Search

Background. Cardiovascular diseases remain a pressing issue associated with great economic burden and loss of earning capacity. Among them, thoracic aortic aneurysms pose a serious threat as they commonly develop asymptomatically. Patients with aneurysms are often diagnosed late, which contributes to higher mortality rates due to complications. For this reason, conducting new epidemiological studies on this problem in our country is relevant.Objective: to study the prevalence of pathological dilatation of the thoracic aorta in Moscow by means of artificial intelligence technologies (AITs) using chest computed tomography (CT) data.Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of chest CT data from 227,149 patients obtained in the period from October 2022 to October 2023 was performed using AITs.Results. The analysis revealed that 13.3% of patients exhibited signs of thoracic aortic dilatation, while 0.8% had aneurysm signs. The prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysms in Moscow was 12.4 cases per 100,000 individuals. Males were more susceptible than females; aneurysms of the descending aorta were more typical for them, while aneurysms of the ascending aorta were more common in females. The incidence of thoracic aortic dilatation increased with age. Potential causes and strategies to minimize AIT errors were discussed.Conclusion. The results highlight the importance of opportunistic screening for thoracic aortic aneurysms to ensure timely detection and prevention of complications. It would be especially beneficial to men and elderly population. The effectiveness of AITs to support decision-making by radiologists analyzing chest CT results was confirmed. The study provides an important update to the data on the prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysms in asymptomatic patients in Russia. The identified features make it possible to direct the diagnostic and prevention efforts more effectively.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the leading imaging modalities of the musculoskeletal system. However, when imaging the hand, major problems in magnetic resonance imaging include the lack of specialized coils and reliable fixation devices for the hand, uncomfortable patient posture, motion artifacts, and small anatomical structures in the wrist. These factors inevitably lead to incorrect interpretation. AIM: To improve the quality of magnetic resonance imaging of the hand by developing an approach to coil selection, scanning protocol, and hand positioning and fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A positioning device was developed to prevent hand movements. Two types of coils were evaluated. Magnetic resonance images were evaluated comparatively, as well as by a musculoskeletal radiologist. RESULTS: А head coil is more appropriate when scanning the entire hand, for example, in rheumatic diseases. A knee coil is more appropriate when studying smaller anatomical structures (including the wrist) owing to a smaller field of view and higher resolution. Based on the obtained data, guidelines for the selection of scanning parameters, sequences, and coils for magnetic resonance imaging of the hand were formulated. To prevent motion artifacts, a special fixation device of the patient’s hand was introduced. CONCLUSION: Certain factors directly affect the qualitative magnetic resonance imaging study of the hand, such as safety protocols, scanning parameters, and hand fixation. The guidelines presented in this study and the use of the developed specialized fixation device may improve the quality of magnetic resonance imaging of the hand.

BACKGROUND: The state of health of the pulmonary system and its impact on the overall well-being of the individual is an important aspect of modern medicine. Despite continuous progress in diagnostics and technology, epidemiologic data on pulmonary trunk health at the population level in Russia remain understudied. In the context of this problem, the present study is an in-depth population-based analysis of the status of pulmonary trunk dilatation using modern technology and artificial intelligence [1]. Pulmonary trunk dilatation (≥29 mm) may be associated with various pathologies including arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, and other diseases of the circulatory system [2]. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of pulmonary trunk dilatation in the Moscow population using artificial intelligence technologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted between September 2022 and February 2023 in the population of Moscow. A large amount of chest CT data was analyzed, including information on 134,218 patients (61,514 men and 72,704 women). Artificial intelligence technologies were used to automatically process this data. RESULTS: The results show that 49,227 (36.7%) patients — 23,720 (38.6%) men and 25,507 (35.1%) women — had evidence of pulmonary trunk dilatation. The analysis shows gender and age differences in the incidence of the pathology. The distribution of pulmonary trunk dilatation in the population shows age dependence. The percentage of patients with signs of pulmonary trunk dilatation increases with age: from 18.1% in the group of young people to 62.2% in the group of elderly people. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides the first epidemiological data on pulmonary trunk dilatation in Moscow and emphasizes the importance of further research in this area. The findings may serve as a basis for the development of effective diagnostic and treatment strategies, as well as for further research in the field of artificial intelligence in medicine.

Weed control in winter wheat crops is an important issue. There is a risk of increasing populations of certain weed species that are resistant to some of herbicides used for winter wheat crops. This could be controlled by a combination of agronomic, mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. After introducing winter wheat into the rotation and improving tillage, the weediness of regular black soils with perennial root and emerged weeds were significantly reduced. The formation of nodal and rudimentary roots had a significant effect on the productivity of winter wheat under different soil moisture conditions. The highest yield of winter wheat was obtained when sown at the optimum time, with higher stem density and ear productivity due to better grain fullness. We studied what effects did the tillage methods have on the aggregate state of the soil in relation to weed development in winter wheat crops, finding that the structural and aggregate composition of the soil played an important role in winter wheat crops, influencing both the development of the crop root system and the water-physical balance of the chernozem, as well as naturally influencing the course of erosion processes in the experimental plots, and having a universal dynamic in terms of adaptation of aggregation and disaggregation processes. Prolonged mechanical stress on soil can cause destruction of its structure. For instance, continuous ploughing or moldboardless tillage with little or no manure application may permanently reduce soil fertility by increasing humus mineralisation. Subsequently, these factors may cause a significant decline in the soil's structural and aggregate composition, resulting in larger amounts of dusty particles smaller than 0.25 mm and cloddy particles larger than 10–12 mm. The soil's structural condition before sowing winter wheat in early September, on average for 2011–2016, indicates increased dispersion of the tilth layer (0–10 cm) in the experimental variants where shallow disc tillage of 10–12 cm was applied. Increase in the number of clods larger than 10 mm in the areas where moldboardless tillage had been applied can be attributed to significant soil drainage. The soil's aggregate state was rated as good, with 8.7% in the 0–10 cm soil layer and 1.7% of clods > 10 mm in the 0–30 cm layer. In 2014–2016, it was rated as satisfactory, with 7.4% and 9.8% of clods > 10 mm, respectively. Shallow disc cultivation resulted in slightly worse indicators: 6.6% and 8.3% of clods > 10 mm in soil layer 0–10 cm and 0–30 cm, respectively, in 2011–2013; and 7.2% and 6.9% of clods > 10 mm, respectively, in 2014–2016. In general, the parameters of optimal structural condition were positive. The tillage method used had a considerable effect on weed growth and development, particularly for those with a root and rhizome structure. It also affected the prevalence and development of pests and diseases in winter wheat. Agrotechnical methods of weed control do not guarantee complete destruction of weeds. Mechanical moldboardless tillage to the depth of 14–16 cm and disc tillage to the depth of 10–12 cm left the fields with 4.1 to 8.8 annual weeds per square meter and 1.3 to 3.3 specimens of harmful root weeds such as Convolvulus arvensis, Lactuca tatarica and Cirsium arvense. Mechanical moldboardless tillage to the depth of 14–16 cm and disc tillage to the depth of 10–12 cm left the fields with 4.1 to 8.8 annual weeds per square meter and 1.3 to 3.3 specimens of harmful root weeds such as Convolvulus arvensis, Lactuca tatarica and Cirsium arvense. Post-harvest residues (4–5 t/ha) can provide almost complete protection against weeds by covering the soil surface. However, pests and diseases may spread more easily due to preservation of fungal spores on the surface of plant residues and preservation of pest larvae in the straw and soil. The distribution of weed seeds in the soil was altered when the rotational tillage of common chernozems in winter wheat cultivation technology had been replaced with energy–saving minimum tillage (shallow flat-cutting disc tillage). This resulted in the concentration of most of the weed seeds (85–90%) in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm).

