bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance and Cash Holdings
Authors: Hassanein Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Corporate cash induces the opportunistic behavior of corporate managers that can create an agency problem. A corporate governance system controls the opportunistic behavior of managers and can affect the firm's policy on holding cash. This study explains how the aspects of corporate governance, country-level and firm-level governance, can affect the corporate policy on holding cash. First, the study provides the nature, definition, and importance of corporate cash holdings. Second, it outlines various motivations and theories behind holding corporate cash. Third, it explains the relation between firm-level governance and corporate cash holdings. Fourth, it focuses on the impact of firm-specific governance attributes on the level of corporate cash holdings. Fifth, it presents the relation between country-level governance and corporate cash holdings.
Application of Thermal Spraying Techniques Used for the Surface Protection of Boiler Tubes in Power Plants
Authors: Prashar Gaurav , Vasudev Hitesh
Published: September 2020

Distinct methods of depositing the coatings are available according to the intended area of application with a sole objective to protect the surface of structural component like boiler, boiler tubes, and heat exchangers from any mechanical or chemical damage. The main benefit is to minimize the manufacturing cost of a new component and also its fabrication. Thermal spraying is the commonly used technique to tailor the surface properties with a cost-effective approach. The different techniques of thermal spraying such as plasma, HVOF, cold spraying, etc. were investigated and introduced. Although each of these processes has advantages, there are also certain disadvantages associated with them, which limit their application. In the chapter, different methods of depositing coating by thermal spray are discussed and compared. By developing advanced techniques and new coating materials, the life and efficiency of power plants can be enhanced in the future.
Fabrication of Functionally Graded Metal and Ceramic Powders Synthesized by Electroless Deposition
Authors: Güler Onur , Varol Temel
Published: September 2020

One of the most important factors in powder metallurgy is the powder properties that directly affect the final product properties. By using the functionally graded materials (FGMs) in powder metallurgy, the desired properties can be obtained by means of layers having microstructure having more than one feature in a single material structure. Similarly, by the production of functionally graded powders (FGPs), different properties can be obtained in a single powder structure and the materials that have different properties in the same structure are developed by integrating these powders with powder metallurgy. In this context, the FGMs synthesized from the FGPs produced by electroless deposition (ED) of metal or ceramic-based powder materials facilitates the production of advanced material. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is on the fabrication of metal and ceramic-based FGPs by ED and to discuss of their advantages on the powder metallurgy parts.
Surface Engineering of Materials Through Weld-Based Technologies
Authors: Muigai Magdaline N. , Mwema Fredrick M. , Akinlabi Esther T. , Obiko Japheth O.
Published: September 2020

In this chapter, an overview of welding as a technology for surface engineering is explored. According to literature, all types of welding techniques are appropriate for coating applications. However, as a result of process characteristics, some welding processes stand out. The most used welding techniques in the metal coating are arc welding (MIG, TIG, and PAW) and oxyacetylene welding. In the coating of metals using welding techniques, the coatings produced usually have a thickness that ranges between 1 and 6 millimeters. Applications of surface coating have been studied extensively. Such applications include aeronautic industry, sports, transport industries, petroleum and chemical industries, mining, food, and in the electronic industry. Plasma MIG welding is an advanced plasma process that combines the advantages of both MIG and plasma welding. Applications of plasma MIG welding in the surface coating of metals are expected to be explored extensively in the future.
Increasing Awareness
Authors: Lordly Daphne , Guy Jennifer , Li Yue
Published: September 2020

The authors situate student food experience as a key source of tension for international students. Multicultural food learning activities (MFLAs) are positioned as spaces for cultural connection and knowledge exchange. Through a review of relevant literature, three themes emerge: 1) food, diet and culture, 2) acculturation and identity through social connections with food, and 3) the implications of lack of food on culture, identity, and well-being. Reflecting on the authors' personal applications of MFLAs within nutrition curricula and a student-led society supporting cultural integration, the implications of such a learning platform are illuminated. In response to emergent themes, the authors share observations and make recommendations for university-based programming and future research. The authors urge academic communities to consider the complexity and impact of student food experiences when contemplating the international student experience in Canada. Food learning and experience-based platforms are opportunities to support student culture and identity.
Connecting Best Practices for Teaching International Students With Student Satisfaction
Authors: Smith Clayton , Zhou George , Potter Michael , Wang Deena , Menezes Fabiana , Kaur Gagneet
Published: September 2020

This chapter explores promising teaching practices for teaching linguistically and culturally diverse international students by identifying the teaching practices that have high levels of international student satisfaction and student perceptions of learning for science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM international students. Research was conducted by an international, student-learning community, with guidance from a faculty-led research team. Data was collected through a qualitative research design that included focus groups and individual interviews conducted at a mid-sized Canadian comprehensive university. A total of 28 students participated (14 STEM students and 14 non-STEM students). Researchers examined differences between STEM and non-STEM students on 22 promising teaching practices regarding student satisfaction and students' perceptions of learning. Recommendations for professional practice are discussed, along with potential areas for further research.
The Global Challenge and Re-Evaluation of Ecological Tourism in Line With Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Yilmaz Gul
Published: September 2020

