bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of three-dimensional iterative image reconstruction in virtual monochromatic imaging at 40 kilo-electron volts: phantom and clinical studies to assess the image noise and image quality in comparison with other reconstruction techniques
Authors: Ishikawa Takuya , Suzuki Shigeru , Katada Yoshiaki , Takayanagi Tomoko , Fukui Rika , Yamamoto Yuzo , Tanigaki Koji 
Published: March 2020

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the image quality in virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) at 40 kilo-electron volts (keV) with three-dimensional iterative image reconstruction (3D-IIR).

Methods:
A phantom study and clinical study (31 patients) were performed with dual-energy CT (DECT). VMI at 40 keV was obtained and the images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), 50% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR), and 3D-IIR. We conducted subjective and objective evaluations of the image quality with each reconstruction technique.

Results:
The image contrast-to-noise ratio and image noise in both the clinical and phantom studies were significantly better with 3D-IIR than with 50% ASiR, and with 50% ASiR than with FBP (all, p &lt; 0.05). The standard deviation and noise power spectra of the reconstructed images decreased in the order of 3D-IIR to 50% ASiR to FBP, while the modulation transfer function was maintained across the three reconstruction techniques. In most subjective evaluations in the clinical study, the image quality was significantly better with 3D-IIR than with 50% ASiR, and with 50% ASiR than with FBP (all, p &lt; 0.001). Regarding the diagnostic acceptability, all images using 3D-IIR were evaluated as being fully or probably acceptable.

Conclusions:
The quality of VMI at 40 keV is improved by 3D-IIR, which allows the image noise to be reduced and structural details to be maintained.

Advances in knowledge:
The improvement of the image quality of VMI at 40 keV by 3D-IIR may increase the subjective acceptance in the clinical setting.
Using the T11 vertebra to minimise the CT-KUB scan field
Authors: Uldin Hasaam , McGlynn Eunan , Cleasby Morgan 
Published: March 2020

Objectives:
Computed tomography scans of the kidney, ureters, and bladder (CT-KUB) are crucial in investigating urinary calculi but impart a substantial radiation doses. Radiation can be limited by minimising the scanning field to the necessary area (i.e. from the kidneys to urethra). Before auditing, the superior limit of CT-KUB scans had not been formally clarified at our trust. Consistently ensuring the upper limit of scans is at or below T10 has been shown to be a viable method of performing CT-KUB scans. This study aimed to assess the overscan length of CT-KUB investigations and modify practice accordingly to minimise it. There were two standards that were set for CT-KUB scanning. First, the mean percentage overscan length (i.e. percentage of the scan above the kidneys) should be &lt;15%. Second, all scans should include the superior borders of both kidneys.

Methods:
90 consecutive CT-KUB scans for ureteric calculus were retrospectively investigated using IMPAX software in the first phase of data collection. After these data were analysed, a newly devised protocol using T11 as the superior scan limit was delivered to radiographers in the department. and 105 in the second phase (re-audit). The analysis parameters were: percentage overscan length, distance between diaphragm and upper border of kidneys, vertebral level at which the scan commenced, and whether both kidneys were fully included.

Results:
In the first phase, overscan of &gt;15% was present in 94.4% of scans. The mean percentage overscan length was 28.2%. The superior vertebral limit of 59% of scans was at T10 or below and a lower superior vertebral limit correlated with decreasing overscan. 99% of scans fully included both kidneys. In the second phase (3 months later), the mean overscan percentage reduced to 10.6% (standard deviation = 4.4%). Excessive overscan affected 35.2% of scans. The superior vertebral limit of 8% of scans was at T10 or below. 100% of scans fully included both kidneys.

Conclusion:
Excessive overscanning was due to inconsistent technique in capturing CT-KUB scans. Before this audit, the superior limit of CT-KUB scans had not been formally clarified at our trust. By successfully standardising the process with a reproducible method, the overscan target was comfortably met. Therefore, patient dose was minimised without compromising scan quality.