Based on a new mathematical framework and large multi-year multi-mission data sets, we reconstruct electric currents and magnetic fields around the dayside magnetopause and their dependence on the incoming solar wind, IMF, and geodipole tilt. The model architecture builds on previously developed mathematical frameworks and includes two separate blocks: for the magnetosheath and for the adjacent outer magnetosphere. Accordingly, the model is developed in two stages: 1) reconstruction of a best-fit magnetopause and underlying dayside magnetosphere, based on a simple shielded configuration, and 2) derivation of the magnetosheath magnetic field, represented by a sum of toroidal and poloidal terms, each expanded into spherical harmonic series of angular coordinates and powers of normal distance from the boundary. The spacecraft database covers the period from 1995 through 2022 and is composed of data from Geotail, Cluster, Themis, and MMS, with the total number of 1-min averages about 3 M. The modeling reveals orderly patterns of the IMF draping around the magnetosphere and of the magnetopause currents, controlled by the IMF orientation, solar wind pressure, and the Earth’s dipole tilt. The obtained results are discussed in terms of the magnetosheath flux pile-up and the dayside magnetosphere erosion during periods of northward or southward IMF, respectively.

The surgical methods for treatment of adenomatous polyps in dogs and their effectiveness for maintaining health and quality of life of the animal were studied. The study was conducted on the clinical case of colorectal tubular adenoma (TA) surgical treatment in a 11-year-old male Irish setter who was admitted for hematochezia. A colonoscopy revealed a colon wall neoplasm. Based on the data of cytological and histological examination of the biopsy material, the patient was diagnosed with tubular adenoma of the rectum. Computed tomography revealed a mass 5718.318.3 mm in the rectal ampoule. After tissue segmentation, to make a therapeutic decision about the possibility of surgical resection and access, the ampoule of the rectum was resected through dorsal access. In the early postoperative period, tenesmus (with a decrease in their severity within a week after surgery) and partial fecal incontinence were recorded. The most serious complication was the formation of several more defects of the colon wall cranially from the superimposed anastomoses, which required three more operations. To decompress the colorectal anastomosis, a temporary flank double-barrelled colostomy with a support bridge was performed. The study revealed that despite the relatively rare incidence of TA in dogs, the comparison investigation of diagnosis and surgical treatment methods and avoiding postoperative complications and tumor recurrence is a relevant task both due to the possibility of TA malignancy and due to the fact that dogs are a naturally biological model for investigating this pathology.

Introduction. With the time of operation of buildings and structures, soil compaction occurs under the base of their foundations from all the acting loads from the building. The purpose of the research is to study the movements of the building foundations during the construction of the underground part with their possible preventive reinforcement during reconstruction, taking into account changes in the strength and deformation characteristics of soils. The solution of this problem will allow the most detailed consideration of buildings settlement during reconstruction.Materials and methods. A series of numerical calculations in the PLAXIS 2D software package of the interaction of the foundation with the foundation soil during the reconstruction of a building with the development of underground space, including the construction of two or three underground floors, were carried out.Results. The effect of taking into account the improved soil characteristics with regard to the time of building operation on the settlement of existing foundations during reconstruction with the development of underground space is studied. It was revealed that the reinforcement of foundations with soil-cement elements reduces the settlement during reconstruction approximately in two times. The influence of the number of floors of the designed underground car park on the stress-strain state of the soil massif is considered.Conclusions. Numerical studies show that strengthening of soils under the base of existing foundations leads to a decrease in the building settlement during reconstruction with the development of underground space. Reinforcement of the existing foundation with soil-cement elements makes it possible not to exceed the maximum additional settlement of the reconstructed building. A decrease in the settlement of existing foundations with a decrease in the number of storeys of the designed underground part is revealed.

Our study investigates the interaction of dislocations with hexagonal close-packed (hcp) and chi-phase (χ) particles in body-centred cubic (bcc) tungsten (W) using molecular dynamics simulations. The research aims to understand how these interactions influence the mechanical properties of W, particularly in the context of neutron irradiation environments. The simulations were conducted with spherical and cylindrical particles at various temperatures and cell sizes to observe the effects on critical shear stress. Results indicate that the shape and size of the particles significantly affect the critical shear stress required for dislocation movement, with cylindrical particles requiring higher stresses than spherical ones. Additionally, the study found that temperature variations have a more pronounced effect on χ-phase particles compared to hcp-phase particles. Our findings provide insights into the strengthening mechanisms in W-Re alloys and suggest potential pathways for enhancing the material’s performance under extreme conditions.

