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This paper is the product of a roundtable discussion held at the international conference Horizons of Engagement: Eternalizing Bourdieu, organized by the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory of Belgrade, Serbia, the Centre for Advanced Studies of The University of Rijeka, Croatia, the École Normale Supérieure of Paris, France, and the French Institute in Serbia. The event was planned on the occasion of the ninetieth anniversary of the birth of one of the world’s leading sociologists - Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002). The greatest indicator of the scope of Bourdieu’s influence is the fact that he has become the world’s most cited sociologist, ahead of Émile Durkheim, and the world’s second most cited author in social sciences and the humanities, after Michel Foucault and ahead of Jacques Derrida. As part of this discussion, we address the subject of “Bourdieu and Politics”, politics - broadly constructed. We evoke Pierre Bourdieu’s involvement in public affairs during the 1990s, while taking into account the concept of the collective intellectual that Bourdieu introduced into social sciences by giving it a specific meaning.

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Abstract Background We investigated the image quality of 11C, 68Ga, 18F and 89Zr, which have different positron fractions, physical half-lifes and positron ranges. Three small animal positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) systems were used in the evaluation, including the Siemens Inveon, RAYCAN X5 and Molecubes β-cube. The evaluation was performed on a single scanner level using the national electrical manufacturers association (NEMA) image quality phantom and analysis protocol. Acquisitions were performed with the standard NEMA protocol for 18F and using a radionuclide-specific acquisition time for 11C, 68Ga and 89Zr. Images were assessed using percent recovery coefficient (%RC), percentage standard deviation (%STD), image uniformity (%SD), spill-over ratio (SOR) and evaluation of image quantification. Results 68Ga had the lowest %RC ( 85%) and lowest %STD for the 5 mm rod across all systems. For 11C and 89Zr, the maximum %RC was close (> 76%) to the %RC with 18F. A larger SOR were measured in water with 11C and 68Ga compared to 18F on all systems. SOR in air reflected image reconstruction and data correction performance. Large variation in image quantification was observed, with maximal errors of 22.73% (89Zr, Inveon), 17.54% (89Zr, RAYCAN) and − 14.87% (68Ga, Molecubes). Conclusions The systems performed most optimal in terms of NEMA image quality parameters when using 18F, where 11C and 89Zr performed slightly worse than 18F. The performance was least optimal when using 68Ga, due to large positron range. The large quantification differences prompt optimization not only by terms of image quality but also quantification. Further investigation should be performed to find an appropriate calibration and harmonization protocol and the evaluation should be conducted on a multi-scanner and multi-center level.

Abstract Background The purpose of this work was to propose an approach based on noise measurement to adapt present clinical acquisition and reconstruction parameters adapted to a PMT-based system (Biograph mCT) to a SiPM-based system (Biograph Vision 450) sharing identical geometrical properties. The NEMA performance (NEMA) of the recently released Biograph Vision 450 PET/CT (Vision) was also derived. Methods All measurements were conducted on Vision and Biograph mCT with TrueV (mCT). A full NEMA-based performance was derived for Vision only. The adaptation of acquisition and reconstruction parameters from mCT to Vision was done using the NEMA image quality phantom. The noise level reached using mCT was set as the reference value for six different numbers of net true coincidences. The noise level computed using Vision was matched to the reference noise level (within 0.01%) using a different reconstruction set-up to determine the potential reduction of count numbers for the same noise level. Results Vision sensitivity was 9.1 kcps/MBq for a timing resolution of 213 ps at 5.3 kBq/mL. The NEMA-based CR for the 10-mm sphere was better than 75% regardless the reconstruction set-up studied. The mCT reference noise properties could be achieved using Vision with a scan time reduction (STR) of 1.34 with four iterations and a 440 × 440 matrix size (or STR = 1.89 with a 220 × 220 matrix size) together with a 3D CR improvement of 53% for the 10-mm sphere (24% using 220 × 220). Conclusion The Vision exhibited improved NEMA performances compared to mCT. Using the proposed approach, the time acquisition could be divided by almost two, while keeping the same noise properties as that of mCT with a marked improvement of contrast recovery.