In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly on 5 September 2015, 17 targets were set in line with the Sustainable Development Targets. In this study, the Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG15)—protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss—is discussed within the framework of the tourism sector. The study aims to propose a sustainable tourism vision and policy in line with the SDG 15. The study suggests the development of ecological tourism, which is a sustainable tourism vision, in line with SDGs.
Accessible Tourism and Digital Platforms
Authors: Meira Catarina , Martins Isabel Silva , Sousa Bruno Barbosa
Published: September 2020

The disclosure of accessibility conditions in tourism supply encourages the demand for destinations. The fact that a destination seeks solutions in order to satisfy the needs and preferences of tourists, regardless of the nature and degree of their disability, fosters a spirit of social and corporate responsibility, contributing to a differentiated, competitive, and, at the same time, sustainable destination. Therefore, the present study aims to present the accessible resources in the city of Viana do Castelo, based on the Tur4ll platform. The objective is to analyse the tourism offer available and suitable for tourists with special needs (SN). By using a qualitative methodology, a diagnosis of the study context is presented, as well as the main constraints and limitations that are sometimes inherent to tourism with specific motivation.
Physical and physiological changes of Crambe abyssinica Hochst seed during maturation
Authors: Silva Ana Paula de Oliveira , Ribeiro Isabella Sousa , Masetto Tathiana Elisa , Souza Luiz Carlos Ferreira
Published: September 2020

Determination of seed-maturation indicators enables the identification of the ideal moment for harvest to achieve the best production and conservation potential. Our objective here was to evaluate some physical and physiological changes of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) seeds as possible indicators of seed maturation. Crambe flowering was monitored in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Plants were tagged, and 13, 22, 26, and 28 days after the initiation of flowering, the seeds were collected and following physical attributes evaluated: length, diameter, total mass, dry matter and water content. Physiological quality of the seeds was assessed using the germination test, by registering the percentage of normal seedlings and dormant seeds, immediately after each harvest, and again after six months of storage. The water-absorption curves were characterized as a function the seed-development stages. All physical attributes were observed to increase because of the accumulation of reserve substances during seed development, except for water content, which gradually decreased from 72.2% at the start of development to 29.5% at maturity. At 28 days after anthesis the germination percentage of crambe seeds at physiological maturity was only 17%, indicating that they became dormant while maturing. However, seed germination rate was 89% after six months of storage, indicating that dormancy was almost fully overcome after this period.
Partial purification and biochemical characterization of an alkaline esterase from Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Gasparin Fabiana Guillen Moreira , Barros Marcio de , Macedo Gabriela Alves
Published: September 2020

Esterases are enzymes that present good potential for industrial applications since they catalyze the formation or cleavage of ester bonds in water-soluble substrates, and sorghum seeds can represent an alternative source of this enzyme. The extraction of esterase from sorghum seeds is an economical alternative to obtain an enzyme of great interest. Esterases may improve the quality or accelerate the maturation of cheeses, cured bacon and fermented sausages and may also resolve racemic mixtures. Recently, seed esterases have been the focus of much attention as biocatalysts. In some cases, these enzymes present advantages over animal and microbial lipases due to some quite interesting features such as specificity and low cost, being a great alternative for their commercial exploitation as industrial enzymes The esterase studied here was extracted from sorghum seeds and some of its biochemical properties determined using synthetic substrates (p-nitrophenyl butyrate, caprylate, laurate and palmitate). The enzyme presented optimum activity at pH 8.0 and was stable in all the pH ranges studied. The optimum temperature for its activity was 40ºC but it showed low stability at this temperature (40% relative activity). The values derived for Km and Vmax were 0.67mM and 125 U.mg-1, respectively, obtained using p-nitrophenyl butyrate as the substrate. The enzyme showed an increase in activity when K2HPO4 was added to the reaction medium, but the ions Mn2+, CO+, Hg+ and Fe2+ strongly inhibited the enzyme activity. This enzyme showed a preference for the hydrolysis of short chain fatty acids. The characteristics of sorghum esterase are very similar to those of the microbial esterases used in detergent processing.
Probiotic supplementation causes hematological changes and improves non-specific immunity in Brycon amazonicus
Authors: Dias Daniella de Carla , Tachibana Leonardo , Iwashita Marina Keiko Pieroni , Nakandakare Ivan Bernardoni , Romagosa Elizabeth , Seriani Robson , Ranzani-Paiva Maria José Tavares
Published: September 2020