In the case where an interstitial atom is located in a close-packed atomic row of the crystal lattice, it is called a crowdion. Crowdions play an important role in the processes of mass and energy transfer resulting from irradiation, severe plastic deformation, ion implantation, plasma and laser processing, etc. In this work, supersonic N-crowdions (N=1, 2) in fcc lattices of lead and nickel are studied by the method of molecular dynamics. Modeling shows that the propagation distance of a supersonic 2-crowdion in lead at a high initial velocity is less than that of a supersonic 1-crowdion. In other fcc metals studied, including nickel, supersonic 2-crowdions have a longer propagation distance than 1-crowdions. The relatively short propagation distance of supersonic 2-crowdions in lead is due to their instability and rapid transformation into supersonic 1-crowdions. This feature of the dynamics of supersonic N-crowdions in lead explains its high radiation-shielding properties.

Objective: to conduct the study of age distribution of bone mineral density (BMD) by the database of dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and to compare it with datа of population NHANES study. Material and methods. We used data from the densitometry of three-zone (total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), and lumbar spine) measured by DXA from two outpatient clinics. The obtained data were compared with NHANES III for TH and FN and with NHANES 2005-08 for lumbar spine. The BMD value was corrected with the calibration coefficient for each DXA scanner. Adjustments were also made for the population distribution by sex and age. Results. Compared with NHANES for FN and TH, the obtained BMD values were significantly decreased for patients aged less than 50 years (men and women). The BMD values for FN and TH were unsignificantly decreased in men older 50 years. In women older 50 years unsignificantly decreased BMD values for FN and a significantly increased BMD values for TH were observed. The BMD values were decreased for lumbar spine in men and women throughout this age interval (more than 50 years old). Conclusion. The population BMD distribution in men and women was assessed by DXA method. The obtained dependence of the BMD for FN in women older 50 years was in good agreement with the results given by Russian and foreign authors.

Magnetic resonance imaging is used for diagnosing abdominal and retroperitoneal space pathology, which allows visualizing focal or diffuse lesions in the parenchymal and hollow viscera with high diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility. Magnetic resonance imaging has advantages over computed tomography in the sensitivity and specificity of determining pathological changes in parenchymal organs, bile ducts and ducts of the pancreas, peritoneum, and retroperitoneal space. The multiparametric protocol provides information about the mutual topography of organs and their structure and the functional state of tissues. This allows to move from structural to functional evaluation. In most cases, the standard abdominal protocol includes T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, diffusion-weighted images, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Depending on the objectives and patients condition, this protocol can be significantly reduced or supplemented. Existing technical developments and achievements make it possible to simplify the scanning process and reduce the time for obtaining images while increasing the reproducibility of techniques in different healthcare institutions.

Extensive spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prompted an investigation of its diagnostic features. Acute viral pneumonia associated with COVID-19 has been described in detail using CT, radiography, and MRI. There is no data in the literature on the descriptive picture observed with dynamic MRI. Considering a comprehensive diagnostic approach, radiologists should know how to correctly recognize and interpret COVID-19 on MRI. This case series demonstrated the ability of dynamic MRI to detect the cloudy sky sign and distinguish it from consolidation in COVID-19 patients, thus presumably distinguishing between early or mild changes and a progressive clinical course. These changes in dynamic lung images on MRI can be recorded depending on the phase of the respiratory cycle. Thus, MRI, as a radiation-free tool that can be used to examine a patient with acute viral pneumonia COVID-19, can be useful in cases where access to computed tomography is limited and dynamic morphofunctional imaging is required.

Background: Freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) exert a significant adverse impact on the patients quality of life, the degree of their disability, and the risk of falls. A specific characteristic of FOG is a poor response to medical treatment. According to the data of open-label clinical trials and clinical case series published in the last decade, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can be considered as one of the methods to improve this type of movement disorders. Materials and methods: We present a clinical series of patients with PD and PSP, who underwent implantation of a chronic epidural SCS system at the mid-thoracic level to correct FOG. The efficacy of surgical treatment was assessed at 2 and 5 months with the following scales and questionnaires: part III Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale of Movement Disorder Society (MDS-UPDRS), Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOG-Q), Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire-8 (PDQ-8), Time up and Go Test (TUG), 10 Meter Walk Test. The patients were asked to report possible adverse reactions after the procedure. Results: The results of a 5-month follow-up were obtained from 4 patients (2 with PD and 2 with PSP). There were no adverse events associated with SCS. Оnly one patient with PD experienced a decrease in the severity of motor symptoms according to the MDS-UPDRS part III scale. An increase in the speed of 10 meters' walking distance and TUG test performance was observed in 3 patients. All patients reported an improvement in the quality of life (according to the PDQ-8 questionnaire) and confidence in maintaining balance (according to the ABC questionnaire) by month 2 after surgery. However, at month 5, a negative trend was noted again. Conclusion: The SCS method was safe in all 4 clinical cases described. There was a positive effect of SCS on the improvement of FOG and postural balance in PD and PSP. However, the duration of the therapeutic effect may vary.

The work is devoted to mathematical modeling of a DC motor rotation speed control system based on the use of a PI controller. DC motors are widely used in industry for driving cyclical mechanisms where high speed response, high starting torque, linear control are required. The main methods for controlling the required characteristics of the speed of rotation of a DC motor with independent excitation are to control the parameters of the armature and excitation windings fed from different sources. The PI controller is widely used in programmable logic controllers due to the simplicity and clarity of the mathematical apparatus. The proposed mathematical model of the PI controller is based on the choice of optimal parameters that ensure that the actual speed is kept close to the set one. The optimum PI controller coefficients KP and KI have been determined to give the best result for a constant speed. The results of computer simulation in MatLab are compared with the results of simulation on a laboratory setup. The data are obtained when using the PI controller for the steady-state error and transient time look preferable to the simulation model with voltage regulation. The developed mathematical model shows the following main results: acceleration time < 0,3 s; transient process time < 0,5 s; overshoot does not exceed 0,5 %; the steady-state error does not exceed 0,1 %. As a result of the study, a mathematical model is developed and the operation of a DC motor with a PI controller is analyzed, which makes it possible to almost completely eliminate forced oscillations and a steady-state error. The advantage of the proposed method of using the PI controller is noted as a more familiar and easy-to-use control element when implemented in existing control systems without any special changes.