Abstract A GATE Monte Carlo model of the Philips Vereos digital photon counting PET imaging system using silicon photo-multiplier detectors was proposed. It was evaluated against experimental data in accordance with NEMA guidelines. Comparisons were performed using listmode data in order to remain independent of image reconstruction algorithms. An original line of response-based method is proposed to estimate intrinsic spatial resolution without reconstruction. Four sets of experiments were performed: (1) count rates and scatter fraction, (2) energy and timing resolutions, (3) sensitivity, and (4) intrinsic spatial resolution. Experimental and simulated data were found to be in good agreement, with overall differences lower than 10% for activity concentrations used in most standard clinical applications. Illustrative image reconstructions were provided. In conclusion, the proposed Monte Carlo model was validated and can be used for numerous studies such as optimizing acquisition parameters or reconstruction algorithms.

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Abstract Background This article compares the physical performance of the 4-ring digital Discovery MI (DMI) and PMT-based Discovery MI-DR (DMI-DR) PET/CT systems. Physical performance was assessed according to the NEMA NU 2-2012 standards. Performance measures included spatial resolution, image quality, scatter fraction and count rate performance, and sensitivity. Energy and timing resolutions were also measured. Published DMI and DMI-DR performance studies from other centers are reviewed and compared. Results 4-ring DMI spatial resolution at 1-cm radial offset in the radial, tangential and axial directions was 4.62, 4.18 and 4.57 mm, respectively, compared with the DMI-DR system values of 4.58, 4.52, and 5.31 mm. Measured sensitivity was 13.3 kcps/MBq at the center of the FOV and 13.4 kcps/MBq 10 cm off-center for the SiPM-based DMI system. DMI-DR system sensitivity was 6.3 kcps/MBq at the center of the FOV and 6.8 kcps/MBq at 10 cm off-center. DMI measured noise equivalent count rate peak was 175.6 kcps at 20.1 kBq/ml; DMI-DR was 146.7 kcps at 31.7 kBq/ml. Scatter fraction was 40.5% and 36.6%, respectively. DMI image contrast recovery (CR) values ranged from 73.2% (10 mm sphere) to 91.0% (37 mm sphere); DMI-DR, values ranged from 68.4% to 91.4%. DMI background variability (BV) was 1.8%–6.5%; DMI-DR was 2.3%–9.1%. The Q.Clear algorithm improved image quality, increasing CR and decreasing BV in both systems. The photopeak energy resolution was 9.63% and 12.19% for DMI and DMI-DR, respectively. The time-of-flight (TOF) resolution was 377.26 ps and 552.71 ps, respectively. Compared with measurements in other centers, results were similar and showed an absolute mean relative deviation of 6% for DMI and 7% for DMI-DR overall performance results. Conclusions Performance measures were higher for the 4-ring DMI than the DMI-DR system. The biggest advantages of the 4-ring DMI vs DMI-DR are improved sensitivity and count rate performance. This should allow a better image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the same acquisition times or, similar SNR with lower acquisition times or injected activity. In its 3-ring configuration, the DMI showed worse performance results than the PMT-based system in terms of count rate scatter fraction and image quality (for similar axial FOV).

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The Petnica Science Center (PSC) organized the regular Conference “A Step into Science”, BOOK AND EVENT REVIEW December 7-12, 2020 online. PSC is an independent, nonprofit organisation for extracurricular, formal, and informal, science education. For the past 38 years, it has been a place of free thinking and innovative ideas for students with strong interests in science and the scientific method. PSC utilizes a peer-to-peer education system, where university students are the tutors of high school students, providing a more informal learning setting to foster the development of scientific ideas. Peer to peer education, as an important aspect of the PSC model is highly beneficial for both young tutors (university students) and their slightly younger students. The primary philosophy is to promote scientific literacy and help high school students to understand the scientific method. By using hands-on approaches to research and science, students are taught how to read appropriate literature, trained in basic research methods, and encouraged to develop their own scientific questions. As students progress through the program, they engage in training and activities that enable them to create their own independent research project proposals. After the project proposal is reviewed and approved, the students have the opportunity to conduct their own research, analyze the results, and write a final peer-reviewed manuscript. The selected manuscripts are traditionally presented at the Petnica annual conference as poster and oral presentations, this time carried out online with great success. More than 100 participants joined the daily presentations and joined in lively discussions on the presented works. The manuscripts are also published in annual proceedings by PSC.

