Virtual Place Research Articles

<sup>201</sup>Tl心筋SPECTにおける三次元動画表示を用いた左室壁運動評価の検討─心臓CTとの比較─

Advances in computed tomography (CT) technology make it possible to obtain left ventricular wall motion using 3D reconstruction. In this study, we compared the images obtained from CT and (201)Tl electrocardiogram (ECG) gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In 20 patients with ischemic heart disease, we performed (201)Tl ECG gated SPECT (GE Healthcare Millennium VG) and ECG gated CT (Philips Medical Systems Brilliance iCT) to evaluate of left ventricular wall motion during the resting phase. In SPECT, left ventricular images were reconstructed using quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) software. In CT, the images were reconstructed using Virtual Place (AZE Software). The left ventricle was classified into five regions (anterior, lateral, inferior, septal, and apical). The amplitude of the wall motion was classified into five grades according to AHA classification. The values of the wall motion were separately checked by two radiographers. Assessment of left ventricular function myocardial wall movement using the three-dimensional movie display with ECG gated myocardial SPECT data was in agreement with the evaluation by cardiac CT inspection, and corresponded with wall motion in 88 of all 100 segments. SPECT analysis has the same quantity as that of obtained from CT for evaluation of left ventricular wall motion.

Developing a geocollaboratory for Indigenous tourism research

Collaboratories have been defined as virtual places where collaborative research can be undertaken. As part of the Aboriginal Tourism Network (ABORINET), a geocollaboratory was developed to support Indigenous tourism research. Indigenous communities are culturally distinct and remotely located and this presents geographic and sociocultural constraints when conducting research on issues affecting these communities. ABORINET's development focused on the specific goal of enabling collaboration between researchers and Indigenous peoples on issues related to Indigenous tourism planning and management, and the general issue of enabling the sharing of differing knowledge and management approaches among research and Indigenous communities. The purpose was to develop a multi-scale and multi-method data collection and analysis protocol for better understanding Indigenous tourism in a way that supports multi-site and longitudinal comparisons, for connecting Indigenous communities across the world, and for sharing the results in ways that are meaningful to stakeholders within and beyond Indigenous communities. This paper outlines the development of the geocollaboratory and describes the lessons learned with specific attention afforded the geographical nature of the collaboratory. Recommendations for mitigating challenges are proposed and future research opportunities are identified.

Place, Identity and Everyday Life in a Globalizing World

Introduction PART I: ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK Place, Identity and Everyday Life Everyday Life in a Globalizing World PART II: ORGANIZING AND LIVING IN OUR EVERYDAY WORLDS Cities and Region Houses and Homes Virtual Places and Spaces Places of Consumption PART III: A FINITE WORLD? Sustaining the Places in which we Live Sustainable Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities Conclusion: Urban and Rural Futures

Development of an integrated flexible transport systems platform for rural areas using argumentation theory

Flexible transport systems (FTS) offer a promising approach to improving the efficiency and performance of passenger transportation services. FTS aim to provide passengers with flexibility in choosing routes, times, modes of transport, service provider and payment systems. In order to achieve this additional flexibility, a well-designed FTS integrate different modes of transport, possibly spanning multiple service providers, to provide more sophisticated, comfortable and cost-effective transport opportunities. The concept of flexible transport is not new; many existing systems, including shared taxicabs, Dial-A-Ride services, and car-clubs, contain elements of such a system. In this paper, we concentrate on FTS within rural areas, which generally suffer from lack of service availability and demand uncertainties, and for which existing FTS solutions are not well suited. We present an agent-based flexible transport systems platform developed using argumentation theory. Formal argumentation is a powerful technique borrowed from artificial intelligence, and in this context is used to weigh-up the conflicting choices available to both passengers and service providers. The resultant platform for FTS in rural areas acts as a virtual transport market place that would more effectively match existing demand and supply for transport services than existing solutions.