Although sarcopenia is a relatively new diagnosis for medical statistics and the healthcare system, it represents a social and economic burden on the healthcare due to the large number of possible adverse outcomes such as increased risk of falls, physical disability, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality. No specialized medical treatment is available for sarcopenia; however, prevention and timely nonpharmacological treatment can reduce the risk of potential adverse effects. To establish the diagnosis of sarcopenia, it is necessary to confirm the decrease in not only muscle strength but also muscle mass. Instrumental diagnostics includes methods such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and bioimpedance analysis. These methods can be supplemented by artificial intelligence algorithms for the automatic segmentation of muscle and fat tissue on computed tomography and magnetic resonance images, followed by calculation of the skeletal muscle index at the level of the L3 vertebra (L3SMI). Such software, when used in systems such as the Unified Radiological Information Service of the Unified Medical Information and Analytical System of Moscow, opens up opportunities for opportunistic screening. However, despite the recognition of CT and MRI as the gold standard by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, there are no generally accepted L3SMI cut-off values for CT and MR diagnostics of sarcopenia. Furthermore, there is the problem of unifying the term skeletal muscle index. If these problems could be solved through further population studies, it will be possible to obtain a new method for the instrumental diagnosis of sarcopenia with its subsequent use for opportunistic screening.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men worldwide. PI-RADS v2.1 contains the requirements for the magnetic resonance imaging protocol, which cannot be fully implemented on a significant component of functioning scanners. Consequently, magnetic resonance imaging approaches vary in different medical organizations and often do not allow for a qualitative interpretation of images and diagnosis of the target pathology. AIM: To develop a biparametric magnetic resonance imaging protocol optimized for the existing magnetic resonance imaging scanners for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and to allow the screening and detection of neoplasms as early as possible. Simultaneously, the protocol should fulfill the current PI-RADS v2.1 recommendations to the maximum possible extent and meet the requirements of effective workflow in the radiology department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preliminary analysis of prostate magnetic resonance imaging scanning in medical organizations of the Moscow Health Care Department showed the absence of a unified approach. Using the iterative adjustment of scanning parameters, we adjusted the protocol to ensure acceptable quality with maximum available compliance with PI-RADS v2.1. To quantify the quality of the images, we used the magnetic resonance imaging phantom recommended by the American College of Radiology. RESULTS: The biparametric protocol was developed for Excelart Vantage 1.5 T, including T2-weighted images in three planes and diffusion-weighted images, which took less than 11 min. Moreover, the image quality parameters (intensity inhomogeneity, nonlinearity, resolution, and slice thickness) were within the acceptable ranges recommended by the magnetic resonance imaging manufacturer. CONCLUSION: The prostate may be effectively evaluated using the proposed magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Introducing it into practice could have a significant impact on the detection of prostate cancer in men. The entire duration of the protocol provides a possibility to supplement it with any sequences, depending on the final purpose of investigation.

The aim – to determine the possibility of identifying individuals with osteoporosis using asynchronous computed quantitative tomography (CT) of the proximal femur by comparison with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DХA).Materials and methods. The study included 40 postmenopausal women and 6 men over 50 years old (Me of age – 72.5 [65.3; 77.7] years) referred by the attending physician for densitometric examination. The patients signed an informed consent. The measurements were performed on a DXA with a narrow fan beam (Lunar Prodigy Advance, GE Healthcare, USA), and QCT on the Aquilion 64 (Canon Medical Systems, Japan). Correlation analysis and comparison of projected bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), measurement area and T-score using the Blend – Altman method were carried out.Results. A statistically significant correlations were revealed between the indicators of DXA and asynchronous QCT: for femoral neck BMD r=0.93; for the T-score r=0.93; for the total hip – r=0.91 and r=0.91 respectively. When conducting the analysis using the Blend – Altman method, it was found that the QCT underestimated the value of the femoral neck BMC (bias –0.923 g), covered a smaller area of interest (bias 0.376 cm2 ), and therefore there was a shift in the values of BMD by –0.224 g/cm2 . The value of the T-score for the femoral neck had bias –0.29 standard deviations (SD), and for the total hip –0.72 SD, which were statistically significant.Conclusions. There was a high correlation between quantitative indicators of bone tissue of the proximal hip, assessed using QCT and DXA. The BMD and T-score values for the femoral neck and the total hip at QCT were lower compared to the values of the DXA results. Considering the conducted research, it is recommended that when introducing asynchronous QCT into clinical practice to identify people with osteoporosis, a synchronous phantom should be pre-scanned to compare the QCT and DXA results, followed by adjusting the BMD and T-score values for QCT by the average difference between them.

Background. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is an effective method for bone mineral density (BMD) and subcutaneous fat percentage estimation. The constant development of new densitometry techniques, the demographic change and the higher potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare enhance requirements for the high-quality measurements in DXA. This study aimed to develop a quality control method for DXA scanners and compare four DXA systems with different X-ray geometries and manufacturers when simulating fat-water environments. Methods. We evaluated the accuracy (relative error (%) and precision (CV%)) of the bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, performed by the four DXA scanners: 2 with narrow-angle fan beam (64- and 16-channel detectors (DXA-1, DXA-2)); 1 with wide-angle fan beam (DXA-3); 1 with pencil beam (DXA-4). We used a PHK (PHantom Kalium) designed to imitate spine. The PHK contained four vertebras filled with a K2HPO4 solution in various concentrations (50-200 mg/ml). The PHK also included paraffin patches (thickness 40 mm) to simulate the fat layer. Results. DXA-1 and DXA-2 demonstrated the best CV% ranged from 0.56% to 1.05%. The least % was observed when scanning PHK with fat layer on DXA-1 and DXA-2 (1.74% and 0.85%) and DXA-4 (1.47%). DXA-3 produced significantly lower BMD (= -14.56%, p = 0.000). After removing the fat layer, we observed reduction (p = 0.000) of BMD for DXA- 1 and DXA-2 (= -5.11% and -6.12% respectively) and weak deviation (p = 0.80) for DXA-4 (0.87%). For DXA-3, removal of the fat layer also resulted in a significant reduction in BMD ( = -16.44%, p = 0.000). The subcutaneous fat modeling showed that all these DXA systems automatically determine the percentage of fat in the scanned area with weak underestimation: for DXA-1, DXA-2 and DXA-4 the % were -5,9%, -6,3% and -2,3% respectively. CV% were 0.15%; 0.39%; 1.6%, respectively. Conclusions. We proved a significant underestimation of the BMD measurements across the entire range of simulated parameters for the DXA scanners when the model did not include the subcutaneous fat layer. All models demonstrated high accuracy in measuring the fat layer, with the exception of the DXA-3 model, which was not assessed in these studies.