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This paper deals with an advanced electromagnetic radiation approach for analyzing the time-domain performance of grounding systems under pulse excitation currents. The model of the grounding systems presented within this paper is based on the homogeneous Pocklington integro-differential equation for the calculation of the current distribution on the grounding system and Lorentz gauge condition which is used for the grounding system transient voltage calculation. For the solution of the Pocklington integro-differential equation, the indirect boundary element method and marching on-in time method are used. Fur- thermore, the solution technique for the calculation of the grounding system transient voltage is presented. The numerical model for the calculation of the grounding system transients was verified by comparing it with onsite measurement results.

U radu Socijalno-relacioni model ometenosti Carol Thomas i njegov značaj za studije ometenosti, autora Nevena Strižak, doc. dr Luka Mijatović, prof. dr Sanja Dimoski, https://doi.org/10.2298/TEM2302285S, objavljenom u broju 2 (vol. 26), str. 285- -306, greškom je autorki Neveni Strižak u fusnotama na stranama 285 i 306, u kojima je navedena afilijacija autora rada, stavljeno da je doktor nauka. U afilijaciji autorke Nevene Strižak bi trebalo da stoji sledeće: U sklopu apstrakta na srpskom jeziku na strani 285: Nevena Strižak je asistentkinja na Fakultetu za specijalnu edukaciju i rehabilitaciju, Univerzitet u Beogradu. E-mail: nevenastrizak@fasper.bg.ac.rs. U sklopu apstrakta na engleskom jeziku na strani 306: Nevena Strižak is a Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade. E-mail: nevenastrizak@fasper.bg.ac.rs. Link to the corrected article 10.2298/TEM2302285S

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Editorial Board of the Nuclear Technology & Radiation Protection journal regrets to inform the audience of the journal that in the list of authors of the article STUDY ON OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE OF MEDICAL STAFF CAUSED BY INDUCED RADIOACTIVITY IN THE TREATMENT ROOM OF MEDICAL HEAVY-ION FACILITY by Changli LUO, Wuyuan LI, Bo YANG, Youwu SU, Yang LI, Shakhboz KHASANOVA, Wang MAO, Xuebo LIU, Weiwei YAN, Zongqiang LI published in the Vol. 38 (2023), 1, pp. 39-47, was made a mistake concerning the sixth author's name. It should be as follows: Shakhboz KHASANOV Editorial Board offers an apology for this mistake to Mr. Shakhboz Khasanov and the readers of the Nuclear Technology & Radiation Protection journal. Link to the corrected article 10.2298/NTRP2301039L

The original paper did not include a note on the project which supported the paper. The missing note is the following: This work has been fully supported by the Croatian Science Foundation under project number IP-2019-04-7537 (Free Career Choice). Link to the corrected article 10.2298/PSI210527022B

In the original article titled “Prescription patterns of diclofenac in patients with cardiovascular diseases or at high risk for cardiovascular diseases at primary health care level in Montenegro: retrospective, national, drug utilization study” published in the September 2023 issue of the Vojnosanitetski Pregled 1, the heading for the third, right-hand column of data in Table 1 should have been given as “Patients with CVD/risk for CVD on diclofenac therapy, n (%)” instead of “Patients with CVD on diclofenac therapy, n (%)”. 1. Stanković M, Turković N, Dobrić S, Rančić N. Prescription patterns of diclofenac in patients with cardiovascular diseases or at high risk for cardiovascular diseases at primary health care level in Montenegro: retrospective, national, drug utilization study. Vojnosanit Pregl 2023; 80(9): 778-88. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP221229021S) Link to the corrected article 10.2298/VSP221229021S

On the page 417 of the manuscript in question formula is missing after the last paragraph. Link to the corrected article 10.2298/PSI210719007S

The authors of the paper entitled “Effect of Defective NPC Three Level Inverter on Nonlinear Command of Induction Motor”, Mendaz Kheira, Benhadda Yamina, Bounoua Houria, informed the Editor about necessary correction of the paper, as follows: Afiliation of the first author, Mendaz Kheira, should be replaced by the text: Electrical engineering department, IRECOM laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology Belhadj Bouchaib, University Ain Temouchent, Algeria; Email: kheiramendez@gmail.com The authors apologize for these changes. Link to the corrected article 10.2298/SJEE2202167K

