scholarly journals Proper collimation effect on radiation dose and image quality in thoracic spine radiography

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-188
Author(s):  
Anamaria Pazanin ◽  
Damijan Skrk ◽  
Nika Zalokar ◽  
Nejc Mekis
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Field Size ◽  
Patient Exposure ◽  
Professional Literature ◽  
Lateral Projection ◽  
Image Field ◽  
Spine Radiography ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this research was to determine the impact of collimation in thoracic spine radiography on patient exposure and image quality. The study was performed on 84 patients referred to thoracic spine radiography. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups of 42. The first group was imaged according to the standard collimation protocol used in one of the hospitals in Croatia while the second group was imaged by applying ?optimal? collimation, image field size was individually collimated for each patient or according to the greatest image field collimation depicted in professional literature. For each patient body mass index, image field size, exposure conditions and dose area product were noted and absorbed doses by organs were calculated, image quality was assessed. There were no statistically significant differences in BMI between the two groups of patients. With the optimal collimation the size of the imaging field in the anteroposterior projection was reduced by 45 % ( p < 0.001) and in the lateral projection by 41 % (p < 0.001). The study also showed reduced values of DAP for anteroposterior projection by 34 % ( p = 0.007) and for lateral projection by 23 % ( p = 0.040). The mean absorbed dose to the selected organs decreased by 26 % in the anteroposterior projection and by 28 % in the lateral projection. In addition, the optimal collimation protocol improved image quality by 13 % in anteroposterior projection. No differences in image quality were found in lateral projection. By carrying out this research we have demonstrated that optimal collimation in thoracic spine imaging has a strong influence on patient exposure to radiation and has a positive impact on image quality.

scholarly journals Comparison of anteroposterior and posteroanterior projection in lumbar spine radiography

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 468-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erna Alukic ◽  
Damijan Skrk ◽  
Nejc Mekis
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Effective Dose ◽  
Field Size ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Image Field ◽  
Spine Radiography ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Phase Data

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to compare patient radiation dose and image quality in planar lumbar spine radiography using the PA and AP projection in a large variety of patients of both sexes and different sizes. Patients and methods In the first phase data of image field size, DAP, effective dose and image quality were gathered for AP and PA projection in lumbar spine imaging of anthropomorphic phantom. In the second phase, data of BMI, image field size, diameter of the patient’s abdomen, DAP, effective dose and image quality were gathered for 100 patients of both sexes who were referred to lumbar spine radiography. The patients were divided into two groups of 50 patients, one of which was imaged using the AP projection while the other the PA projection. Results The study on the phantom showed no statistically significant difference in image field size, DAP and image quality. However, the calculated effective dose in the PA projection was 25% lower compared to AP projection (p =0.008). Measurements on the patients showed no statistically significant difference between the BMI and the image field size. In the PA projection, the thickness of abdomen was 10% (p < 10–3) lower, DAP 27% lower (p = 0.009) and the effective dose 53% (p < 10–3) lower than in AP projection. There was no statistically significant difference in image quality between the AP and the PA projection. Conclusions The study results support the use of the PA projection as the preferred method of choice in planar lumbar spine radiography.

scholarly journals ANODE HEEL EFFECT ATTENUATION IN LUMBAR SPINE RADIOGRAPHY: CAN THE USE OF ALUMINIUM FILTERS IMPROVE CLINICAL PRACTICE OF RADIOGRAPHERS?

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Luís Pedro Vieira RIBEIRO ◽  
António Fernando Caldeira Lagem ABRANTES ◽  
Oksana LESYUK ◽  
Rúben DORES ◽  
Patrick SOUSA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Image Quality Assessment ◽  
Skin Dose ◽  
Lateral Projection ◽  
Spine Radiography ◽  
Imaging Department ◽  
Spine Radiographs ◽  
Heel Effect

Purpose: The aim of this study was to design an aluminium-based filter to reduce the anode heel effect in lumbar spine radiographs. Methods: Initially, lumbar spine examinations were observed in a public imaging department to determine the standard exposure parameters. Then, the characterization of the anode heel effect was made using the Unfors Xi R/F detector and based on the data collected, aluminium filters were designed with a wedge shape, with thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 mm. The assessment of the entrance skin dose (ESD) reduction was performed on the anthropomorphic phantom, with and without filters, using the universal dosimeter UNIDOS E equipped with an ionization chamber. Lastly, the image quality assessment was performed with the Pehamed Phantom Digrad A+K and image quality surveys were applied to radiographers and radiologists.     Results and Discussion: Uniformity of the beam was achieved, especially with the filter number 2, which presents a significant variation of 9% between cathode and anode side. This filter contributes to ESD reduction of 35% and 36% for AP and lateral projection, respectively. Also, according to the radiographers and radiologists, it improves the image quality of lumbar spine radiography. Conclusion: The use of aluminium filters can be advantageous in the clinical practice of radiographers when carrying out lumbar spine radiographs, since it allows to standardize the anode heel effect, reducing the radiation dose to the patient and without compromising the image quality.