Advances in knowledge:
This audit has successfully shown a feasible standardised protocol for CT-KUB investigations which can be used to minimise overscanning of patients.
A comparison of arterial spin labelling with catheter angiography in evaluating arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review
Authors: Ramachandran Sanjeev , Mukherjee Deyashini , Delf Jonathan , Bown Matthew James , Kandiyil Neghal 
Published: March 2020

Objectives:
To compare the performance of arterial spin labelling (ASL) in evaluating arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) against the current gold standard of catheter angiography.

Methods:
We systematically reviewed the published literature using EMBASE and Medline. We included studies that compared ASL to catheter angiography in the assessment of AVMs in three outcome domains: detection, angioarchitectural and haemodynamic features.

Results:
From 314 unique citations, 19 studies representing 289 patients with intracranial AVMs met our inclusion criteria. We did not pool data due to marked heterogeneity in study outcome measures. Seven studies showed high diagnostic performance of ASL in identifying arterial feeders, with sensitivity ranging from 84.6 to 100% and specificity ranging from 93.3 to 100%. Six studies showed strong ability in detecting arteriovenous shunting, with sensitivity ranging from 91.7 to 100% and specificity ranging from 90 to 100%. Seven studies demonstrated that ASL could identify nidal location and size as well as catheter angiography, while five studies showed relatively poorer performance in delineating venous drainage. Two studies showed 100% sensitivity of ASL in the identification of residual or obliterated AVMs following stereotactic radiosurgery.

Conclusions:
Despite limitations in the current evidence base and technical challenges, this review suggests that ASL has a promising role in the work-up and post-treatment follow-up of AVMs. Larger scale prospective studies assessing the diagnostic performance of ASL are warranted.

Advances in knowledge:
ASL demonstrates overall validity in the evaluation of intracranial AVMs.
Susceptibility-weighted MR sequence for the evaluation of ovarian masses with torsion
Authors: Takeuchi Mayumi , Matsuzaki Kenji , Harada Masafumi 
Published: March 2020

Objective:
Adnexal torsion is a rare gynecologic emergency caused by twisting of an adnexal mass. Twisted vascular pedicle is the most specific imaging finding for adnexal torsion, however, identification of twisted vascular pedicle can be challenging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of susceptibility-weighted MR sequence (SWS) for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion.

Methods:
MR imaging including SWS (SWAN: susceptibility-weighted angiography) of surgically proven four benign ovarian masses with torsion (one acute and three subacute to chronic torsions) were retrospectively evaluated. Three cystic masses and one solid mass were included in this study.

Results:
High signal intensity venous thrombus within the twisted vascular pedicle on T 1-weighted imaging (T 1WI) was detected in three lesions with subacute to chronic torsion (75%) but not in one lesion with acute torsion, whereas susceptibility-induced signal voids within the twisted vascular pedicle on SWAN were detected in all four lesions (100%).

Conclusion:
The demonstration of venous thrombus in the twisted vascular pedicle by SWS may be diagnostic for adnexal torsion.

Advances in knowledge:
SWS can detect blood products sensitively and can reveal venous thrombus in the twisted vascular pedicle, which may be helpful for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion.
Production and Characterization of Crude Protease from RS1 Isolate from silage of Floating Bladderwort (Utricularia gibba)
Authors: Baehaki Ace , Hidayat Arif , Gofar Nuni , Nopianti Rodiana 
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this research was to produce and characterizing crude protease from RS1 isolate of swamp plant silage. The optimum production time of RS1 isolate was 40 h. The optimum pH and temperature of protease from RS1 isolate were 10 and 45℃, respectively. Ion Mg3+ increased RS1 protease whereas ion of Na+, K+, Fe2+, and Zn2+ inhibited protease from RS1 isolate. Study on the effect of metals ion indicated that protease from RS1 isolate was metaloenzyme. Based analysis on SDS-PAGE, the molecular weight of RS1 protease had 12 bands with molecular weights ranging from 34.75 kDa to 263.53 kDa.
A comparative ethnographic study of collective knowledge brokering across the syntactic, semantic and pragmatic knowledge boundaries in applied health research
Authors: Waring Justin , Clarke Jenelle , Vickers Rob 
Published: March 2020

Background
Knowledge brokers facilitate the creation, sharing and use of knowledge among different research, policy and practice communities. This paper examines the way collective knowledge brokering can address the syntactic, semantic and pragmatic boundaries that separate research and practice communities.