The authors of the paper saw an error in the surname of one of the authors. The correct citation of this paper should thus be: Yılmaz-Koğar, E., & Koğar, H. (2023). A Validation Study of the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) with Ant Colony Optimization in a Turkish Sample. Psihologija, 56(1), 89-114. https://doi.org/10.2298/PSI211127015K Link to the corrected article 10.2298/PSI211127015K

The collaboration of Yale, the University of California, Davis, and United Imaging Healthcare has successfully developed the NeuroEXPLORER, a dedicated human brain PET imager with high spatial resolution, high sensitivity, and a built-in 3-dimensional camera for markerless continuous motion tracking. It has high depth-of-interaction and time-of-flight resolutions, along with a 52.4-cm transverse field of view (FOV) and an extended axial FOV (49.5 cm) to enhance sensitivity. Here, we present the physical characterization, performance evaluation, and first human images of the NeuroEXPLORER. Methods: Measurements of spatial resolution, sensitivity, count rate performance, energy and timing resolution, and image quality were performed adhering to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 2-2018 standard. The system's performance was demonstrated through imaging studies of the Hoffman 3-dimensional brain phantom and the mini-Derenzo phantom. Initial 18 F-FDG images from a healthy volunteer are presented. Results: With filtered backprojection reconstruction, the radial and tangential spatial resolutions (full width at half maximum) averaged 1.64, 2.06, and 2.51 mm, with axial resolutions of 2.73, 2.89, and 2.93 mm for radial offsets of 1, 10, and 20 cm, respectively. The average time-of-flight resolution was 236 ps, and the energy resolution was 10.5%. NEMA sensitivities were 46.0 and 47.6 kcps/MBq at the center and 10-cm offset, respectively. A sensitivity of 11.8% was achieved at the FOV center. The peak noise-equivalent count rate was 1.31 Mcps at 58.0 kBq/mL, and the scatter fraction at 5.3 kBq/mL was 36.5%. The maximum count rate error at the peak noise-equivalent count rate was less than 5%. At 3 iterations, the NEMA image-quality contrast recovery coefficients varied from 74.5% (10-mm sphere) to 92.6% (37-mm sphere), and background variability ranged from 3.1% to 1.4% at a contrast of 4.0:1. An example human brain 18 F-FDG image exhibited very high resolution, capturing intricate details in the cortex and subcortical structures. Conclusion: The NeuroEXPLORER offers high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. With its long axial length, it also enables high-quality spinal cord imaging and image-derived input functions from the carotid arteries. These performance enhancements will substantially broaden the range of human brain PET paradigms, protocols, and thereby clinical research applications., (© 2024 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.)