A commercial probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis (109 CFU g-1) was evaluated in caged matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, by measuring hematological parameters and macrophage activity after 42 and 84 days after feeding. The product was added to commercial feed using 2% soybean oil as a protectant. A randomized three-treatment experiment was performed using four replicates per treatment. The groups included: (a) control without probiotic, (b) 5 g kg-1 probiotic, and (c) 10 g kg-1 probiotic. For hematological analysis, eight fish per treatment were used to determine total cell count (RBC); thrombocytes, differential, and total leukocyte count (TLC); hematocrit (Htc); hemoglobin tax; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Furthermore, plasma cortisol and glucose levels were measured in blood samples. Macrophage phagocytic activity was evaluated by injecting Saccharomyces cerevisiae (11,000 cells in a 3 mL volume) into the coelomic cavity incubating for 8 hours. Addition of probiotics to the diet of caged matrinxã altered the Htc, RBC, MCV, MCHC, TLC, lymphocyte, and eosinophil values. We observed increased cortisol and glucose levels and phagocytic activity, but no increase in the phagocytic index. We thus conclude that supplementing caged Brycon amazonicus with probiotics improves their non-specific immunity and alters blood profiles.
Larvicide potential of genus Croton L. (Euphorbiaceae) in biological control of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Silva Vitor Emanuel Sousa da , Rocha André Ricardo  Ferreira da Silva , Fernandes Victor Mateus Pinheiro , Conceição Hayla Nunes da , Lago Eliana Campelo
Published: September 2020

The reemerging diseases caused by Aedes aegypti are one of the main public health problems in the world. The control of mosquitoes using larvicidal compounds from products of plant origin is an excellent alternative. This study aims to evaluate the larvicidal potential of fractions in hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and hydromethanol from the ethanolic leaf extract of two species of the genus Croton L. (Euphorbiaceae) against larval forms of A. aegypti, as an alternative tool to control this vector. Dry leaves of Croton betaceus Baill. and Croton lundianus (Didr.) Müll. Arg. were used for biological tests. The compounds were extracted with ethanol (99.8%). The ethanolic extracts of the leaves were suspended in a methanol / water solution and were successively subjected to the liquid-liquid division process with solvents of different polarities: hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate, giving rise to the four fractions. Larvicidal tests were performed with the ethanol extract and fractions resulting from the partition. In the study, the crude extract and the fractions showed larvicidal potential, being hexane fraction the one with greatest activity. Mortality in C. betaceus fractions was up to 40%. Croton lundianus presented mortality of up to 93.33% of the larvae submitted to the test. Data analysis showed larvicidal activity in the crude extract and fractions. The hexane fraction was more effective, especially in C. lundianus.
A criança e a interação conversacional: uma execução orquestral
Authors: Santos João Ricardo Fagundes dos , Diedrich Marlete Sandra
Published: September 2020

O tema de investigação neste artigo é a busca de adaptação do discurso da criança em relação ao discurso do outro na vivência da experiência de aquisição da linguagem. Parte-se da ideia de que, ao participar da conversação, os falantes constroem suas manifestações discursivas tematicamente centradas, o que permite a analogia com a ‘orquestra’, um trabalho comum sendo orquestrado por todos que participam da interação. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar como a criança adapta o seu discurso em relação ao discurso do outro de forma a se inserir na orquestra regida pela conversação. São conceitos fundamentais na investigação da questão as ideias de orientação da palavra em função do outro e orientação apreciativa, advindas da Teoria Dialógica do Discurso. Analisam-se eventos interacionais vivenciados por uma criança na faixa etária dos dois anos e três meses a dois anos e seis meses, envolvendo uma criança mais velha e um adulto. A análise permite afirmar que a criança assume papéis particulares nas interações vivenciadas com o outro, os quais apontam para um deslocamento de situações sociais já vividas em outras enunciações para a especificidade do aqui-agora da situação mais imediata, o que se dá sempre em relação à situação social vivenciada e por meio de uma orientação apreciativa da palavra do outro.
The Death of God in Sartre's The Flies
Authors: Zuraikat Malek J. , Mashreqi Sarah
Published: September 2020

The death of god, which refers to the absence of god's value, weight, significance, and role from people's life experience, is among the most dominant themes of existential literature, especially that of Sartre. It is heavily investigated in his theoretical as well as creative works, such as Being and Nothingness (1969) and The Flies (1989) as it constitutes the cornerstone of his philosophical views of Existentialism, nihilism, freedom, and responsibility. It is hard to understand Sartre's The Flies (1989) and its philosophical background as well as theme(s) without considering the concept of the death of god and its involvement in the development of actions. Accordingly, this paper reads The Flies (1989) investigating Sartre's techniques of introducing and contending that god is dead and has nothing to do with people's life or prosperity. Considering the related literature and the different perspectives of Nietzsche and Hegel regarding Existentialism, the paper deciphers certain scenes and speeches delivered by several characters, such as Zeus, Orestes, and Electra, and it concludes that Sartre’s The Flies (1989) shows how the belief in the death of god may function as a productive force in humans' life and existence. Thus, the paper may help readers of Sartre better understand the existential mechanism of the death of god and comprehend why Sartre's Existentialism is to be viewed as an optimistic, rather than pessimistic, approach.
Las historias de vida vistas a través del prisma del análisis crítico del discurso
Authors: Pizarro Tatiana Marisel
Published: September 2020