The issues of quality medical care management and organization of the work of the department of radiation diagnostics are always relevant and require constant monitoring and analytical expertise. Since 2018, the Moscow regional branch of the Russian Society of Radiologists and Radiologists (MRO PORR) has been conducting an independent assessment of the departments of radiation diagnostics in all the regions of Russia. The rating aimed to identify industry leaders and spread the best practices throughout the country. The survey results identified the positive trends in the development of diagnostic care services throughout the country and critical points that affect the quality of work of medical organizations. This study presents an analysis of the functioning of 123 departments of radiation diagnostics in 2020. After meeting the inclusion criteria, a list of 163 medical organizations in 15 cities of 7 federal districts was formed. The evaluation procedure was divided into three stages. The first stage consisted of an online survey, wherein each of the participating organizations was asked to answer questions about the departments work arrangement, equipment, list, and features of performing diagnostic tests, as well as working with patients. The second stage consisted of a clinical and technical audit of a set of anonymized studies with conclusions. Special attention was paid to technical audits since several medical organizations violated the methodology of conducting research. The third stage included checking the information about medical organizations in open sources. During the first and second stages, points were awarded, based on which the finalists, leaders, and rating winners were selected. According to the evaluation results of all stages,31 organizations reached the final stage,6 were in the group of leaders, and 5 were winners, whereas 45% of the finalists belonged to the Central Federal District. Greater interest was found in the auditing work in municipal and private medical institutions than in departmental and federal ones. Some database has been collected, in addition to the list of winners, which may represent a cross-section of the state of the radiation diagnostics service in the Russian Federation. Conducting such competitions is primarily aimed at improving the quality and safety of X-ray examinations. The methodology of the competition is improved every year.

Diagnostic studies that are conducted using any medical equipment require comprehensive control, which is provided by several regulatory documents. Particular attention is paid to X-ray imaging methods, but in the field of magnetic resonance imaging, one can notice both the lack of attention and the multidirectional efforts for its normalization. Understandably, this diagnostic method is not based on the use of ionizing radiation, and magnetic fields have some effect on human health, especially on personnel who work in magnetic resonance imaging rooms at all times. They are safe for patients who come to the diagnostic procedure from time to time and those without foreign metal (steel implants) or electronic (pacemakers and neurostimulators) objects in their bodies. However, ignorance and non-compliance with both advisory and mandatory requirements can significantly increase the risk of harm to patients or staff, as well as lead to a decreased quality of imaging and diagnostics. A separate feature of the field of magnetic resonance imaging regulation in the past decades includes more than a dozen of different standards, sanitary norms, rules, letters, and recommendations that have been published or revised, of which a significant part complement or duplicate each other, or completely contradict each other. Therefore, the need to ensure the compliance of the magnetic resonance imaging room/department with the requirements of regulatory documents is greatly complicated. This study provides an overview of the regulatory documentation in force in Russia related to the organization and functioning of a magnetic resonance imaging room/department, highlights the aspects that are most important from the point of view of the safe and high-quality operation, and formulates the steps necessary to modernize the system, both from the point of view of the quality of diagnostics and the safety of magnetic resonance imaging studies.

Diagnostic and treatment approaches in prostate cancer rely on a combination of magnetic resonance imaging and histological data. This study aimed to introduce the basics of the current diagnostic approach in prostate cancer with a focus on texture analysis. Texture analysis evaluates the relationships between image pixels using mathematical methods, which provide additional information. First-order texture analysis of features can have greater clinical reproducibility than higher-order texture features. Textural features that are extracted from diffusion coefficient maps have shown the greatest clinical relevance. Future research should focus on integrating machine learning methods to facilitate the use of texture analysis in clinical practice. The development of automated segmentation methods is required to reduce the likelihood of including normal tissue in the area of interest. Texture analysis allows the noninvasive separation of patients into groups in terms of possible treatment options. Currently, few clinical studies reported on the differential diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer, including the Gleason and International Society of Urological Pathology grading. Large prospective studies are required to verify the diagnostic potential of textural features.

Abstract Background Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) has proven efficacy in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Few studies have assessed patient-reported outcomes and preference between colonoscopy and CCE. Methods Patients from our centre who had both a CCE and colonoscopy within a 12-month period were identified. We performed over-the-phone interviews focused on satisfaction, comfort, and overall preference with a 10-point Likert scale. Electronic records were reviewed; reported Modified-Gloucester-Comfort-Scale (GCS) score, sedation, bowel preparation and endoscopist grade were documented. Data was compared between procedures. A Fishers exact test was used to compare proportions and a Student t-test was used to compare means, a p

Introduction The prevalence of osteoporosis is predicted to increase among individuals over 50 years of age. Research was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of the clinical use of asynchronous quantitative computed tomography (QCT) facilitating the diagnosis of the condition. Objective Review the results of asynchronous QCT introduced in an outpatient clinic in Moscow, with reference to the risk factors included in the FRAX tool. Material and methods Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in patients referred for QCT by specialized clinicians employed at the same medical institution. The QCT scanning included two areas: the lumbar spine and the proximal femur and was produced with the Toshiba Aquilion 64 CT Scanner, and BMD measured using QCT PRO. A sampling analysis of the 10-year probability of a major osteop orotic fracture was produced using the FRAX tool with the exclusion criteria of anti-osteoporotic treatment, unreliable data in the questionnaire, artifacts in the images of the proximal femur. Based on the results, patients were assigned to groups by indications for initiating treatment in accordance with the FRAX strategies, FRAX corrected for BMD of the femoral neck, QCT, FRAX in conjunction with QCT. Results Within a year of the study, QCT scans were performed for 710 women with the mean age (MA) of 67.3 (9.3) years. Based on CT findings of three sites of interest patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis (n = 418, 59 %), osteopenia (n = 252, 35 %), and 40 (6 %) showed normal manifestations. The FRAX-based 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures was used selectively for 111 patients with a high risk detected in 15.2 %, and BMD of the femoral neck adjusted in 14.3 %. QCT findings revealed a high risk of fractures in 46.4 % of the surveyed patients who could receive treatment. The use of QCT in addition to FRAX allowed optimal identification of patients who had antiresorptive treatment indicated in 30.4 %. Conclusion QCT findings detected osteoporosis in 59 % of patients, while the FRAX-based estimates of 10-year fracture probabilities indicated to the need for initiation of treatment in 15.2 % only. Using the FRAX tool and QCT findings together allowed optimization in the proportion of patients who required anti-osteoporotic treatment up to 30.4 %. The results of the study can be used in the development of a clinical decision support system for management of patients with suspected osteoporosis.