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a preclinical PET insert in three configurations: as a stand-alone unit outside the MRI bore, inside the bore of a cryogen-free 3T MRI and, finally, while performing simultaneous PET/MRI studies. Methods: The PET insert consists of two rings of six detectors, each detector comprising 8 × 12 SiPMs reading out dual offset layers of pixelated LYSO crystals with a 1.4-mm pitch. The inner diameter is 60 mm, transaxial field of view (FoV) 40 mm and axial FoV 98 mm. Evaluation was based on NEMA NU 4-2008 guidelines with appropriate modifications. Spatial resolution and sensitivity were measured inside and outside the MR bore. Image quality, count rate and quantitative performance were measured in all three configurations. The effect of temperature stability on PET sensitivity during fast spin echo sequences was also evaluated. B0 field homogeneity and T1 and T2 relaxation times were measured using a water-filled phantom, with and without simultaneous PET operation. Finally, PET and MRI scans of a mouse injected with 10 MBq [18F]NaF and a mouse injected with 16 MBq [18F]FDG were performed in sequential and simultaneous modes. Results: Peak absolute sensitivity was 10.15% with an energy window of 250–750 keV. Absolute sensitivity values outside and inside the MR bore with MR idle agreed to within 0.1%. Outside the MR bore, spatial resolution was 1.21/1.59 mm FWHM (radial/tangential) 5 mm from the centre of the FoV which compared well with 1.19/1.26 mm FWHM inside the MR bore. There were no substantial differences between all three scan configurations in terms of peak NEC rate (175 kcps at 17 MBq), scatter or random fractions. Uniformity and recovery coefficients were also consistent between scanning modes. B0 field homogeneity and T1 and T2 relaxation times were unaltered by the presence of the PET insert. No significant differences were observed between sequential and simultaneous scans of the animals. Conclusions: We conclude that the performance of the PET insert and MRI system is not significantly affected by the scanning mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The NEMA NU-2 standard describes a protocol for measurement of scatter fraction (SF) using an axially-aligned line source, offset at 45 mm from the central axis, in a cylindrical polyethylene phantom. In this work, which is an extension of our preliminary results previuosly published in the Proceedings of IEEE NSS/MIC 2018 [1] , we aim to evaluate the performance of the NEMA NU-2 SF protocol in a Siemens Biograph mCT PET/CT whole-body scanner and a long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) total-body PET scanner to determine whether modifications to the NEMA NU-2 SF protocol are needed for the characterisation of scatter in such scanners. In addition, we evaluate the impact of patient body mass index (BMI) on SF in a LAFOV scanner. The Siemens Biograph mCT and a typical LAFOV PET scanner were modelled in GATE. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to validate the mCT scanner model against published experimental results. SF was estimated using a modified NEMA NU-2 protocol with variable radial offsets on both scanners and compared to ground truth SF measurements obtained with a uniform-activity cylindrical phantom. Correlation between BMI and SF in the LAFOV scanner was evaluated by simulating anthropomorphic phantoms with different BMIs and realistic 18F-FDG distributions, together with uniformly-filled 200 cm long cylindrical phantoms with equivalent effective diameters. The optimal offset was found to be either 60 mm or 80 mm, depending on the chosen optimality metric. We conclude that modifications to NEMA NU-2 are required for accurate SF characterisation in whole-body and LAFOV scanners. Finally, SF in anthropomorphic phantoms with realistic tissue concentrations of 18F-FDG was found to be strongly correlated with SF in an equivalent-volume cylindrical phantom for the LAFOV PET scanner; BMI was also found to strongly positively correlate with the SF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of Monte Carlo simulation is a highly effective method in advancing research within the field of nuclear medicine. An important software tool for simulating and modeling cutting-edge systems for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE). This research specifically concentrates on two Siemens PET scanners: the Siemens Biograph True point (True V) and Siemens Biograph mcT 20 excel. Our primary objective was to validate the GATE V8.2 simulation in accordance with the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) NU 2-2018 protocol, using a parallel computing platform on a local cluster of computers. This cluster was managed by the open-source package TORQUE version 6.1.0, which is based on the original wrapper PBS. The results of this validation process for the Siemens Biograph True point (True V) scanner were highly promising. The scatter fraction (SF), peak noise equivalent count rate (NECR), and sensitivity all demonstrated a remarkable level of agreement, with deviations within 10.02%, 5.4%, and 1.57%, respectively. Additionally, the spatial resolution was found to deviate by less than 0.59 mm. Image evaluations demonstrate high-quality results for both Siemens Biograph True point (True V) and Siemens Biograph mcT 20 excel scanners, validating the GATE simulation. The study on acquisition time provides insights into optimizing computing simulation time. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of Monte Carlo simulation, facilitated by GATE, in accurately modeling advanced PET systems. The validation results affirm the reliability of GATE V8.2 in accordance with NEMA standards for the Siemens Biograph True point (True V) scanner. The high-quality images obtained from GATE-validated scanners underscore the potential of this simulation approach in advancing nuclear medicine research. Additionally, the study on acquisition time provides valuable considerations for optimizing simulation efficiency. • GATE Software: Key for PET system simulation. • The SF, NECR, Sensitivity and SR are validated for Biograph True Point • High image quality of two Biograph scanners confirmed by GATE • Attenuation and scatter correction accuracy validated. • Acquisition Time Optimization: reducing simulation time while preserving IQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Nigeria is ranked second highest in the rate of road accidents and other emergencies (Deaths, disabilities) among 193 countries of the world. There is therefore the need for analyzing Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) in the country to identify options for improvement. Method The study was conducted from February, 2016 to March, 2017 in three EMRS organizations (FRSC, NEMA and MAITAMA Hospital) located in Abuja. The structure, resources, process of EMRS activities and outcome (delay times, case fatality as well as victims and service-providers satisfaction with services) were assessed through observation, time measurements and interviews. Results FRSC and NEMA offers (Road Traffic Injury) RTI and Disaster services, the ambulances consist of Intensive Care Unit(ICU) buses, Helicopters, Speed boats, motorbikes and other specialized vehicles. Mortality and morbidity recorded for 2016 was 1.1 and 2% respectively. MAITAMA is a specialist centre that offers general medical services. A total number 1227(88.8%) lives were saved during the observational period by three organizations, 60(4.9%) deaths, 132 (9.6%) disabilities, 793 (57.2%) NCDs and 593(42.8%) RTI. Conclusion Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause many deaths and morbidities in the developing world compared to infectious diseases. There is need for total revamping and education of EMRS institutions in Nigeria and Low- Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Abuja and its surroundings suffers from delays in rapid emergency services, lack of adequate awareness, functional ambulances, minimal specialists and inadequate consumables lead to the loss of many lives.