El objetivo de este artículo es el de presentar las discusiones teóricas acerca del método biográfico -conocido también como Historias de Vida- y la posibilidad de ser visto a través del Análisis Crítico del Discurso -ACD-. Con esta propuesta, se pretende dar las herramientas de carácter epistémico-metodológico a los/as cientistas sociales para la consideración de esta propuesta, ya que ambos instrumentos son relevantes para las Ciencias Sociales. Es así que, optar por este abordaje transversal no sólo es original, sino que también les otorga a las investigaciones riqueza metodológica.
Renal cortical transit time as a predictor for pyeloplasty in pediatric patients with unilateral hydronephrosis
Authors: More Stuart , Lazarus John , Brink Anita
Published: September 2020

Majority of patients with unilateral hydronephrosis (HN) detected on ultrasound do not require pyeloplasty. The measurement of the cortical transit time (CTT) has been demonstrated by several authors to predict the need for patients who may require pyeloplasty. The study aimed to assess if CTT would have predicted a drop in differential renal function (DRF) in patients with unilateral HN on the affected side and to assess whether CTT would differ on the first renogram between those patients who had a pyeloplasty and those who did not have a pyeloplasty. Sixty-eight patients with at least two renograms with unilateral HN with a normal contralateral kidney were observed retrospectively. The CTT was recorded for each kidney. Renograms were processed three times to measure the DRF. The mean of the three DRF measurements was used for analysis. The mean CTT of the left and right hydronephrotic kidneys was 6.0 min and 6.7 min, respectively. The relationship between CTT and DRF as well as CTT and anterior posterior diameter in the first renogram of those patients who did not have a pyeloplasty was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the 20 patients who had a pyeloplasty, there was a drop of more than 10% in the DRF of three patients. No significant difference was found in CTT or DRF when comparing the group who had surgery against the group who did not have surgery. The current study was unable to demonstrate in our series of patients that CTT can predict a drop in DRF in those patients who would require pyeloplasty.
Isolated aplasia of submandibular salivary gland and contralateral prominence of submandibular and sublingual salivary glands incidentally found on 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography—computed tomography
Authors: Yousefi-Koma Abbas , Ahmadi Reyhane , Gorzi Saba , Shiravand Yaser , Qutbi Mohsen
Published: September 2020

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted imaging is now an effective tool for the evaluation of prostate cancer patients. Although salivary glands take up 68Ga-PSMA avidly, pathologies of these glands may be readily noticeable. Herein, we present a case of prostate cancer referred for 68Ga-PSMA positron emission tomography—computed tomography in whom an isolated aplasia of the submandibular salivary gland was incidentally found.
Comparison of posttherapy 90Y positron emission tomography/computed tomography dosimetry methods in liver therapy with 90Y microspheres
Authors: Knesaurek Karin
Published: September 2020

The aim of our study was to compare dosimetry methods for yttrium-90 (90Y) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Twenty-five patients were taken to a PET/CT suite following therapy with 90Y microspheres. The low mA, nondiagnostic CT images were used for attenuation correction and localization of the 90Y microspheres. The acquisition time was 15 min, the reconstruction matrix size was 200 mm × 200 mm × 75 mm, and voxel size was 4.07 mm × 4.07 mm × 3.00 mm. Two software packages, MIM 6.8 and Planet Dose, were utilized to calculate 90Y dosimetry. Three methods were used for voxel-based dosimetry calculations: the local deposition method (LDM), LDM with scaling (LDMwS) for known injected activity, and a dose point kernel (DPK) method using the MIRD kernel. Only the DPK approach was applied to the Planet Dose software. LDM and LDMwS were only applied to the MIM software. The average total liver dosimetry values (mean ± standard deviation) were 60.93 ± 28.62 Gy, 53.59 ± 23.47 Gy, 55.33 ± 24.80 Gy, and 54.25 ± 23.70 Gy for LDMwS, LDM, DPK with MIM, and DPK with Planet Dose (DOSI), respectively. In most cases, the LDMwS method produced slightly higher dosimetry values than the other methods. The MIM and Planet Dose DPK dosimetry values (i.e., DPK vs. DOSI) were highly comparable. Bland–Altman analysis calculated a mean difference of 1.1 ± 2.2 Gy. The repeatability coefficient was 4.4 (7.9% of the mean). The MIM and Planet Dose DPK dosimetry values were practically interchangeable. 90Y dosimetry values obtained by all methods were similar, but LDMwS tended to produce slightly higher values.
Cutaneous malignant melanoma with rarest combination of prostatic and splenic metastases on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography—computed tomography scan
Authors: Shah Digish , Odedara Prakash
Published: September 2020

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) metastases to prostate and spleen are very rarely experienced in clinical setting. As per our knowledge, coexistence of prostate and splenic metastatic MM is not reported worldwide. We are presenting a case of 70-year-old male patients with biopsy and clinically proven case of multifocal cutaneous malignant melanomatous lesions having multiple metastatic lymph nodes and systemic metastases, including prostate and spleen. This is the first case reported worldwide having a combination of prostate and splenic metastases.
Inferior vena cava syndrome on skeletal scintigraphy secondary to metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Makusha Lovemore , Kulon Michal , Pucar Darko , Young Colin
Published: September 2020