Archiving in the digital world: the scholarly literature

PurposeThe purpose of this article is an ethnographic description of a particular slice of the digital archiving scholarship. The point is to get a sense of where the library and information science profession is today in dealing with the issues of long‐term digital archiving.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology comes from cultural anthropology. It looks at a particular virtual place (ProQuest's Library and Information Science Abstracts database), a particular time period (2000‐2012) and a particular set of authors writing about digital archiving.FindingsThe topics of migration, emulation, integrity, authenticity, LOCKSS and Portico have limited resonance among the authors in LISA in the last dozen years. Articles about repositories and metadata are more common. Technical topics in digital archiving may be better suited to a computer science database, though this is surprising considering how information science borders on computer science. LISA remains, at least as far as digital archiving is concerned, strongly library oriented.Practical implicationsThe digital archiving community that LISA reflects and represents is a community with a concern about the long‐term future, but one that has not come to terms with the core technical issues necessary to enable content to survive in a useful form over long periods.Originality/valueThis paper investigates the issues of long‐term digital archiving from the perspective of the library and information science profession by examining a particular database, time period and set of authors on the topic.

Mo1911 Three-Dimensional Image of Hepatic Hilum by CT Cholangiography With Carbon Dioxide for Preoperative Assessment of Biliary Malignancies

[Background] Curative resection for biliary malignancies involving hepatic hilum is technically-demanding due to complex anatomy of the hepatic hilum. Three-dimensional (3D) presentation of the hepatic hilum structures including bile ducts is supposed to be useful for precise understanding of the anatomy and the tumor extension in individual patients and may improve surgical outcomes. Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been utilized as a radiolucent contrast material. Because CO2 has opposite radiopacity to iodinated contrast material, it may be advantageous to CT cholangiography in which 3D images of bile ducts and vasculatures are simultaneously reconstructed and merged. [Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine usefulness of CO2 CT cholangiography for preoperative assessment of biliary malignancies. [Patients and Methods] Forty consecutive patients with external biliary drainage (endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD)) who were considered for surgical resection were the subjects of this study. CO2 was injected via biliary drainage tubes so that the bile ducts are filled with CO2 (figure 1). The patients were also given intravenous injection with iodinated contrast media and underwent dynamic CT scan. The arterial and the portal phase images were obtained 5 seconds and 20 seconds after the peak aortic enhancement time, respectively. 3D images were reconstructed for the arteries and the bile ducts from the arterial phase and for the portal vein from the portal phase with 3D analysis software Virtual Place Lexus (AZE, Japan). [Results] Figure 2 shows a representative case with hilar cholangiocarcinoma involving the right hepatic artery and the portal vein. Bile ducts were successfully demonstrated in all cases without occurrence of cholangitis or elevation of liver enzymes. The biliary branches were visualized up to 4.3 rd-order branches on the average. The fusion 3D images of the vasculatures and the bile ducts were useful for recognition of abnormal anatomy or isolated branches, which are often overlooked in conventional two-dimensional cholangiography. Moreover, the synchronous 3D images helped us understand the relative anatomical relationship between the tumor and the surrounding vessels and facilitated precise determination of the cutting line of the bile duct in the operation. Twenty-one patients actually underwent tumor resection and negative surgical margin was achieved in all but two cases with carcinoma in situ at the cutting line. [Conclusion] 3D CT cholangiography with CO2 is a useful tool for preoperative diagnosis, operative planning, and intraoperative navigation of biliary malignancies involving hepatic hilum. Sophisticated operations based on the precise understanding of the anatomy and the tumor extension in individual patients are expected to improve surgical outcomes.