Methods
A comparative ethnographic study of three applied health research projects, each researching the implementation of clinical interventions into healthcare practice. Data was collected through in-depth non-participant observations, semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis with each project team and associated practice stakeholder communities.

Findings
The study describes how ‘core’ project teams and ‘peripheral’ stakeholder groups can be differentiated as relatively bounded epistemic communities. It also identifies both ‘designated’ and ‘non-designated’ knowledge brokers as working within and between these communities. Through comparing the life cycles of these projects, the study identifies the individual and collective brokering activities involved in sharing knowledge among these communities.

Discussion
The study reaffirms the idea that it is challenging for a single broker to undertake all brokering tasks, and that knowledge sharing is achieved through sequential and parallel forms of collective knowledge brokering. Furthermore, different brokering strategies are needed to address the syntactic, semantic and pragmatic boundaries that separate epistemic communities. The paper proposes a maturity model of collective knowledge brokering.
Network analysis of countriesâ€™ partnership in European sports programs: Erasmus+ sport
Authors: Dallas Ioannis , Ntoumanis Ioannis , Karatza Francesca , Ch. Makris Georgios 
Published: March 2020

In the present work, data analysis of Erasmus+ Sport programs was performed using Network Theory. Funding amounts and partner coun-tries per program are the information of the target data. Developing a Python-based program, a network of countries' partnerships has been developed to examine whether specific countries cooperate more frequently, and which countries participate in more Erasmus+ Sport pro-grams. Thus, some basic indicators of centrality from network theory were calculated, which are presented together with their mathematical interpretation.It has also been studied whether the number of a country's participation in these programs is affected by its economic or social national characteristics. Specifically, GDP, happiness and education indexes are all examined if they affect a country's participation. Finally, given how the funding amount of a program is split between the partner countries, the total amount of funding received by each country for the period 2014-2018 was calculated.Â Â
KEPALSUAN HIDUP DALAM HIPERREALITAS IKLAN
Authors: Haryono Cosmas Gatot 
Published: March 2020

Kapitalis (melalui iklan) memanfaatkan kondisi manusia yang terjebak dalam kehidupan yang dipenuhi dengan simulasi untuk mencapai keuntungan mereka. Di era modern ini, manusia telah terjerembab dalam ruang simulakra dan kehidupan hiperealis untuk kepentingan perluasan penetrasi produk mereka. Situasi ini dimanfaatkan sebagai sarana untuk memberikan fantasi-fantasi ataupun simulasi-simulasi lain sehingga menyebabkan manusia tidak bisa lagi membedakan mana yang asli dari yang palsu, yang real dari yang virtual, yang nyata dari fantasi.Peneliti ini didasarkan pada pandangan Jean P. Baudrillard yang melihat dunia manusia saat ini merupakan suatu dunia simulacra dipenuhi dengan simulasi dan memmbentuk kehidupan yang hiperrealitas. Media massa (terutama melalui iklan dan film) mempunyai peranan yang sangat besar dalam meciptakan dunia simulacra ini. Faktanya film dan iklan menyuguhkan begitu banyak kehidupan hiperrealis kepada audiensnya. Peneliti sangat tertarik untuk mengkaji permasalahan ini dan menggunakan menggunakan analisis naratif Todorovuntuk membongkar iklan komersial Ramayana Departement Store episode #DisneyHakSegalaBangsa yang peneliti pilih sebagai obyek penelitian.Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa manusia tidak bisa dilepaskan dari lingkaran kepalsuan yang digambarkan sebagai “sebuah lingkaran setan kehidupan” karena pada waktunya siapapun korban dari kepalsuan juga akan melakukan hal yang sama kepada yang lainnya. Melalui iklan ini, Ramayana-lah menggambarkan dirinya sendiri sebagai sumber keaslian yang sebenarnya, dimana kegembiraan dan semua impian akan terwujud. Ramayana hendak menggiring pola konsumsi masyarakat Indonesia agar tetap berada dalam keadaan, dimana mereka terjebak pada komsumsi yang salah kaprah dan menjadi semakin terjerembab dalam pola konsumsi yang kehilangan esensi karena hanya melihat eksistensi dan citra dirinya.
The importance and process of using theory in nursing researches
Authors: Aydın Ruveyde , Kukulu Kamile 
Published: March 2020

