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.

The direct expansion heat pump with solar energy is an energy conversion system used for water heating applications, air heating for air conditioning buildings, water desalination, solar drying, among others. This paper reviews the main designs and analysis of experiments in order to identify the fundamental objectives of any experiment which may be: to determine the factors that have a significant influence, to obtain a mathematical model and/or to optimize performance. To achieve this task, the basic and advanced configuration of this system is described in detail in order to characterize its thermal performance by means of energy analysis and/or exergy-based analysis. This review identifies possible lines of research in the area of design and analysis of experiments to develop this water heating technology for industrial applications.

This paper presents a coupling of the Monte Carlo method with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyze the flow channel design of an irradiated target through numerical simulations. A novel series flow channel configuration is proposed, which effectively facilitates the removal of heat generated by high-power irradiation from the target without necessitating an increase in the cooling water flow rate. The research assesses the performance of both parallel and serial cooling channels within the target, revealing that, when subjected to equivalent cooling water flow rates, the maximum temperature observed in the target employing the serial channel configuration is lower. This reduction in temperature is ascribed to the accelerated flow of cooling water within the serial channel, which subsequently elevates both the Reynolds number and the Nusselt number, leading to enhanced heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the maximum temperature is observed to occur further downstream, thereby circumventing areas of peak heat generation. This phenomenon arises because the cooling water traverses the target plates with the highest internal heat generation at a lower temperature when the flow channels are arranged in series, optimizing the cooling effect on these targets. However, it is crucial to note that the pressure loss associated with the serial structure is two orders of magnitude greater than that of the parallel structure, necessitating increased pump power and imposing stricter requirements on the target container and cooling water pipeline. These findings can serve as a reference for the design of the cooling channels in the target station system, particularly in light of the anticipated increase in beam power during the second phase of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS Ⅱ).

This study aims to: (1) analyze the need for digital marketing capabilities in Thai MSME; (2) develop an online digital marketing course; and (3) enhance Thai MSME’s digital marketing capabilities, particularly in Thailand’s manufacturing sectors. The survey was conducted using questionnaires distributed to a sample group of 400 digital marketing staff, executives, or business owners, complemented by in-depth interviews with marketing experts, business managers, and owners, totaling 10 participants. The research findings reveal a significant demand for digital marketing skills among MSME entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector. The top three skills identified as most crucial for enhancement are: (1) communication and marketing information presentation skills; (2) brand building and public relations; and (3) video marketing execution. The study further revealed that the design of the digital marketing course, along with the developed online learning platform, attracted and successfully enrolled 104 MSMEs who participated in the online program. The pre- and post-training assessment results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in test scores, with a mean post-training score of 16.10 ( Mean = 16.10, S.D. = 1.396), representing a notable increase from the pre-training mean score of 6.47 ( Mean = 6.47, S.D. = 3.634) at the 0.05 significance level. Furthermore, the results of the follow-up evaluation on the application of acquired knowledge revealed that the overall level of knowledge and skills application is at its highest, with an average score of 4.64. This indicates that the developed course and online learning platform effectively enhance learners’ knowledge.

The Malaysian government has been actively strengthening the information and communication industry’s ecosystem through talent retention to realize Malaysia 5.0 and transform the country into a developed human-centered society that balances economic advancement with the resolution of talent problems. This is done to recognize the significance of emerging in building a vibrant and dynamic economy for the country. Few of these studies, however, had developed comprehensive policy recommendations for keeping information specialists in Malaysia’s information businesses. To address this gap, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to understand the factors driving information professionals to leave the sector. The findings aim to inform talent retention strategies that will strengthen the industry’s sustainability and attract skilled leaders, ensuring the information sector’s readiness for a successful digital transition.

This work investigates epoxy composites reinforced by randomly oriented, short glass fibres and silica microparticles. A full-factorial experiment evaluates the effects of glass fibre mass fraction (15 wt% and 20 wt%) and length (5 mm and 10 mm), and the mass fraction of silica microparticles (5 wt% and 10 wt%) on the apparent density and porosity, as well as the compressive and tensile strength and modulus of the hybrid composites. Hybrid epoxy composites present significantly higher tensile strength (9%) and modulus (57%), as well as compressive strength (up to 15%) relative to pure epoxy.