Abstract 2456: Quantitative Analysis Of Hemorrhage Volume For Predicting Cerebral Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Between Surgical Clipping And Coil Embolization

Objective: Subarachnoid clots are important in development of delayed vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to define the association between the subarachnoid clot volume and the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm (SV) after surgical clipping and embolization with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) for aneurysmal SAH. Methods: The subjects were 155 patients with aneurysmal SAHs that were detected with a CT scan at admission and were treated by surgical clipping (Clip group, n=112) or GDC embolization (Coil group, n=43) within 72 hours of ictus between January 22, 2002 and November 22, 2009. Software-based volumetric quantification of the subarachnoid clot was performed using the voxel count method (AZE Virtual Place Fujin Raijin, AZE Ltd.). Subarachnoid clot was defined as cisternal high density areas with a Hounsfield number from 43 to 90 in the CT scan. Results: SV occurred in 24.1% and 16.3% of the patients in the Clip group (age, 63.5±12.8; male, 33.9%) and the Coil group (age, 63.0±12.6; male, 18.6%), respectively. The area under the ROC curve for subarachnoid clots for SV patients was 0.588 (95% confidence interval: 0.472-0.704; Clip group) and 0.849 (95% confidence interval: 0.714-0.985; Coil group). Using subarachnoid clot volumes of 19.6 ml (Clip group) and 32.1 ml (Coil group) as the cut-off values, the sensitivity and specificity were 89 and 39% (Clip group) and 100 and 61% (Coil group), respectively. A χ 2 test also identified that subarachnoid clots (>19.0 ml) were associated with the development of SV compared to lower blood volumes in the Clip group (≤19.0 ml, p=0.017) and that subarachnoid clots (>32.0 ml) were associated with development of SV compared to lower blood volumes in the Coil group (≤32.0 ml, p=0.03). The hemorrhage volumes of the patients with SV in the Clip group were lower than those in the Coil group at admission (37.7±21.5 vs. 58.5±23.1 ml, p=0.034), on the day after the operation (16.5±14.6 vs. 38.3±17.4 ml, p=0.002), and on Day 3-10 after SAH (5.5±4.1 vs. 11.4±9.3 ml, p=0.017). The hemorrhage volume at admission did not differ significantly between the groups (Clip group: 32.5±22.9 ml, Coil group: 32.8±22.4 ml). Conclusions: A threshold of cisternal hemorrhage volume (>19.0 ml in the Clip group and >32.0 ml in the Coil group) may exist above which patients are very likely to develop SV. Aneurysm surgery itself may be harmful to the brain (brain retraction, use of a temporary clip, and mechanical manipulation of cerebral arteries) and can lead to the onset of cerebral vasospasm.

The role of web-forum in knowledge sharing and its impacts on consumer's purchase intention in e-marketplaces

Forums and discussion boards are generally used for communication and knowledge sharing. Forums are virtual places where people can get involved in the topics of their interests. In any particular e-marketplace sites, forums are used to facilitate members’ interaction and communication about product and service experiences, as well as to create trusting environment. Based on social cognitive theory (SCT) and trust theory, this study investigated the relationships between self-efficacy of forum users and trust, as well as between trust and their behavioural intentions. The results reveal many significant relationships between variables in the conceptual model.

Virtual territorialities. Identity, ownership and sense of belonging in multiuser online environments

This paper discusses internet mediated communication and the contemporary rearticulation of territorial links in three types of multi-user online environments: chat rooms, social network systems and 3D graphic worlds. Interviewees spoke about creation or participation in online representations of physical places (countries, cities, public places, etc). Results confirm the existence of identity and utilitarian links to this type of virtual place and indicate the existence of multiple and complex territorial links, mostly due to the intense geographical mobility of users of online multi-user environments and, on the other, to the historical and identity constitution which differentiates virtual places from their physical counterparts.

Virtual space and place

Little is known about how individuals come to relate to settings in virtual worlds (VWs), which are defined as digital environments in which individuals, groups, and even organizations interact in ...