OPTIMAL COLLIMATION SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVES LUMBAR SPINE RADIOGRAPHY

2020 ◽  
Vol 189 (4) ◽  
pp. 420-427
Author(s):  
Anamaria Pazanin ◽  
Damijan Skrk ◽  
Jessica C O'Driscoll ◽  
Mark F McEntee ◽  
Nejc Mekis
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Absorbed Dose ◽  
Field Size ◽  
Organ Doses ◽  
Dose Area Product ◽  
Spine Radiography ◽  
Spine Imaging ◽  
Radiosensitive Organs ◽  
Area Product

Abstract Purpose To determine the influence of optimal collimation during lumbar spine radiography on radiation dose and image quality. Material and methods 110 lumbar spine patients were split into two groups—the first imaged with standard collimation and the second with optimal collimation. Body mass index, image field size, exposure conditions and dose area product were measured. Effective and absorbed organ doses were calculated. Image quality was assessed. Results Optimal collimation reduced the primary field by up to 40%. The effective dose was reduced by 48% for the AP projection, while no differences were found for the LAT projection due to incorrect positioning of the central beam with standard collimation. The absorbed dose to selected radiosensitive organs decreased by 41 and 10% in the AP and LAT projections, respectively. Image quality for the LAT projection improved by 24% and maintained for the AP projection. Conclusion Optimal collimation in lumbar spine imaging significantly influences patient exposure to radiation.

Multidisciplinary team decision is rare and decreasing in percutaneous vascular interventions despite positive impact on in-hospital outcomes

VASA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian-Alexander Behrendt ◽  
Tilo Kölbel ◽  
Thea Schwaneberg ◽  
Holger Diener ◽  
Ralf Hohnhold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Outcomes ◽  
Vascular Intervention ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Team Decision ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Background: Worldwide prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is increasing and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) has become the primary invasive treatment. There is evidence that multidisciplinary team decision-making (MTD) has an impact on in-hospital outcomes. This study aims to depict practice patterns and time changes regarding MTD of different medical specialties. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study design. 20,748 invasive, percutaneous PVI of PAD conducted in the metropolitan area of Hamburg (Germany) were consecutively collected between January 2004 and December 2014. Results: MTD prior to PVI was associated with lower odds of early unsuccessful termination of the procedures (Odds Ratio 0.662, p < 0.001). The proportion of MTD decreased over the study period (30.9 % until 2009 vs. 16.6 % from 2010, p < 0.001) while rates of critical limb-threatening ischemia (34.5 % vs. 42.1 %), patients´ age (70 vs. 72 years), PVI below-the-knee (BTK) (13.2 % vs. 22.4 %), and rates of severe TASC C/D lesions BTK (43.2 % vs. 54.2 %) increased (all p < 0.001). Utilization of MTD was different between medical specialties with lowest frequency in procedures performed by internists when compared to other medical specialties (7.1 % vs. 25.7 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MTD prior to PVI is associated with technical success of the procedure. Nonetheless, rates of MTD prior to PVI are decreasing during the study period. Future studies should address the impact of multidisciplinary vascular teams on long-term outcomes.

Impact of external currency exposures on macroeconomic policies

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-40
Author(s):  
I. V. Prilepskiy
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Policy ◽  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Exchange Rate Regime ◽  
Macroeconomic Policies ◽  
Panel Regressions ◽  
Financial Account ◽  
Currency Exposure ◽  
Cross Country ◽  
The Impact

Based on cross-country panel regressions, the paper analyzes the impact of external currency exposures on monetary policy, exchange rate regime and capital controls. It is determined that positive net external position (which, e.g., is the case for Russia) is associated with a higher degree of monetary policy autonomy, i.e. the national key interest rate is less responsive to Fed/ECB policy and exchange rate fluctuations. Therefore, the risks of cross-country synchronization of financial cycles are reduced, while central banks are able to place a larger emphasis on their price stability mandates. Significant positive impact of net external currency exposure on exchange rate flexibility and financial account liberalization is only found in the context of static models. This is probably due to the two-way links between incentives for external assets/liabilities accumulation and these macroeconomic policy tools.

Evaluation of the impact of public investment programs on social and economic performance of territories

2019 ◽  
pp. 109-123
Author(s):  
I. E. Limonov ◽  
M. V. Nesena
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Modeling ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Public Investment ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
The Public ◽  
Export Activity ◽  
Regional Investment ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Development Institution

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of public investment programs on the socio-economic development of territories. As a case, the federal target programs for the development of regions and investment programs of the financial development institution — Vnesheconombank, designed to solve the problems of regional development are considered. The impact of the public interventions were evaluated by the “difference in differences” method using Bayesian modeling. The results of the evaluation suggest the positive impact of federal target programs on the total factor productivity of regions and on innovation; and that regional investment programs of Vnesheconombank are improving the export activity. All of the investments considered are likely to have contributed to the reduction of unemployment, but their implementation has been accompanied by an increase in social inequality.