Abstract Background This paper describes the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) system performance of the Discovery MI 3-ring PET/CT (GE Healthcare) installed in Bruges, Belgium. This time-of-flight (TOF) PET camera is based on silicon photomultipliers instead of photomultiplier tubes. Methods The NEMA NU2-2012 standard was used to evaluate spatial resolution, sensitivity, image quality (IQ) and count rate curves of the system. Timing and energy resolution were determined. Results Full width at half maximum (FWHM) of spatial resolution in radial, tangential and axial direction was 4.69, 4.08 and 4.68 mm at 1 cm; 5.58, 4.64 and 5.83 mm at 10 cm; and 7.53, 5.08 and 5.47 mm at 20 cm from the centre of the field of view (FOV) for the filtered backprojection reconstruction. For non-TOF ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) reconstruction without point spread function (PSF) correction, FWHM was 3.87, 3.69 and 4.15 mm at 1 cm; 4.80, 3.81 and 4.87 mm at 10 cm; and 7.38, 4.16 and 3.98 mm at 20 cm. Sensitivity was 7.258 cps/kBq at the centre of the FOV and 7.117 cps/kBq at 10-cm radial offset. Contrast recovery (CR) using the IQ phantom for the TOF OSEM reconstruction without PSF correction was 47.4, 59.3, 67.0 and 77.0% for the 10-, 13-, 17- and 22-mm radioactive spheres and 82.5 and 85.1% for the 28- and 37-mm non-radioactive spheres. Background variability (BV) was 16.4, 12.1, 9.1, 6.6, 5.1 and 3.8% for the 10-, 13-, 17-, 22-, 28- and 37-mm spheres. Lung error was 8.5%. Peak noise equivalent count rate (NECR) was 102.3 kcps at 23.0 kBq/ml with a scatter fraction of 41.2%. Maximum accuracy error was 3.88%. Coincidence timing resolution was 375.6 ps FWHM. Energy resolution was 9.3% FWHM. Q.Clear reconstruction significantly improved CR and reduced BV compared with OSEM. Conclusion System sensitivity and NECR are lower and IQ phantom’s BV is higher compared with larger axial FOV (AFOV) scanners like the 4-ring discovery MI, as expected from the smaller solid angle of the 3-ring system. The other NEMA performance parameters are all comparable with those of the larger AFOV scanners.

Introduction/Objective. Pain, stiffness and limited mobility are the main factors that lead to difficulties in performing daily activities and are also responsible for the decline in the quality of life in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional capacity and health related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to pain in patients with knee OA, as well as to determine the correlation between these three clinical variables. Methods. The study involved 931 patients diagnosed with knee OA. In all patients, pain was evaluated by a short form of the McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), functional status was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), while life quality was evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results. The average age of patients was 61.21 ± 4.62 years, while 71.3% of them were women. The quality of life in patients with knee OA and all pain parameters contained in the SF-MPQ were highly statistically positively associated (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, the physical functioning was mostly affected by emotional pain (rho = -0.585). A high statistical correlation (p ≤ 0.01) was noted between stiffness and physical functioning from the WOMAC questionnaire and all of the parameters from the SF-MPQ. The physical functioning from the WOMAC questionnaire had the strongest correlation with total pain incorporated into the McGill questionnaire (rho = 0.530). Conclusion. Knee pain has a significant impact on functional capacity and HRQoL in patients with knee OA. Therefore, one of the main therapy goals for OA of the knee should be to reduce the pain in the affected knee, which can help to improve the functionality and HRQoL of these patients.