Nursing is a health discipline based on philosophy, theory, research and practice. The theories shed light on the formation of knowledge of this health discipline, the determination of research methods, the realization and application of the research process systematically. Theories are very important in determining the problem, how the problem will be solved and how this solution will be transferred to the application. In order for a knowledge to be scientific, it must be based on systematic foundations. In order to develop a professional nursing profession and education, undergraduate and graduate education should be theory based. Professionals should understand the theories in undergraduate education and internalize them, do theory-based research in graduate education, should try theories through research and develop new theories in doctoral education. In this way, the scientific foundations of the nursing profession will be strengthened. In this review, information about the use of theories in nursing research, the importance and limitations of the use of theory are presented.
​Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.

Özet
Hemşirelik; temeli felsefe, kuram, araştırma ve uygulama üzerine kurulu bir sağlık disiplinidir. Bu sağlık disiplinin bilgi birikiminin oluşması, araştırma yöntemlerinin belirlenmesi, araştırma sürecinin sistematik olarak gerçekleştirilmesi ve uygulamaya aktarılması sürecine kuramlar ışık tutmaktadır. Kuramlar problemin belirlenmesinden, problemin çözüleceği ve bu çözümün uygulamaya nasıl aktarılacağı konusunda oldukça önemlidir. Bir bilginin bilimsel olabilmesi için sistematik temeller üzerine oluşturulmuş olması gerekmektedir. Profesyonel olarak hemşirelik mesleğinin ve eğitiminin gelişebilmesi için lisans ve lisansüstü eğitim kuram temelli olmalıdır. Meslek üyeleri lisans eğitiminde kuramları anlamalı içselleştirmeli, yüksek lisans eğitiminde kuram temelli araştırmalar yapmalı, doktora eğitiminde ise kuramları araştırma yoluyla denemeli ve yeni kuramların gelişimine katkı sağlamalıdır. Bu sayede, hemşirelik mesleğinin bilimsel temelleri daha da güçlenecektir. Bu derlemede hemşirelik araştırmalarında kuramların kullanım süreci, kuram kullanımının önemi ve sınırlılıklarına ilişkin bilgi sunulmaktadır.
Current Status of and Challenges in Regional Policies in Japan
Authors: Ichishima Munenori 
Published: March 2020

This study aims to explain current regional policies in Japan and to explore challenges in relation to the same. Specifically, I will focus on regional revitalisation policies implemented by the Abe cabinet since 2014 and examine whether grants for regional revitalisation policies are distributed in a way that political scientists have disputed for a long time. From the perspective of public policy analyses in political science, I will conduct statistical analyses by using aggregated data of local municipalities in Japan. Thus, I will clarify the current status of and challenges related to regional policies in Japan.
Comparative Analysis of ELV Recycling Policies in the European Union, Japan and China
Authors: Yu Jeongsoo , Wang Shuoyao , B. Serrona Kevin Roy 
Published: March 2020

This research aims at revealing the current status of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) recycling systems in the European Union (EU), Japan and China which are known to have big vehicle manufacturers. The purpose of this research is to clarify their characteristics and issues, such as existing ELV recycling policy, limitations of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and environmental problems caused by secondhand car export. Japanese ELV recycling system will be analyzed as a specific example. Automakers’ effort to improve ELV recycling rate and the potential influence on recycling policy from large secondhand car export and Next-Generation Vehicle’s (NGV) popularization in Japan will be discussed and generalized. In addition, interview investigation for vehicle makers and government agencies has been conducted to have a comparative analysis of stakeholders’ (mainly automakers) attitude towards current ELV recycling law and future plans which can support Next-Generation Vehicle recycling well, as well as cross-border environmental/international resources recycling problems caused by secondhand car export.
Violencia institucional y violación del derecho a la salud: Elementos para repensar la exigibilidad del derecho a la salud en el México actual
Authors: Bellamy Clara 
Published: March 2020