Abstract 9293: 320 Slice Computed Tomography Imaging-Based Semiquantitative Assessment of Left Ventricular Wall Motion: Comparison with Transthoracic Echocardiography

Methods: Retrospective review of ECG-gated 320 slice CT (Aquilion one, Toshiba Medical) of 22 subjects with asynergy of LV wall motion TTE (13 men, 9 female, mean age 68.5±10.5 years, 5 old myocardial infarction, 5 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 4 cardiac sarcoidosis, 2 takotsubo cardiomyopathy, 2 idiopathic arrhythmia, 1 dilated cardiomyopathy, 1 left ventricular non compaction, and 1 drug-induced cardiomyopathy). Retrospective, ECG-gated, conventional enhanced 320-slice CT with tube current dose modulation was performed with a slice thickness of 0.5mm and a tube voltage of 120 kilovolts. CT images were reconstructed every 5% from 0-95% of the R-R interval of the ECG and 4D CT images were generated (Virtual Place, Aze) and LV wall motion was evaluated at 17 segments by American Society of Echocardiography criteria, by two experienced cardiologists, as was TTE. They analyzed TTE (IE-33, Philips) retrospectively, blinded to the CT results. Results: For 374 segments, kappa coefficients for the 5 classifications (aneurysmal, dyskinesis, akinesis, hypokinesis, normal kinesis) by the two assessors were 0.458 and 0.606 for CT and TTE data, respectively. Agreement between CT and TTE was 0.255 and 0.555 for the two observers. Kappa coefficients of the 7 classifications (aneurysmal, dyskinesis, akinesis, severe, moderate and mild hypokinesis, normal kinesis) by the two assessors were 0.367 and 0.439 for CT and TTE data, respectively. Agreement between CT and TTE was 0.158 and 0.423 for the two. Conclusions: Semiquantitative LV wall motion assessment by 320 slice CT and TTE showed good inter-observer agreement but there were some discrepancies between 320 slice CT and TTE by the two assessors.

Quantitative analysis of free flap volume changes in head and neck reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to determine whether free flap volume decreases or increases in the long-term postoperative period. We used a retrospective analysis of 17 patients to measure muscle and fat volume in free flap with 3-dimensional (3D) images using the AZE Virtual Place Lexus64. Seventeen patients underwent free flap reconstruction with rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps (n = 11) or anterolateral thigh flaps (n = 6). Median follow-up was 28.9 months (range, 2.1-48.4 months). Total flap volume was significantly decreased in flaps including ≥40% muscle (p = .011). Mean final muscle volume was 50% at an average of 12 months. Final fat volume was significantly higher for cases with no evidence of disease (mean, 116.7%) than for died-of-the-disease cases (mean, 70.3%; p = .007). Use of free flaps with a high ratio of fat to muscle is sustainable and can gain volume over time, as transplanted fat can increase depending on host condition.

Prospective Humaine de l'enseignement Supérieur

La "société du savoir" est un effet miroir de "prospective au rétroviseur". Il faut d'abord comprendre la mutation pour en saisir les points d'appui et les perspectives.Le passage d'une logique de "conformation adaptative, à une logique "d'autonomisation responsable" sera dorénavant l'enjeu et la méthode. L'intégration des trois volets axiologiques, épistémologiques et praxéologiques autour du "Sens du bien commun" et de l'empowerment ou autonomisation responsable est une réponse aux questions du congrês. Pour cela il faut dépasser "l'intelligence rationnelle", pour accéder à l'intelligence symbolique ou intelligence du Sens. La mutation est une entrée dans un âge du Sens, celui des communautés de Sens et de projets, celui des mondes et réalités virtuelles. Trois axes de changement radicaux :- l'autonomisation responsable comme enjeu, capacité et méthode d'enseignement- la création de lieux virtuels d'enseignement et de formation avec les cités macropédagogiques.- une transdisciplinarité fondée sur l"˜intelligence symbolique ou intelligence du Sens.

Photography theory in historical perspective: case studies from contemporary art

Representation in photography : the competition with painting -- Time in photography : the rivalry with time-based arts -- Place and space in photography : positioning toward virtual places and spatial objects -- Photography's social function : the documentary legacy -- Self-reflective photography.

