationships and compounds 2b,e,k,l were identified as the most interesting derivatives of the series showing micromolar IC50 values against chloroquine-sensitive and chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium strains. Additionally, the most active anilino-pyrazoles did not show any cytotoxicity against tumor and normal cells and were predicted to have favorable drug-like and pharmacokinetic properties.

Knowledge to Support Early Educators and Elementary School Teachers' Engagement in Family Literacy and Family Literacy Programs

AbstractFamily literacy programs can be effective for supporting the literacy learning of both parents and children. Educators and community members can be constructive in establishing family literacy programs in their school and in the community. Having knowledge of successful family literacy programs is important for both initiating and continuing with family literacy engagement. In this article, we describe aspects of successful family literacy programs, including attention to the diversity of families. We begin with an overview of the changing definitions of literacy and common structures of family literacy programs and complete this review with areas for further research in family literacy.

ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕННЫЕ РИСКИ В СИСТЕМЕ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ПЕРСОНАЛОМ: ЗАПАДНЫЙ ОПЫТ

The growing role of organizations in promoting risk management in production indicates their desire to improve the working conditions of personnel and control all risks. Personnel costs represent investments, not costs, that facilitate management in the direction of preventing risks associated with the business. This includes the definition of responsibilities and organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures and resources for the development, implementation, implementation, revision and maintenance of policies to prevent industrial risks.&#x0D; Improving the working conditions of personnel and environmental protection should be considered as important practical goals that can be achieved through measures such as risk factors control; adaptation of equipment and labor tools appropriate to human capabilities; changes in the organization, maintenance and control of labor; environmental monitoring and education. Risk assessment should be a dynamic process. For this, each enterprise, in accordance with the legislation, should develop a system for preventing industrial risks, the purpose of which is to promote the safety and health of employees by applying appropriate measures and procedures necessary for the continuous identification of hazards, risk assessment and implementation of necessary control measures.

Shark nanobodies with potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity and broad sarbecovirus reactivity

Despite rapid and ongoing vaccine and therapeutic development, SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve and evade, presenting a need for next-generation diverse therapeutic modalities. Here we show that nurse sharks immunized with SARS-CoV-2 recombinant receptor binding domain (RBD), RBD-ferritin (RFN), or spike protein ferritin nanoparticle (SpFN) immunogens elicit a set of new antigen receptor antibody (IgNAR) molecules that target two non-overlapping conserved epitopes on the spike RBD. Representative shark antibody variable NAR-Fc chimeras (ShAbs) targeting either of the two epitopes mediate cell-effector functions, with high affinity to all SARS-CoV-2 viral variants of concern, including the divergent Omicron strains. The ShAbs potently cross-neutralize SARS-CoV-2 WA-1, Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron BA.1 and BA.5, and SARS-CoV-1 pseudoviruses, and confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in the K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model. Structural definition of the RBD-ShAb01-ShAb02 complex enabled design and production of multi-specific nanobodies with enhanced neutralization capacity, and picomolar affinity to divergent sarbecovirus clade 1a, 1b and 2 RBD molecules. These shark nanobodies represent potent immunotherapeutics both for current use, and future sarbecovirus pandemic preparation.

Mapping of the current transition of care practice for patients with pituitary disease at Endo-ERN reference centers.

Rare endocrine conditions present specific diagnostic and management challenges for healthcare providers, one of which is the understudied transition of care. Despite the need for guidance regarding transition, consensus on structured and protocolled approaches is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to map the current clinical practice and identify unmet needs regarding transition of care for patients with pituitary disease in the reference centers (RCs) of the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN). A survey-based, cross-sectional study using the EU Survey tool was performed and completed by 46 physicians (n) from 30 RCs (N). Transition is a common practice among RCs (n = 44/46), usually accomplished by a multidisciplinary team meeting (N = 20/30). Criteria for start and end of transition were defined in half of the RCs, with 16.7% of centers providing dissimilar answers. Transition readiness was assessed by >75% of the RCs, mostly by unvalidated means (e.g. subjective opinions, informal consultations). Pituitary-specific transition assessment tool was applied in one RC only. Transition protocols were present in only 9% of RCs, while in many RCs, transition decisions were taken in combined adult-pediatric meetings or based on clinicians' personal judgment. A minority of physicians evaluated the effectiveness of transition-related interventions (n = 11/46) or medical outcomes (n = 8/46). Patient-reported outcome measures were infrequently used (n = 4/46). Identified unmet needs included the development of guidelines (n = 5/46) and EU-wide approach (n = 2/46). This study exemplifies the unmet needs for a structural definition of the transition period and transition management for patients with rare hypothalamic and pituitary conditions from healthcare providers' perspective.

ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ И ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОЙ СТРУКТУРЫ АРХИТЕКТУРНЫХ ОБЪЕКТОВ НА ОСНОВЕ СИСТЕМНОГО ПОДХОДА

The article deals with the systemic substantiation of architectural objects' (buildings, constructions and their complexes, including those in the sphere of urban development and regional planning) functional structure as integral systems. It is demonstrated that implementing the relevant objectives of modernizing the existing buildings and constructions, erecting the new ones and developing architectural and urban-planning systems is possible only in conditions of using advanced digital technologies, which is closely connected to developing mathematical models, describing architectural objects from the perspective of system approach and general system principles. Much attention in the paper is given to the discussion of a new methodological concept, based on the principles of general systems theory and dealing with the research and design of architectural systems of the «population ↔ environment» type – demoecosystems (integral architectural systems). Based on this concept the definition and substantiation of any architectural object's functional structure can be given, revealing its system essence and structure. The similarity (isomorphism) of the whole and parts of architectural objects' elements and subsystems at all hierarchy levels allows considering the functional structure of an architectural object of any complexity with account of organizing the processes of four types of population's life activity. It is applicable to architectural objects from their elementary levels – room and building, and to the level of cities and populated areas.