Objective: Standardizing image acquisition protocols and image quality across cameras is an important need in imaging, in particular in multi-center clinical trials and the use of image analysis and machine learning algorithms. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) reconstruction parameters on the quantitative image quality of cardiac perfusion SPECT images in different typical SPECT cameras and therefore assess the need to change the parameter values across cameras. Methods: The analysis was carried out by comparing the defect contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) at 12 OSEM subset-iteration combinations. Eight frames were reconstructed using the SIMIND Monte Carlo Simulation package. An activity of 370 MBq (10mCi) and projection acquisition interval of 20 seconds per projection were used. Attenuation (AC) and scatter corrections (SC) were performed in this study for all images. Results: The 16-2 subset-iteration combination yielded the highest CNR and defect contrast values for both cameras. The difference between CNR values for two cameras was found to be close to 5%. Conclusions: Monte Carlo simulations can be useful to investigate how quantitative image quality behaves with respect to reconstruction parameters and correction algorithms in a controlled environment. In this study, the use of different camera brands did not seem to significantly affect the lesion detectability. Further simulations with more extended range of parameters and camera brands may be conducted in the future to quantify further the variability between different brands of cameras.
Hazards are the primary cause of occupational accidents, as well as occupational safety and health issues. Therefore, identifying potential hazards is critical to reducing the consequences of accidents. Risk assessment is a widely employed hazard analysis method that mitigates and monitors potential hazards in our everyday lives and occupational environments. Risk assessment and hazard analysis are observing, collecting data, and generating a written report. During this process, safety engineers manually and periodically control, identify, and assess potential hazards and risks. Utilizing a mobile application as a tool might significantly decrease the time and paperwork involved in this process. This paper explains the sequential processes involved in developing a mobile application designed for hazard analysis for safety engineers. This study comprehensively discusses creating and integrating mobile application features for hazard analysis, adhering to the Unified Modeling Language (UML) approach. The mobile application was developed by implementing a 10-step approach. Safety engineers from the region were interviewed to extract the knowledge and opinions of experts regarding the application’s effectiveness, requirements, and features. These interview results are used during the requirement gathering phase of the mobile application design and development. Data collection was facilitated by utilizing voice notes, photos, and videos, enabling users to engage in a more convenient alternative to manual note-taking with this mobile application. The mobile application will automatically generate a report once the safety engineer completes the risk assessment.
Smallholder paprika farmers in Zimbabwe contribute to local economies and food security but face supply chain challenges like limited market access and poor infrastructure which lead to post harvest losses and unpredictable prices. To survive, these farmers must adopt sustainable value networks to reduce operational costs and improve performance. This study sought to establish the effect of sustainable value networks on the operational performance of smallholder paprika farming in Zimbabwe. This study, using a positivist research philosophy and a quantitative approach, surveyed 288 smallholder paprika farmers in Zimbabwe. Exploratory factor analysis and partial least squares structural equation modelling were used to validate the constructs and test the hypothesised relationships. Results demonstrate a moderate level of implementation of value networks in smallholder paprika farming characterised by successes and challenges. The findings illustrated resource sharing among smallholder farmers, facilitated by initiatives, such as recycled seed exchanges and financial support through village savings and loan associations. However, results show that challenges persist, particularly with market access and financial support. Results indicate that there is a significant awareness and implementation of green supply chain management practices among smallholder paprika farmers even though they do not have access to resources and live in rural areas. The findings demonstrate that value networks significantly influence the adoption of green supply chain management practices, which in turn positively impact operational performance, environmental performance, and social performance. Green supply chain management practices were found to mediate the relationship between value networks and environmental performance, social performance, and operational performance, underlining the critical role of sustainable practices in enhancing performance outcomes. While environmental performance showed a positive effect on operational performance, the direct influence of social performance on operational performance was found to be statistically insignificant, suggesting the need for further exploration of the factors linking social benefits to operational efficiency. The research contributes to both theory and practice by presenting a sustainable value network model for smallholder paprika farmers, integrating value network, green supply chain management practices and environmental performance to enhance operational performance. Practical implications include policy recommendations to strengthen collaboration between smallholder farmers and other stakeholdersand address power imbalances with intermediaries. Future research should extend the study to other agricultural sectors and incorporate more diverse stakeholder perspectives to validate and generalise the proposed sustainable value network model.
Climate change is an important factor that must be considered by designers of large infrastructure projects, with its effects anticipated throughout the infrastructure’s useful life. This paper discusses how engineers can address climate change adaptation in design holistically and sustainably. It offers a framework for adaptation in engineering design, focusing on risk evaluation over the entire life cycle. This approach avoids the extremes of inaction and designing for worst-case impacts that may not occur for several decades. The research reviews case studies and best practices from different parts of the world to demonstrate effective design solutions and adjustment measures that contribute to the sustainability and performance of infrastructure. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary cooperation, sophisticated modeling approaches, and policy interventions for developing robust infrastructure systems.
The article's proposed engineering uses are based on theories presented in the reviewed research articles and on findings from online investigations into companies that claim to use nanoengineering in their wares. Several pre-existing online consumer inventories and nanotechnology news were examined as part of the internet inquiry. The data about the nanoparticles (NP), or nanostructure, used in commercially available products comes from the remarks made by the manufacturer. Nanoengineered coating agents and textile additives are examples of commercial items developed for industrial clients that fall under the aforementioned uses.
"Physics Curriculum Standards for Compulsory Education (2011 Edition)" requires that physics teaching in junior high schools should focus on the development of students' scientific abilities, including the development of scientific knowledge and skills, scientific methods and attitudes. In view of the problems existing in middle school physics teaching such as being out of touch with real life, lack of interest, and traditional indoctrination teaching, integrating STEAM education concepts into physics experiment courses can greatly improve the interest of physics teaching and put students first. , teachers as instructors and assistants to improve the existing problems in the current physics teaching. Therefore, how to reasonably apply the STEAM education concept to the physical experiment course is a question worth exploring. I take "the design and production of floating sinks" as an example. The general idea is to build the main line of classroom teaching: the smoothness of knowledge logic, the progress of students' cognitive laws, the smooth design of teaching activities, and how to learn buoyancy and explore objects. To better understand the floating and sinking of objects when floating and sinking, interspersed with the educational concept of STEAM.
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