This interesting image illustrates an unusual case of inferior vena cava (IVC) syndrome from prostate cancer retroperitoneal adenopathy initially identified with skeletal scintigraphy. IVC syndrome is an infrequent occurrence resulting from extrinsic compression or intraluminal occlusion of the vessel. Whole-body planar skeletal scintigraphy showed a stable left sacroiliac metastasis and increased soft tissue uptake throughout the lower hemibody up to the lower chest level. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated extrinsic compression of the IVC from metastatic retroperitoneal adenopathy. This represents a rare presentation of IVC syndrome in prostate cancer with characteristic appearance on skeletal scintigraphy of Fisherman's Wader's sign, that should prompt confirmatory anatomic imaging.
Fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography-magnetic resonance hybrid imaging: An emerging tool for staging of cancer of the uterine cervix
Authors: Nazir Alina , Matthews Robert , Chimpiri Annapurneswara , Henretta Melissa , Varughese Joyce , Franceschi Dinko
Published: September 2020

Positron-emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) is an emerging hybrid imaging modality that utilizes the superior soft tissue resolution of MR with the metabolic data from PET. In this study, we sought to assess the clinical value of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET-MRI with dedicated pelvic PET-MR in the initial staging of cervical cancer. In this institutional-approved study, we identified 23 adult females who underwent FDG PET-MRI on hybrid camera for staging of primary uterine cervical cancer that included a dedicated PET-MR of the pelvis. A nuclear medicine physician and a radiologist reviewed the PET, MRI, and fusion-body and pelvis images alone and then with consensus read characterizing PET and MR abnormal findings. There were 23 patients who underwent FDG PET-MRI for initial staging of cervical cancer with an average age of 52.2 ± 14.0 years. A total of 23 suspected lymph nodes in eight different patients were detected within the pelvis with increased metabolic activity on PET. Both the dedicated pelvis and whole-body PET imaging detected the same corresponding pelvic lymph nodes, although the pelvic PET imaging had better lymph node uptake delineation due to longer acquisition time. Using a 10-mm short-axis criterion, MRI identified only 43.5% of the FDG avid lymph nodes. The average SUVmax on the pelvis PET sequences was higher with SUV 8.9 ± 5.2 compared to the whole-body PET with SUV 7.8 ± 5.4 but was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Primary cervical cancer was identified in 18 patients on both PET imaging and MRI with dedicated MR pelvis providing better characterization. Based on our results of the patients with cervical cancer evaluated for initial staging, combining dedicated pelvic PET-MRI with whole-body PET/MR provides the most complete status of malignant disease in reference to delineation of primary tumor, involvement of surrounding tissues, and regional lymph nodes.
11C-Pittsburgh compound B and 18F-THK 5351 positron emission tomography brain imaging in cognitively normal individuals
Authors: Chotipanich Chanisa , Jantarato Attapon , Kunawudhi Anchisa , Kongthai Supaporn , Promteangtrong Chetsadaporn
Published: September 2020

Abnormal beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein accumulation are the core pathologic features of Alzheimer's disease. However, the accumulation of these proteins is also common in cognitively normal elderly people. Therefore, this study is aimed to evaluate the amyloid and tau accumulation in the cognitively normal population. A preliminary prospective study was conducted on 24 cognitively normal individuals who underwent Pittsburgh compound B (11C-PiB) and 18F-THK 5351 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography scans. The standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was used for quantitative analysis of the two tracers and comparisons between two age groups: 60 years and >60 years. Co-registration was applied between the dynamic acquisition PET and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to delineate various cortical regions. P-mod software with the automated anatomical labeling-merged atlas was employed to generate automatic volumes of interest for different brain regions. The posterior cingulate versus precuneus SUVRs of PiB uptake was 1.40 ± 0.07 and 1.38 ± 0.22 versus 1.17 ± 0.07 and 1.14 ± 0.18 in those aged ≤60 years and >60 years, respectively, whereas the SUVRs of THK5351 retention at brain stem versus inferior temporal SUVRs were 1.84 ± 0.06 and 1.91 ± 0.18 versus 1.37 ± 0.04 and 1.48 ± 0.21 in the age groups of ≤60 years and >60 years, respectively (P = 0.20). Our findings allow the determination of the preliminary optimal cutoff points for SUVRs in amyloid and tau PET studies. Ultimately, these values can be applied to normal databases in clinical use to improve quantitative analysis.
Improving technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scan images using histogram specification technique
Authors: Pandey Anil , Sharma Param , Sharma Akshima , Negi Ashish , Parida Girish , Goyal Harish , Bal Chandra , Kumar Rakesh
Published: September 2020