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High dietary sugar consumption from snack can be reduced by replacing sucrose fraction with healthier sweeteners. Potentials of African locust bean pulp (ALBP) as replacement for sucrose in biscuit production from cassava-wheat flour was evaluated. ALBP was manually extracted from the yellow fruit of African locust bean and oven-dried. Sucrose contents were replaced with ALBP at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in biscuit formulation using standard recipe. Baked biscuit samples were evaluated for chemical (proximate composition, minerals and phytochemical) and physicochemicals (vitamin C, Carotenoids, Total sugar, Brix and pH) properties, using standard methods. Sensory properties were evaluated on a nine-point hedonic scale by thirty panelists. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p

The plights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), including hunger, rape, insecurity, and death, have assumed a frightening dimension in North-eastern Nigeria with the sustained intervention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ameliorate their sufferings. This paper aimed to assess the response capacity of NEMA to the plights of the IDPs in North-eastern Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the nature and dimensions of the plights of the IDPs in the Northeast, identify their coping strategies, and assess the impact of NEMA's response strategies on the burgeoning situation. The study used a qualitative survey research design, in which 166 key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted. The primary designs were complemented by secondary data, which was derived from books, journal articles, and News tabloids. Data generated were descriptively analyzed. Major findings from the paper were that the Boko Haram insurgency was primarily responsible for the mass displacement of persons in North-eastern Nigeria. The IDPs are facing lots of challenges in the camps with weak coping strategies while the intervention of NEMA through the provision of relief materials, rehabilitation and resettlement programs, and linking of the displaced with family members have reduced the plights of the IDPs. However, the Agency currently has the minimal operational capacity to ameliorate the plights of the IDPs due to the protracted nature of the insurgency, legal restriction on the operational mandates of NEMA, corruption, and limited funding of the agency. The Study recommended improved funding of the Agency and enactment of IDP-specific constitutional roles for maximum impact of NEMA on the amelioration of the plights of the IDPs in North-Eastern Nigeria.

In study, we developed a positron emission tomography (PET) insert for simultaneous brain imaging within 7-Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scanners. The PET insert has 18 sectors, and each sector is assembled with two-layer depth-of-interaction (DOI)-capable high-resolution block detectors. The PET scanner features a 16.7-cm-long axial field-of-view (FOV) to provide entire human brain images without bed movement. The PET scanner early digitizes a large number of block detector signals at a front-end data acquisition (DAQ) board using a novel field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-only signal digitization method. All the digitized PET data from the front-end DAQ boards are transferred using gigabit transceivers via non-magnetic high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables. A back-end DAQ system provides a common clock and synchronization signal for FPGAs over the HDMI cables. An active cooling system using copper heat pipes is applied for thermal regulation. All the 2.17-mm-pitch crystals with two-layer DOI information were clearly identified in the block detectors, exhibiting a system-level energy resolution of 12.6%. The PET scanner yielded clear hot-rod and Hoffman brain phantom images and demonstrated 3D PET imaging capability without bed movement. We also performed a pilot simultaneous PET/MR imaging study of a brain phantom. The PET scanner achieved a spatial resolution of 2.5 mm at the center FOV (NU 4) and a sensitivity of 18.9 kcps/MBq (NU 2) and 6.19% (NU 4) in accordance with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article titled “Inflammatory cardiovascular risk markers and silent myocardial ischemia in type 2 diabetic patients” Vojnosanit Pregl 2022; 79(6): 584-590. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP201012010M) an error occurred in the byline such that the name of one of the authors was omitted. Listed the authors and their affiliations as: Gabrijela Malešević, Snježana Popović-Pejičić, Ale-ksandra Marković, Valentina Soldat-Stanković University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina The list of authors and their affiliations should read as: Gabrijela Malešević, Snježana Popović-Pejičić, Aleksandra Marković, Bojana Carić, Valentina Soldat-Stanković University Clinical Center of the Republic of Srpska, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina; University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Medicine, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Link to the corrected article 10.2298/VSP201012010M