The structural organization of natural pigment-protein complexes provides a specific environment for the chromophore groups. Yet, proteins are inherently dynamic and conformationally mobile. In this work, we demonstrate the heterogeneity of chromophores of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) from Arthrospira platensis. Part of the population of trimeric C-PC is subject to spontaneous disturbances of protein–protein interactions resulting in increased conformational mobility of the chromophores. Upon fluorescence excitation in the visible range, the spectral signatures of these poorly populated states are masked by bulk chromophore states, but the former could be clearly discriminated when the fluorescence is excited by near-infrared quanta. Such selective excitation of conformationally mobile C-PC chromophores is due to the structure of their S1 level, which is characterized by a significantly broadened spectral line. We demonstrate that the anti-Stokes C-PC fluorescence is the result of single-photon absorption. By combining spectral and structural methods, we characterize four distinct states of C-PC chromophores emitting at 620, 650, 665, and 720 nm and assigned the fast component in the anti-Stokes fluorescence decay kinetics in the range of 690–750 nm to the chromophores with increased conformational mobility. Our data suggest that the spectral and temporal characteristics of the anti-Stokes fluorescence can be used to study protein dynamics and develop methods to visualize local environment parameters such as temperature.

The problem of the "Dutch disease" and the impact of the raw materials complex and its export component on the economic development of Russia are actualized today in the context of the pressure of international economic sanctions on the Russian economy, when the Russian society has to solve problems that were characteristic of the Soviet Union, we mean, first of all, import substitution. In this regard, we need to understand how negatively the impact of energy exports on the socio-economic development of Russia was, while answering the question, was this development abnormal or, if so, due to what factors? Obviously, the crises in Russia in the 1990s and 2009–2011 had a nature weakly associated with raw material specialization. The purpose of this work is to identify the impact of energy exports on the economic development of Russia in retrospect with the construction of a long-term forecast of GDP growth in the Russian Federation in the context of the development of international economic sanctions. Accordingly, the objectives of the study include: to determine how economic growth in the post-Soviet period before the imposition of sanctions was affected by oil exports; secondly, to what extent oil exports influenced innovative development; thirdly, to create a predictive model for the growth of the Russian economy in the context of international sanctions (the situation with the embargo on Russian oil exports to the West). The subject of the study is the impact of oil exports on the socio-economic development of Russia, the object is the macroeconomic situation in Russia before and after international economic sanctions.

F-type ATP synthases play a key role in oxidative and photophosphorylation processes generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for most biochemical reactions in living organisms. In contrast to the mitochondrial FOF1-ATP synthases, those of chloroplasts are known to be mostly monomers with approx. 15% fraction of oligomers interacting presumably non-specifically in a thylakoid membrane. To shed light on the nature of this difference we studied interactions of the chloroplast ATP synthases using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method. Here, we report evidence of I-shaped dimerization of solubilized FOF1-ATP synthases from spinach chloroplasts at different ionic strengths. The structural data were obtained by SAXS and demonstrated dimerization in response to ionic strength. The best model describing SAXS data was two ATP-synthases connected through F1/F1′ parts, presumably via their δ-subunits, forming “I” shape dimers. Such I-shaped dimers might possibly connect the neighboring lamellae in thylakoid stacks assuming that the FOF1 monomers comprising such dimers are embedded in parallel opposing stacked thylakoid membrane areas. If this type of dimerization exists in nature, it might be one of the pathways of inhibition of chloroplast FOF1-ATP synthase for preventing ATP hydrolysis in the dark, when ionic strength in plant chloroplasts is rising. Together with a redox switch inserted into a γ-subunit of chloroplast FOF1 and lateral oligomerization, an I-shaped dimerization might comprise a subtle regulatory process of ATP synthesis and stabilize the structure of thylakoid stacks in chloroplasts.

THE PURPOSE. To analyze scenarios for the development of the energy complex of one of the regions of the North-East of Russia for the period up to 2030 with a target vision until 2050. This will require an analysis of the current state of the energy complex; show the latest changes in the power supply system; propose promising areas for the transfer of electricity. METHODS. To assess the current state of the electric power industry, from the point of view of the most efficient use of natural energy resources and the potential of the energy sector of the economy, methods of collecting and processing statistical data were applied. For the technical assessment of the state of electric power facilities, analytical and logical- probabilistic methods for determining reliability were applied. To predict energy consumption, mathematical modeling methods were used with the construction of approximating polynomials. RESULTS. The article evaluates the strategic and moderate scenarios for the development of the energy sector of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in modern conditions, taking into account the increase in the energy efficiency of the region's economy. The indicators of electricity consumption throughout the republic, the Western Energy District and the decentralized power supply zone were subject to assessment. Long-term forecasts made do not confirm the development of events according to a more stringent strategic scenario. At the same time, the results for the moderate scenario are fully correlated with both the current state of the energy sector and the prospects for its development. CONCLUSION. Analysis of the current state and assessment of scenarios for the development of the energy sector of the republic's economy showed an increase in the reliability of power supply systems when organizing a "ring" in the Western Energy District; increase in useful electricity consumption by 2030; increase in electricity production; changes in the structure of electricity production.

Article investigates the change in the geophysical properties of rocks in the process of extracting the rock sample from great depths. Evaluation of changes in effective elastic properties, porosity and permeability of rock samples during extraction was carried out by means of finite element modeling. Assessment of the critical dimensions and orientation of internal defects, leading to the destruction of the rock samples during extraction from great depths, has been made based on the methods of linear destruction mechanics. Approach that makes it possible to calculate the change in the mechanical properties, porosity and fracturing of reservoir rocks in the process of extracting the rock sample from depths to the surface is proposed. Use of refined data on the mechanical properties of recoverable rock samples makes it possible to increase the accuracy of digital geological models required for geological exploration, determination of reservoir properties and oil and gas saturation of a field, and development of oil and gas deposits. Application of such models is especially relevant at all stages of the fields development with hard-to-recover reserves.