The objective of the present investigation was to generate evidence on elements that may constitute obstacles in the exercise of the right to health, while documenting violations of said right and characterizing the main forms of institutional violence suffered by users of public health services. The recommendations of the Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CNDH) (National Human Rights Commission), published in its monthly gazette between 2000 and 2016, were analyzed for cases pertaining to health. A quantitative analysis of simple frequencies and bivariate relationships was carried out and four population profiles were established: pregnant women, non-pregnant women, men and collective cases. Subsequently, a content analysis of the legal narrations for each group was performed and analyzed through four analytical categories: (attention) waiting time, chain of errors, obstetric violence and exclusion. We characterize the patterns present in the violation of the right to health and debate against the arguments that support the notion that most of the errors are mainly due to infrastructure problems. In spite of considering that infrastructure deficiencies effectively influence user attention, a finding of the investigation is that, in a great number of complaint cases presented before the CNDH, infrastructure deficiencies are not the main element, but instead, are superseded by elements related to classism, racism and sexism, perpetrated through practices of discrimination, authoritarianism and social exclusion.
Financial efficiency estimation for a dental radiology laboratory
Authors: Marcu Maria , Hedesiu Mihaela Carmen , Bogdan Loredana , Armencea Gabriel , Manea Avram , Roman Raluca , Vacaras Sergiu , Haba Danisia , Porumb Anca , Baciut Mihaela , Crisan Sorana 
Published: March 2020

Background and aims. Considering nowadays trend among dentists to install a radiology laboratory beside their current practice, we proposed to investigate the aspect of financial efficiency related to such investment.
Methods. We evaluate two existing options: simple investment, consisting of intra-oral equipment and accessories, or investment in a radiology center that includes panoramic and CBCT equipment. The initial investment includes equipment acquisition, fitting out of the location, radiology accreditation and other miscellaneous expenses. Costs were estimated based on current quotations on the specific market available in Romania. We also described a financial model to estimate the financial risk.
Results. The analysis was made under the assumptions that the laboratory is operated by the dentist who made the investment in the form of a legal person and paying corporate tax like all Romanian entities. The analysis took into account current fees for different types of x-rays, usual expenses of such a laboratory, and describes the approach to this analysis, starting with the initial investment estimation and forecast of revenues and expenses. Based on these projections and assessment of the working capital, we have built the cash flows forecast. Following a risk analysis we could assess the financial efficiency of the two investment alternatives.
Conclusions. Our study reveals that the radiology center represents a more profitable investment due to the higher economic return rate.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and gastroprotection in primary health care users
Authors: Shabani Driton , Murtezani Ardiana , Tahirbegolli Bernard , Juniku–Shkololli Argjira , Ibraimi Zana 
Published: March 2020

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of gastroprotection and identify the main factors that influence the taking of protective drugs among the adult population, who are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
Material and Methods: This study was cross-sectional, conducted by including a contingent of 800 users of primary health care services (n=369, 46% males and n=431, 54% females). Included in the study were individuals of both sexes aged 18+ who sought counselling or treatment during the three-month period. The data collection of this study was based on the completion of a structured questionnaire, which included questions related to the use of NSAID and the modalities for the description and application of these drugs, and simultaneous taking of gastroprotective drugs.
Results: The prevalence of the gastroprotective drugs use was higher among the elderly, individuals living in urban areas, those with higher education, those with daily use of NSAID, individuals receiving prescriptions from their own doctors, and those suffering side effects from the use of NSAID, as well as subjects that had a longer duration of NSAID use.
Conclusion: This paper demonstrates the need to improve the quality of primary health care service through informing and educating patients regarding the need to take gastro-protective drugs for those in high risk of adverse effects manifested by the use of NSAID.