Virtual World Architectures

Three-dimensional virtual worlds promise to complement the Web with 3D models of virtual places that are fanciful or that model and mirror the real world. Marketplace evolution is one way to wait and see if and how this will come about. Another approach is to identify current limitations of virtual worlds, deconstruct and study their architectures, and consider how to evolve them to realize their promises. This special issue presents articles that explore architectural issues related to virtual world evolution. The articles cover topics like integration of 3D virtual world viewers with Web browsers, federation of virtual world grids, extensibility of virtual world platforms, adding knowledge-based services, accuracy of virtual worlds, standards, and serious applications built on top of virtual world platforms to support collaboration and training.

On place attachments in virtual worlds

The concepts of place, place meaning and place attachment have been heavily researched by multiple academic disciplines, especially the field of recreation and natural resource management. While this is so, the research has been limited to geographical spaces of the physical world. There is an entirely different, yet surprisingly similar world that is waiting to be explored by place researchers, the virtual world. Due in large part to rapid advancements in technology, virtual reality is no longer limited to science fiction. Virtual worlds can now be accessed from the comfort of one's home on a personal computer, presenting an alternative world that can be perceived as very real to its users, and changing the traditional ways of recreation and travel. Therefore, this paper will identify why it is possible to become attached to a virtual place. The virtual world of Second Life will be used as a primary example.

Virtual Image of “The Left Ventricular Plasty” using 320-Detector CT

Cardiac Imaging is developing in a new era with high performance computed tomography (CT) and workstation. In surgical plasty of the left ventricle (LV), the area of left ventriculotomy is the crucial point. However pre-surgical evaluation of LV is still limited. The area detector CT was performed using a 320-Detector CT. For the image post-processing, the volume data were transferred to the workstation, Virtual Place (AZE Ltd.). In this study we suggest a novel image of heart structures with three dimensional (3D)-CT using the programs of “segmentation” and “opacity”, and virtual movie created by “Endoscopy” mode.

A virtual-based task to assess place avoidance in humans

Spatial memory can be assessed by virtual reality-based tasks, some of them similar to those previously used in rodents. In this study a virtual place avoidance task was developed based on a rodent labyrinth to evaluate human spatial memory. The task required subjects to avoid in a virtual room a prohibited zone defined solely by distal cues, while they collected rewards. The size of the to-be-avoided area was used as an independent variable as well as the gender of the participants. Subjects displayed an adequate performance after a single 5-min trial, entering the prohibited area on very few occasions. Our results showed that the size of the prohibited zone can be used to adapt task difficulty to different populations. Moreover, males were faster than females. They collected more rewards and spent less time in the prohibited area. Data collected supports the spatial component of the task and the validity of this procedure for spatial memory assessment in human beings.

The Effect of Information Technology in the Entrepreneurship (A Case Study in Golestan Province IRAN)

The advent of information technology has changed all the aspects of the world in the third millennium to a great extent and the entrepreneurship in particular. IT contributes to the entrepreneurship in different ways. This study aims to investigate the effect of information technology in Entrepreneurship in Golestan province. The data are obtained both through the entrepreneurs, the industry and the employees. The data were then analyzed using the exact percentage and the 5-point Likert scale to determine the impact of Information technology in Entrepreneurship in Golestan province. The findings then indicate that Information technology plays three conspicuously vital roles as follows: IT facilitates job access greatly, IT provides the unique opportunity for work place information easily and IT increases the employment rate dramatically through virtual work place particularly electronic marketing.

Virtual Space and Place: Theory And Test

Little is known about how individuals come to relate to settings in virtual worlds (VWs), which are defined as digital environments in which individuals, groups, and even organizations interact in virtual (that is to say, nonphysical) spaces. This research develops a theory of virtual space and place (VSP), specifically relating this to the setting of Second Life (SL), a prominent social virtual world. We explore how three-dimensional space, as perceived by users, is able to provide them with an interactive experience with virtual objects, as well as with other VW denizens. To test our theory, we build interactive work tools in SL that are designed to reflect various degrees of motion range and to influence presence. The three information technology tools are evaluated by 150 business professionals who are either familiar or unfamiliar with SL. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.