Introduction The systemic nature of the disease and the use of modern conservative therapy may cast doubt on the effectiveness and necessity of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). A comprehensive assessment of the functional state, quality of life (QOL) and subjective assessment of patients allows the most complete analysis of treatment results. Objective Comprehensive analysis of short-term results of quality of life, clinical and functional status and treatment satisfaction in patients with AS after THA. Materials and methods 17 patients with AS underwent primary THA (5 women, 12 men, average age 43.8 ± 3.1; from 33 to 52 years). Cases of complete bone ankylosis of the hip joint were excluded. An analysis of the functional state using Harris Hip Score and QOL (SF-36v2) was performed before surgery, 2 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. Patient treatment satisfaction analysis (VAS) was performed at the same follow-ups. Results A significant improvement in clinical and functional status (HHS) and QOL (SF-36v2) was obtained after 2, 6, 12 months compared with the preoperative level (p < 0.05). High levels of patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes were achieved. Para-articular ossification (3 patients, 18 %), a hematoma in the postoperative wound area (1 patient, 6 %), implant dislocation (1 patient, 6 %) were the main complications. Conclusion THA in patients with AS improves not only the functional state but also the QOL compared with the preoperative level.

The relevance of the research is caused by the need to identify the causes of failure of the nodes and parts of the frequency converter, as well as the capacitor of the filter compensating device in the electric drive system of the skip hoist. The failure of this unit during the development of the protection algorithm leads to application of a safety brake to the lifting machine, which has a sufficiently large kinetic energy, which, in its turn, dissipates in the components and parts of the lifting machine, leading to a reduction in their service life. The aim of the research is to determine the degree of influence of higher harmonics in the power supply system of an underground mine on the elements of the frequency converter of the electric drive system of a skip hoist installation and propose methods to reduce them. Objects: frequency converter, electric drive system of a lifting installation, power supply system of an underground mine, other technological installations and their electric drive systems that affect the generation of higher harmonics. Methods: instrumental control of electric energy quality indicators in accordance with the requirements of GOST 32144-2013; mathematical processing and analysis of the results using the MathCAD software; computer simulation of the operation modes of the electric drive system in the MatLab environment. Results. The authors have given the characteristic of a skip hoist machine for a blind skip shaft and its electric drive system and analyzed the results of inspection of the electric drive system obtained both before and after putting the unit into commercial operation. The reasons for the failure of the filter compensating device are investigated, and the causes of failures in the operation of the frequency converter are analyzed. The authors drew the conclusions on the effect of higher harmonics on a frequency converter operation in an underground mine and proposed the measures to protect electrical equipment from higher harmonics and methods for their reduction.

In the twenty-first century different countries and cities are increasingly seeking to introduce quality improvements in their livelihoods, generate for its residents an environment that is called “smart city” on the basis of high technologies. The article shows that the emergence of a “smart” city is an objective necessity due to the rapid growth of cities in the present and in the future. “Smart” city is designed to solve life problems in cities and create conditions for the socio-economic development of cities and countries, and for a favorable stay of residents on its territory. There are a number of strategies to implement the concept of “smart”, but it is important for each urban settlement to develop its own approaches and projects.

The influence of the domain structure’s initial topology and its evolution on the hysteresis curves of tetragonal and rhombohedral polydomain structures of ferroelectroelastic materials is studied. Based on the analysis of electrical and mechanical compatibility conditions, all possible variants of representative volume elements of tetragonal and rhombohedral second-rank-domain laminate structures were obtained and used in simulations. Considerable local inhomogeneity of stress and electric fields within the representative volume, as well as domain interaction, necessitates the use of numerical methods. Hysteresis curves for laminated domain patterns of the second rank were obtained using finite-element homogenization. The vector-potential finite-element formulation as the most effective method was used for solving nonlinear coupled boundary value problems of ferroelectroelasticity. A significant anisotropy of the hysteresis properties of domain structures was established both within individual phases and when comparing the tetragonal and rhombohedral phases. The proposed approach describes the effects of domain hardening and unloading nonlinearity.

Objective. To compare bone mineral density (BMD) values derived during one-year asynchronous quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in two urban polyclinics (UPs).Material and methods. The investigation enrolled women aged 40 to 85 years: 694 and 724 patients in UP А and UP B, respectively, who underwent QCT scanning of the proximal femur and spine. The BMD values were compared with the reference data embedded in the QCP software, by using the methods of regression analysis. Quantitative indicators were calculated using the Z-test. To standardize the indicators of QCT in UP A and UP B, cross-calibration was performed using a phantom.Results. Comparison of the obtained mean BMD values with the reference one for three regions of central densitometry established a statistically significant (p

Purpose of the study — to assess the accuracy of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA ) for measurements of mineral bone density, bone mineral content, area of selected spine zone of examination as well as impact of subcutaneous fat layer and correction of auto-segmenting of the spine on the mentioned parameters. Material and Methods. The study was performed on iDXA scanner using the designed phantom DMA PP2 of the lumber spine with inlays to simulate subcutaneous fat (SF). To ensure correct assessment of measurements (precision and accuracy) the authors performed fivefold repeated scanning. Two modifications of the phantom were used, with and without SF inlays, as well as two methods for selection of spine range for examination – automatic and correction of autosegmentation. Results. Scanning of the phantom without SF inlays demonstrated a systematic understated values of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) along the full measured interval: mean relative error of BMD for L1-L4 interval was 10.62% with automatic segmentation and 7.43% — with correction of autosegmentation. The least accuracy for BMD and BMC (1.53% and 0.90%, respectively) was observed during SF simulation and with correction of auto-segmentation of the spine. Analysis of variation coefficient for area of examined vertebrae, BMC and BMD demonstrated rather high precision of measurements, namely for BMD without SF in the L1-L4 interval amounted to 1.00% (auto-segmentation) and 0.56% (correction). Variation coefficient for scanning including SF inlays in the interval L1-L4 was 1.00% (auto-segmentation) and 0.68% (correction). Conclusion. The lowest level of accuracy was observed with the SFL object; in this case, the variation coefficient did not exceed 1% for all BMD interval. The mean value of the BMC accuracy also did not exceed 1% with the optimal scan parameters. The study proved the effectiveness of “RSK PK2” phantom when estimating the accuracy of BMD and BMC on iDXA scanner.