In this study, we have proposed and validated that histogram of a good-quality bone scan image can enhance a poor-quality bone scan image. The histograms of two good-quality technetium-99m methyl diphosphonate bone scan images IAand IBrecommended by nuclear medicine physicians (NMPs) were used to enhance 87 poor-quality bone scan images. Processed images and their corresponding input images were compared visually by two NMPs with scoring and also quantitatively using entropy, Structural similarity index measure, edge-based contrast measure, and absolute brightness mean error. Barnard's unconditional test was applied with a null hypothesis that the histogram of both IAand IBproduces similar output image at α =0.05. The mean values of quantitative metrices of the processed images obtained using IAand IBwere compared using Kolmogorov—Smirnov test. Histogram of a good-quality bone scan image can enhance a poor-quality bone scan image. Visually, histogram of IBimproved statistically significantly higher proportion (P < 0.0001) of images (86/87) as compared to histogram of IA(51/87). Quantitatively, IBperformed better than IA,and the Chi-square distance of input and IBwas smaller than that of IA. In addition, a statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference in all the quantitative metrics among the outputs obtained using IAand IBwas observed. In our study, reference histogram of good-quality bone scan images transformed the majority of poor-quality bone scan images (98.85%) into visually good-quality images acceptable by NMPs.
Solitary metastatic deposit in the mandible from follicular thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Manevska Nevena , Makazlieva Tanja , Stojanoski Sinisa , Vela Ilir , Komina Selim
Published: September 2020

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common cancer of the thyroid, after papillary carcinoma. Oral metastasis arising from FTC is very rare. Mandible is more commonly affected than maxilla, with the premolar—molar region being the most frequent site of metastasis. We present the case of a 68yearold female, with swelling in the region of the parotid gland, complaining of periodic rightsided pain in the temporomandibular joint, which occurred most often in the morning with numbness and pain, and difficulty in opening the mouth. After ultrasound and X-ray, the patient was operated and the pathohistological finding was in favor of metastasis of FTC. After 3 months, a total thyroidectomy was performed, and FTC was detected in the right thyroid lobe. Laboratory results were as follows: FT4 = 9.92 pmol/L, thyroid-stimulating hormone = 9.9 mIU/L, and hTG >300 μg/L. Bone scan showed no bone metastasis. Radioablation with 131I of 150 mCi was given to the patient, followed by substitutional therapy with levothyroxine. Mandible metastasis as a single skeletal deposit from follicular thyroid carcinomas is a rare clinical finding. Maxillofacial surgeons should consider and rule out thyroid pathology before performing operation of tumor formation in the mandible region. If feasible, surgical-based treatment options offer the best survival outcomes.
Role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the evaluation of breast carcinoma: Indications and pitfalls with illustrative case examples
Authors: Abouzied Moheieldin , Fathala Ahmed , AlMuhaideb Ahmad , Al Qahtani Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Whole-body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) has been used extensively in the last decade for the primary staging and restaging and to assess response to therapy in these patients. We aim to discuss the diagnostic performance of PET/computed tomography in the initial staging of breast carcinoma including the locally advanced disease and to illustrate its role in restaging the disease and in the assessment of response to therapy, particularly after the neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Causes of common pitfalls during image interpretations will be also discussed.
Assessment of community-managed water systems in rural areas of Espírito Santo, Brazil, using the SIASAR tool
Authors: Machado Anna Virginia Muniz , Nogueira Marina Thurler , Alves Lucas Magalhães Carneiro , Quindeler Norbertho Da Silveira , Silva Juliana Da Costa Dias , Aranha Pedro Antonio de Paiva , Gonçalves Ricardo Pereira , Siqueira Natália Lascas Soares de
Published: September 2020

Rural communities usually are poorly covered by basic services, including water supply services (WSSs). Within this context, community management of water is a promising alternative to address this issue, with many successes all over the world. This approach also contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which intends to universalize water access. This paper evaluates the WSSs provided by eleven rural community organizations from Espírito Santo, Brazil. All of those participate in the sanitation program “Pró-Rural” created by Cesan (Companhia Espiritosantense de Saneamento), the state water concessionaire, to reach small-sized rural settlements. For this purpose, Siasar was used, an informational tool that enables the identification of elements in the rural water supply systems (RWSSs) that can enhance or hinder their performance. The results verified that the communities were able to maintain a satisfactory level of quality of the WSSs, although there were perceptible fragilities regarding the distance between internal (communities and service providers) and external (technical assistance providers) actors that can decrease the quality of the WSS or even lead to its interruption if not addressed.
Review and Prospects of Taiwanese Philosophy Scholarship in South Korea
Authors: Kang Byoung Yoong
Published: September 2020