Strategic Role of Zakat in Multidimensional Quality of Life in Sijunjung, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-72
Author(s):  
Herlin Hamimi ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Wealth Distribution ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Status ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Impact

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam which has a function of faith, social and economic functions. Muslims who can pay zakat are required to give at least 2.5 per cent of their wealth. The problem of poverty prevalent in disadvantaged regions because of the difficulty of access to information and communication led to a gap that is so high in wealth and resources. The instrument of zakat provides a paradigm in the achievement of equitable wealth distribution and healthy circulation. Zakat potentially offers a better life and improves the quality of human being. There is a human quality improvement not only in economic terms but also in spiritual terms such as improving religiousity. This study aims to examine the role of zakat to alleviate humanitarian issues in disadvantaged regions such as Sijunjung, one of zakat beneficiaries and impoverished areas in Indonesia. The researcher attempted a Cibest method to capture the impact of zakat beneficiaries before and after becoming a member of Zakat Community Development (ZCD) Program in material and spiritual value. The overall analysis shows that zakat has a positive impact on disadvantaged regions development and enhance the quality of life of the community. There is an improvement in the average of mustahik household incomes after becoming a member of ZCD Program. Cibest model demonstrates that material, spiritual, and absolute poverty index decreased by 10, 5, and 6 per cent. Meanwhile, the welfare index is increased by 21 per cent. These findings have significant implications for developing the quality of life in disadvantaged regions in Sijunjung. Therefore, zakat is one of the instruments to change the status of disadvantaged areas to be equivalent to other areas.

Static and Dynamic Studies of Gasoline in View of its Octane Number and its Toxic Effect

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 451-459
Author(s):  
Ashraf Yehia El-Naggar ◽  
Mohamed A. Ebiad
Keyword(s):  
Toxic Effect ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Octane Number ◽  
Liquid Fuel ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Hydrocarbon Composition ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Gasoline come primarily from petroleum cuts, it is the preferred liquid fuel in our lives. Two gasoline samples of octane numbers 91 and 95 from Saudi Arabia petrol stations were studied. This study was achieved at three different temperatures 20oC, 30oC and 50oC representing the change in temperatures of the different seasons of the year. Both the evaporated gases of light aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) of gasoline samples inside the tank were subjected to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively via capillary gas chromatography. The detailed hydrocarbon composition and the octane number of the studied gasoline samples were determined using detailed hydrocarbon analyzer. The idea of research is indicating the impact of light aromatic compounds in gasoline on the toxic effect of human and environment on the one hand, and on octane number of gasoline on the other hand. Although the value of octane number will be reduced but this will have a positive impact on the environment as a way to produce clean fuel.

Evaluating the return on religious capital in the Russian labor market

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 1671-1694
Author(s):  
R.M. Mel'nikov
Keyword(s):  
Labor Market ◽  
Religious Identity ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Church Attendance ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Religious Commitment ◽  
Religious Faith ◽  
Religious Capital ◽  
The Impact

Subject. The article addresses the impact of religious confession on wages and the likelihood of unemployment in Russia. Objectives. The aim is to test the hypothesis that religious faith and high church attendance are accompanied by an increase in employment earnings. Methods. Using the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey data, I estimate the Mincer's extended equation with variables that characterize the respondent’s religious commitment. To assess the impact of religious identity and the activity rate of attendance at religious services on the likelihood of unemployment and life satisfaction, I use probit models. Results. The estimates demonstrate that the Russian labor market rewards men with moderate and high degree of religious commitment; their wage growth reaches seventeen percent of the level of non-believers with comparable education and work experience. However, faithful Muslim women are employed in the lowest paid areas. Religious faith and regular church attendance have a positive effect on satisfaction with life (significant for Orthodox Christian women). Conclusions. Positive impact of religious capital on income and employment can be attributed to the development of business qualities that are rewarded in the labor market, the mutual support of religious network participants. Therefore, it possible to consider religious capital, along with educational capital and health capital, as a component of human capital and a factor of socio-economic development.

IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT DEBT ON FINANCIAL SECURITY OF UKRAINE

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olena Pikaliuk ◽  
◽  
Dmitry Kovalenko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Public Debt ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
The State ◽  
Financial Security ◽  
State Budget ◽  
The Public ◽  
Debt Security ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Impact

One of the main criteria for economic development is the size of the public debt and its dynamics. The article considers the impact of public debt on the financial security of Ukraine. The views of scientists on the essence of public debt and financial security of the state are substantiated. An analysis of the dynamics and structure of public debt of Ukraine for 2014-2019. It is proved that one of the main criteria for economic development is the size of public debt and its dynamics. State budget deficit, attracting and using loans to cover it have led to the formation and significant growth of public debt in Ukraine. The volume of public debt indicates an increase in the debt security of the state, which is a component of financial security. Therefore, the issue of the impact of public debt on the financial security of Ukraine is becoming increasingly relevant. The constant growth and large amounts of debt make it necessary to study it, which will have a positive impact on economic processes that will ensure the stability of the financial system and enhance its security.

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