This is a notice of retraction of the article: High resolution karyotype of Thai crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis) by Xiaobo Fan, Alongkoad Tanomtong, Arunrat Chaveerach, Krit Pinthong, Siripiyasing Pornnarong, Weerayuth Supiwong, Thomas Liehr, and Anja Weise, published in: Archives of Biological Sciences in 2014, Vol. 66, Issue 4: https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS1404603F. The Editor-in-Chief has been informed that this paper is a duplicate of the paper: High resolution karyotype of Thai crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis) by Xiaobo Fan, Alongkoad Tanomtong, Arunrat Chaveerach, Krit Pinthong, Siripiyasing Pornnarong, Weerayuth Supiwong, Thomas Liehr, Anja Weise, published in: Genetika, Vol. 46, No. 3, 877- 882, 2014: https://doi.org/10.2298/GENSR1403877F. This claim is correct and the entire paper is a verbatim copy of the earlier one. After confirmation of this fact, the Editor-in-Chief of the Archives of Biological Sciences has decided to retract the paper immediately. We apologize to the readers of the journal that it took so many years to notice this error and to retract the paper. We request readers of the journal to directly get in touch with the editorial office and the editors of the journal for similar cases in the future so that they can be handled promptly. Link to the retracted article 10.2298/ABS1404603F

Samo štampana verzija. Dostupno na web stranici časipisa: http://www.ache.org.rs/HI/ Autor se izvinjava za grešku i sve eventualne nedoumice i neprijatnosti koje su time izazvane. The author would like to apologize for the oversight and any inconvenience it may have caused.

In the original article titled "Root canal treatment from patients’ perspective: knowledge, awareness, and expectations" by Muhammad Qasim*, Omair Anjum†, Gotam Das‡, Fariha Naz*, Saima Razaq Khan§, Abdul Razzaq Ahmed‡, Saurabh Chaturvedi‡, published in the April 2022 print issue of the Vojnosanitetski pregled (Vojnosanit Pregl 2022; 79(4): 325-329); https://doi.org/10.2298/VSP200825112Q), there are errors in affiliations. Instead of the existing affiliations: King Khalid University, College of Dentistry, *Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, ‡Department of Prosthodontics, Abha, Saudi Arabia; Lahore Medical and Operative Dentistry, †Department of Science of Dental Materials, §Department of Operative Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan, there should be: King Khalid University, College of Dentistry, *Department of Restorative Dental Sciences (Operative Dentistry), ‡Department of Prosthodontics, Abha, Saudi Arabia; Lahore Medical and Dental College, †Department of Science of Dental Materials, §Department of Operative Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan. Link to the corrected article 10.2298/VSP200825112Q

The author of the article: Munkholt Christensen, Maria (2021), “Meditatio mor­tis. Meditating on Death, Philosophy and Gender in Late Antique Hagioraphy”, Philosophy and Society 32 (2): 177-193 has informed the Editorial Office of an error in the title of the article. The correct title of the article is: “Meditatio mor­tis. Meditating on Death, Philosophy and Gender in Late Antique Hagiography”. The author has requested for this error to be corrected. Therefore, the journal is publishing this Corrigendum. Link to the corrected article 10.2298/FID2102177M

The TRIMAGE project aims to develop a brain-dedicated PET/MR/EEG (Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance/Electroencephalogram) system that is able to perform simultaneous PET, MR and EEG acquisitions. The PET component consists of a full ring with 18 sectors. Each sector includes three square detector modules based on dual sstaggered LYSO:Ce matrices read out by SiPMs. Using Monte Carlo simulations and following NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) guidelines, image quality procedures have been applied to evaluate the performance of the PET component of the system. The performance are reported in terms of spatial resolution, uniformity, recovery coefficient, spill over ratio, noise equivalent count rate (NECR) and scatter fraction. The results show that the TRIMAGE system is at the top of the current brain PET technologies.

nema

nema

In this paper I defend situated approaches of cognition, and the idea that mind, body and external world are inseparable. In the first section, I present some anti-Cartesian approaches of cognition and discuss the intuition they share that there is a constitutive interaction between mind, body and external environment. In the second section, I present the fallacy of the Cartesian theater of the mind and explain its theoretical premises. In the third section, I present a spatial argument against it, and argue that some case studies could give support to the idea of the mind stretching over the boundaries of the skull. In the fourth section, I present a temporal argument, and argue that even in this case the idea of an interaction between our cognitive life and the external world has at least a very strong intuitive palatability.