This study examined how Taiwanese philosophy has been received and researched in South Korea since its start to the present day. It takes the form of a survey, classifying the articles about Taiwanese philosophy which were published in South Korea over the years from 1994 to 2018 by the theme. It selected nine philosophers whose influence was profound in Taiwanese philosophy and observed the currents in the scholarship on each philosopher. The names of the selected philosophers are: Fang Thomé H., Hu Shi, Huang Chun-chieh, Lin Yutang, Liu Shuxian (Liu Shu-hsien), Mou Zongsan, Tang Junyi (Tang Chun-I), Xu Fuguan, Yu Yingshi (Yu Ying-shih). Sixty-one related papers were summarized and reviewed, and each of them was classified by the publication date, author, language, publisher and keywords. The survey revealed the limitations in Asian philosophy scholarship with regard to Taiwanese philosophy in South Korea, in terms of both quantity and quality. The survey also suggested a possible solution to these limitations and directions for scholars in the future. The study thus serves as a foundation that can boost discussion and the balanced development of South Korean philosophy studies, as well as of Asian philosophy in general.
Women on the Threshold in the First Chapter of Liu Xiang’s Lienü Zhuan
Authors: Ardizzoni Sabrina
Published: September 2020

Enquiring into the first chapter of Liu Xiang’s Lienü Zhuan 列女傳, this paper points out the consolidation of the spatial distinction of nei/wai and the ethical construction of womanhood in the Former Han period. In this analysis we will underline the “in-between” position of women depicted by the author and consider their position as based on a metaphorical—but sometimes even physical—threshold. It highlights six categories in Liu Xiang’s work that help us understand a traditional vision of woman that is reviving in modern times. Even today, the Way of Women (fu dao 妇道) is one of the principles on which social harmony is based; breaching the Way of Woman leads to disruptive consequences both within the family and outside, within society.
The “Learning of Life”
Authors: Van den Stock Ady
Published: September 2020

While the twentieth-century Confucian thinker Mou Zongsan (1909–1995) has left behind one of the most thought-provoking and intensively studied bodies of philosophical writings in modern Chinese intellectual history, his own life and its relation to his philosophy (or “learning”), a theme at the centre of his Autobiography at Fifty from the mid-1950s, has so far remained largely unexamined. After some introductory remarks on the context and outlook of the Autobiography, my paper turns to the close relation between Mou’s conception of life and his approach to the “cultural life” of China as a nation. In doing so, I examine the notion of a distinctly Chinese (more precisely, Confucian) “learning of life” in his writing and explore the motif of “life in itself” running through the ­Autobiography. I argue that this motif is crucial for gaining a better understanding of Mou’s relation to his teacher Xiong Shili (1885–1968), his own father, the social conditions of his childhood in rural Shandong, as well as his overall approach to subjectivity as a space for articulating socio-political concerns.
The Employment and Income of Female Informal Workers at The Construction Site of Himlam Projects, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Thang Doan Van
Published: September 2020

The issue of the employment and income of workers is always a topic that attracts the concerns of sociologists. This study aims to explore the life of female informal workers. The study was conducted at the construction site of Himlam projects, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City with the participant of 175 female workers and 77 male workers. The questionnaire and interview were employed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The findings of the study revealed that the current life of female migrant workers at the construction site of the Himlam project, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh city was facing many difficulties. Their income was low. Also, they were not allowed to sign long-term or definite-term contracts. Therefore, many issues need to be addressed to improve the quality of life and employment of female migrant workers in industrial parks, especially at the Himlam construction site. The government should pay more attention to gender equality and enact policies to improve the living standards of female informal workers. The author expects that the study will partly contribute to the policy-making process in Vietnam.
NILAI FILOSOFIS, ETIKA DAN RITUAL BANGUNAN BALE DANGIN SAKENEM
Authors: Wijaatmaja Arya Bagus Mahadwijati , Swaryputri I Gusti Agung Laksmi
Published: September 2020

Traditional Balinese architecture is a regional architecture that needs to be preserved in this globalization era. The knowledge and implementation of Balinese architecture is also increasingly diminished as the modernity influences the building (architecture). This is followed by the presence of a present-day architectural style dominated by minimalist architecture. The application of Balinese architecture today can only be found in the application of ornaments in the building façade.

There are several types of traditional Balinese buildings that still survive until now such as Bale Dangin, Bale Meten/sakutus, Bale Dauh, Jineng/Kelumpu, Paon and others, the building is still surviving in terms of shape, function, and materials used since the first time. Bale Dangin serves as a place of ceremonies, so it is vital to the life of Balinese people who practice Hinduism. Therefore, it is necessary to do the effort to preserve and keep the cultural values of Bale Dangin.

The research on Bale Dangin was conducted based on the lack of references that discussed the Bale Dangin thoroughly. This research also aims to determine the peculiarities of the building of Bale Dangin Sakenem seen from philosophical value, ethics and ritual, and get a form of guidelines regarding the building of Bale Dangin Sakenem which can be used as reference in designing or constructing the Bale Dangin Sakenem building.

The research approach used in this research is based on qualitative descriptive research methods. Qualitative research intends to understand the phenomenon of what is experienced by research subjects such as behavior, perception, motivation, action, holistically and with descriptions in the form of words and language in a particular context that Nature and by utilizing a variety of natural methods. The method of descriptive qualitative research on this study was used to describe the facts in the field related to the condition of Bale Bale Dangin Sakenem in the case study used, judging by the function of building, form, layout, as well as Development process from the beginning until the building is ready to be occupied.