Subject of study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most common and popular methods of medical imaging, based on the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance. Despite the absence of ionizing radiation, there are some risk factors for the patient, one of which is the presence of metal structures in the patient's body. The thermal effect arising in the process of magnetic resonance study for patients with ferromagnetic objects is studied. Method. The study of metal objects surface heating was carried out using fiber optic sensors. A phantom was developed with the objects of different materials (steel, ferrite, brass, neodymium magnet) fixed on it. To obtain the maximum possible heating, the corresponding scanning conditions with the highest possible specific absorption coefficient were chosen. Main results. The results of materials heating measuring are presented. It is shown that the temperature of all objects increased in the range of 2.5 to 4.0 °C for total scan time of 90 minutes, while the temperature outside these objects did not change. In this case, heating exceeding the limit of 1 °C for 6 minutes was observed for none of the objects. Practical relevance. The study results can be applied in the development and identification of mathematical models of heat transfer within the framework of comprehensive patient safety in the MRI room. The study opens up the prospect of expanding indications in MRI studies for patients with metallic foreign bodies who need this type of diagnosis (without taking into account other risks: mechanical displacement and deterioration of visualization).

In this work we have considered metrological problems and measurement of magnetic parameters and presented methods of measuring effective magnetic anisotropy field HAeff and ferromagnetic resonance bandwidth ∆H in magnetically uniaxial hexagonal ferrites in the electromagnetic microwave working frequency range. The methods allow measuring HAeff in the 10–23 and 28–40 kE ranges and ∆H in the 0.5–5.0 range. One method (suitable for wavelength measurements in free space in the 3-mm wavelength range) has been implemented for the 78.33–118.1 GHz range. The other method (based on the use of microstrip transmission lines) has been implemented for the 25–67 GHz range. The methods have been tested for polycrystalline specimens of hexagonal barium and strontium ferrites with nominal composition or complex substituted and having high magnetic texture. The measurement results have been compared with those obtained using conventional measurement methods and spherical specimens. Our methods prove to be highly accurate and reliable.

The paper analyzes the technical condition of the network equipment of Western electric networks of PJSC «Yakutskenergo» for the last 10 years. The geographical location of the networks of the electric networks is shown, which determines the scale of the study. Technical indicators in the interval of 10 years are presented, which testify to an increase in the volume of fixed assets of the enterprise. Mathematical models of the wear dynamics of the transmission equipment of the Western electric networks have been obtained. It is proved that the technical condition of the equipment will deteriorate further in the absence of appropriate financing.

Delocalized nonlinear vibrational modes (DNVMs) are exact solutions of the equations of motion, and therefore, DNVMs exist at any vibration amplitude and do not depend on interaction potentials. For the first time, modulation instability of four one-component three-dimensional DNVMs is studied in a single crystal of fcc copper with the use of methods of molecular dynamics. DNVMs frequencies, evolution of stresses, kinetic and potential energies, and heat capacity depending on the oscillation amplitudes are analyzed. It is found that all four DNVMs are characterized by a hard-type anharmonicity. Modulation instability of DNVMs results in a formation of chaotic discrete breathers (DBs) with frequency above the upper edge of the phonon spectrum of the crystal. The lifetime of chaotic DBs is found to be in the range of 30–100 ps. At low-oscillation frequencies, longer-lived DBs are formed. The growth of modulation instability leads to an increase in mechanical stresses and a decrease in the heat capacity of the crystal. The results obtained in this work enrich our understanding of the influence of the modulation instability of DNVMs on the properties of metals.

Stanene, composed of tin atoms, is a member of 2D-Xenes, two-dimensional single element materials. The properties of the stanene can be changed and improved by applying deformation, and it is important to know the range of in-plane deformation that the stanene can withstand. Using the Tersoff interatomic potential for calculation of phonon frequencies, the range of stability of planar stanene under uniform in-plane deformation is analyzed and compared with the known data for graphene. Unlike atomically flat graphene, stanene has a certain thickness (buckling height). It is shown that as the tensile strain increases, the thickness of the buckled stanene decreases, and when a certain tensile strain is reached, the stanene becomes absolutely flat, like graphene. Postcritical behaviour of stanene depends on the type of applied strain: critical tensile strain leads to breaking of interatomic bonds and critical in-plane compressive strain leads to rippling of stanene. It is demonstrated that application of shear strain reduces the range of stability of stanene. The existence of two energetically equivalent states of stanene is shown, and consequently, the possibility of the formation of domains separated by domain walls in the stanene is predicted.

This article presents a description of three decision support systems (DSS) in the mode of an adviser to the technological personnel of blast furnaces (BF), which were implemented by the Iron and Steel Institute of Z.I. Nekrasov (Dnipro, Ukraine) or underwent pilot testing as part of the automated control system of the BF shop of PrJSC “Kamet-steel” (Kamianske, Ukraine). The first DSS for managing the thermal state was implemented in 2021; it includes the entire list of information necessary for personnel in a convenient and compact form, generates recommendations in case of technology deviations, and, in the case of incorrect actions by the personnel, signals the need for correct actions. The main recommendations from the DSS are to correct the raceway adiabatic flame temperature, coke consumption when its characteristics are specified in (indicators of strength and abrasion, fractional composition, humidity, ash and sulfur), and ore load change. Using the system allows both reducing the specific coke consumption and preventing unplanned downtime. The second DSS for controlling the distribution of fuel additives over air tuyeres is based on information on thermal loads determined on water-cooled elements of tuyere tools. The main recommendations from the DSS are to adjust the amount of injected pulverized coal fuel on individual tuyeres in order to ensure a uniform distribution of the raceway adiabatic flame temperature around the circumference of the BF and, as a result, the energy efficiency of BF smelting. The third DSS for adjusting the parameters of the charging mode is based on information from the means of controlling the temperatures of the gas flow above the surface of the charge in the BF. The functioning of this DSS is based on determining the reference curves for the distribution of the gas flow along the BF radii, corresponding to the minimum consumption of coke and maximum productivity, and on the search for solutions by direct and iterative optimization methods, which allow one, by adjusting the charging parameters, to ensure a rational distribution of charge materials and gas flow in the BF.