This research is expected to produce a special reference to the Bale building of the sakenem in a traditional Balinese house seen from the philosophical value, ethics and ritual and construction process. Indirectly, this can also preserve Balinese architecture that is in accordance with philosophy and meaning
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM PEMBERSIHAN DAN SIRKULASI UDARA RUANGAN TERHADAP ASAP MENGGUNAKAN MIKROKONTROLER
Authors: Parlaungan S. Timbo Faritcan , Sudibyo Nurul Utami
Published: September 2020

Kondisi pencemaran udara karena asap sangat berpengaruh bagi kesehaatan manusia. Pengaruh paling utama adalah penularan penyakit bersifat airbone diseases (penyakit yang ditularkan melalui udara). Pencemaran udara ini akan berpengaruh terhadap angka kesakitan dan angka kematian dari berbagai jenis penyakit. Kurangnya sistem pengelolaan sirkulasi udara terhadap pembuangan asap dalam ruangan.Tidak adanya sistem yang cukup mumpuni untuk pembersihan asap secara cepat dan otomatis.Dibutuhkannya alat yang dapat mendeteksi asap dengan cepat dan maksimal Merancang perangkat system yang memiliki kemampuan mencatat peringatan adanya asap secara cepat, Mempermudah Membuat sistem yang dapat dipergunakan untuk melakukan pendeteksian asap, Membuat perangkat dan sistem yang dapat dipergunakan untuk menyimpan data hasil pencatan asap yang terdeteksi, adapun tools yang digunakan dalam perancangan sistem ini adalah mikrokontroller, arduino uno dari hasil analisi maka menghasilkan mandaat yaitu Membantu masyakarat agar tetap sadar diri terhadap polusi udara, Mempermudah kinerja suatu perusahaan untuk pembersihan asap pada ruangan diharapkan dapat membantu mengembalikan kesegaran udara terhadap polusi asap dalam suatu ruangan dan memberikan kenyamanan pada semua orang
Faktor Penentu Pariwisata Virtual Situs Warisan Dunia di Indonesia: Sebuah Telaah Pustaka dan Kerangka Konseptual
Authors: Artha Bhenu , Hadi Antonius Satria , Sari Niken Permata
Published: September 2020

Industri pariwisata mulai melemah khususnya di Indonesia di tengah pandemi Covid-19 yang terjadi sekarang ini. Di tengah menurunnya tren pariwisata, teknologi justru semakin berkembang. Untuk itu diperlukan sebuah model baru untuk memajukan dan mengembangkan pariwisata dengan memanfaatkan teknologi. Tujuan utama dari penulisan artikel ini adalah untuk mengajukan dan memberikan model ataupun kerangka konseptual alternatif tentang pariwisata virtual. Lebih lanjut, kerangka konseptual yang baru ini

bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh  variabel online destination experience, online destination authenticity, virtual reality, dan augmented reality terhadap pariwisata virtual pada situs warisan budaya di Indonesia. Dalam artikel ini, peneliti mengusulkan empat hipotesis untuk menguji setiap pengaruh antar variabel yang ada dalam kerangka konseptual yang diusulkan. Karena artikel ini termasuk dalam artikel konseptual, maka peneliti menyarankan pada penelitian selanjutnya dilakukan penelitian empiris berdasarkan kerangka konseptual yang diusulkan di dalam artikel ini.
Factors Affecting Cost and Patient Choice of Travel Insurance in Cardiac Disease: A Web-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Bennett Michael , Joshi Shruti S , Denvir Martin
Published: September 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to explore variations in cost and choice of travel insurance in patients with cardiac disease.

Methods

Clinical data from patients with myocardial infarction (MI, n = 20), Marfan syndrome (MFS, n = 10) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 10) were input to insurance websites for a proposed ten-day holiday and data for premium cost (£) and choice of quotes (n) collated for each condition. Age-matched healthy individuals were used as controls.

Results

Median cost of insurance was significantly higher for MI (£233.07; interquartile range (IQR) = £222.95-£245.47 versus £24.29; IQR = £11.9-£34.09, p = <0.001), MFS (£37.43; IQR = £23.61-58.83 versus £19.20; IQR = £9.09-£27.31, p = 0.0378)) and DCM (£166.87; IQR = £129.71-£198.62 versus £23.96; IQR = £11.99-£32.44, p = <0.001) compared to controls. Choice of quotes was also significantly reduced for MI (5; IQR = 5-14 versus 89; IQR = 26-110, p = <0.001) MFS (61; IQR = 26-83 versus 105; 26-105, p = <0.001) and DCM (19; IQR = 16-28 versus 89; IQR = 26-106, p = <0.001) compared to controls. Modifiable factors, such as time after cardiac event or awaiting further investigations, and clinical factors, such as persistent symptoms and disease severity, lead to a significant increase in cost.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the factors affecting cost and choice of travel insurance for patients with cardiac disease. The findings highlight ways in which healthcare professionals can support patients to obtain travel insurance.