• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.648-658
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• 2022

Objective: The identification of nonlinear mixed models that describe the growth trajectory of New Zealand rabbits was performed based on weight records and carcass measures obtained using ultrasonography. Methods: Phenotypic records of body weight (BW) and loin eye area (LEA) were collected from 66 animals raised in a didactic-productive module of cuniculture located in the southern Piaui state, Brazil. The following nonlinear models were tested considering fixed parameters: Brody, Gompertz, Logistic, Richards, Meloun 1, modified Michaelis-Menten, Santana, and von Bertalanffy. The coefficient of determination (R²), mean squared error, percentage of convergence of each model (%C), mean absolute deviation of residuals, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used to determine the best model. The model that best described the growth trajectory for each trait was also used under the context of mixed models, considering two parameters that admit biological interpretation (A and k) with random effects. Results: The von Bertalanffy model was the best fitting model for BW according to the highest value of R² (0.98) and lowest values of AIC (6,675.30) and BIC (6,691.90). For LEA, the Logistic model was the most appropriate due to the results of R² (0.52), AIC (783.90), and BIC (798.40) obtained using this model. The absolute growth rates estimated using the von Bertalanffy and Logistic models for BW and LEA were 21.51g/d and 3.16 cm², respectively. The relative growth rates at the inflection point were 0.028 for BW (von Bertalanffy) and 0.014 for LEA (Logistic). Conclusion: The von Bertalanffy and Logistic models with random effect at the asymptotic weight are recommended for analysis of ponderal and carcass growth trajectories in New Zealand rabbits. The inclusion of random effects in the asymptotic weight and maturity rate improves the quality of fit in comparison to fixed models.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.123-129
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze differences in imaging quality and dose difference between intra-venous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) liver dynamic computed tomography (CT). Herein, retrospective, blinded analysis was conducted to analyze signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios in cases of patients who underwent IV or IA liver dynamic CT for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), an interventional procedure for hepatocellular carcinoma. The dose length product (DLP) value stored in Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) was used to calculate the effective dose and thereby compare differences in the dose between the two methods. The mean liver and spleen signal to noise ratio (SNR) was greater in IV-liver dynamic CT than in IA-liver dynamic CT; however, contrast to noise ratio (CNR) was higher in IA-liver dynamic CT than in IV-liver dynamic CT. However, there were no differences in DLP and effective dose between the two methods. In conclusion, our findings showed that IA-liver dynamic CT showed a similar effective dose and superior CNR compared with IV-liver dynamic CT. Further studies must analyze 3D angiography CT of the hepatic artery to clearly distinguish the feeding artery, which is the essential step in interventional procedures for hepatocellular carcinoma.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.539-559
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• 2021

Agricultural ecosystem biodiversity monitoring and community variation analysis of insects were conducted from 2016 to 2018 in selected conventional and organic farming fields in Goesan district, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. The total number of 1,125 species in 16 orders and 207 families were identified. The numbers of species collected in the locations practicing organic farming were greater than the conventional farming both in the paddy fields (564 vs. 383 species) and the upland fields (471 vs. 365 species). Among them, Hemiptera had the most abundant of species, followed by Diptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Araneae. We calculated various index values of biodiversity (diversity index H', richness index R, evenness index J', dominance index D, and similarity index QS) based on quantitative measurements of species and individuals collected over three years of field monitoring. Variations in biodiversity index values in different agricultural systems show that the positive effect of organic farming is to produce more biodiversity than conventional farming systems. When compared to other index results reported in Korea, Japan and China, the richness index was higher and other index values were at similar levels.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.149-160
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• 2022

Comparative studies using large-scale data such as TIMSS, PIRLS, and PISA inform us of the effectiveness of each educational system. Even though samples in the large-scale studies were representative, admitting potential discrepancy when applying the findings of the large-scale studies to local educational system is still needed. This study examines the structural relationship among students' attitude towards science, learning support from teachers, school life, and science academic achievement with both large-scale data and local comparative study data utilizing same variables. Responses on the TIMSS 2019 of 5,554 Korean seventh-grade students and National Assessment of Educational Achievement (NAEA) 2019 of 6,365 third-grade middle school students were used. The results indicate that: a) school life did not affect the science achievements in both data. However, in NAEA 2019, students' attitude mediated the relationship between school life and science achievement; b) learning support from teachers had a significant impact on TIMSS science achievements, and also had positive effect on achievement through students' attitude in TIMSS. On the other hand, learning support had a positive effect on achievement only when student's attitude mediated the relationship in NAEA; c) students 'attitude toward science had positive effect on science achievement on both data; d) the impact of gender was different on school life, academic achievement, students 'attitude towards science, and learning support from teachers on both data; and e) the impact of the number of books differed as well. There were differences in results between the international and domestic research, which inform us that we need to pay attention when interpreting the domestic environment through the results of international research.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.525-536
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• 2009

The current residential process adheres to a traditional method of construction involving wood framing on-site on poured concrete foundations which has been widely applied in North America. A conventional residential construction process can include seventeen distinct stages ranging from stake-out to pre-occupancy inspection. The current practice possesses short comings including high construction material wastes, long scheduling timelines, adverse weather conditions, poor quality, low efficiencies and negative environmental impacts from transportation and equipment use. Over CAN $5 billion dollars was spent in the construction sector during 2007 in Canada. Previous findings in CO₂ emissions during the construction process of a conventional dwelling emphasize more than 45 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Hence, in Alberta alone during 2007, almost 50,000 residential units would release more than two million tonnes of CO₂. These numbers demonstrate the economical and environmental impact in building construction and its relationship with CO₂ emissions. The aim of this paper is to quantify the CO₂ emissions from the current residential construction process in order to establish the baseline for CO₂ emission reduction opportunities. The quantification collection methodology will be approached by identifying the seventeen various stages of construction and quantifying the contributions of CO₂ from specific activities and their impacts of work for each stage. The approach of separating these into separate stages for collection will allow for independent opportunities for analysis from various independent contractors from the entire scope of work. The use of BIM will be implemented to efficiently quantify CO₂ emissions. Based on the CO₂ quantification baseline, emission reduction opportunities such as an industrialized construction process will be introduced that allows homebuilders to reduce the environmental and economical impact of home construction while enabling them to produce higher quality, more energy efficient homes in a safer and shorter period of time.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.137-150
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• 2010

Traditionally, like many people in mountain region of the Himalaya, the Lwang communities depend on mix of subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and seasonal migrant labor for their livelihoods. These traditional systems are characterized by low productivity, diverse use of available natural resources (largely for home consumption), limited markets, and some aversion for innovation. The potential to generate wealth through commerce has largely been untapped by these mountain residents and thus is undervalued in local and national economies. Introduction of organic tea farming is a part of Lwang community's several initiatives to break the vicious poverty cycle Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) played facilitating roles in all their efforts since beginning. In five years, the tea plantation emerged as a new means for secured a livelihood. This study aims to analyze the current practices in tea farming both in terms of farm management and soil nutrient status(technical) and the prosperity of the tea farmers (social). The technical aspect covers the soil and tea leaf analysis of various nutrients contents in the soil and tea leaf. Originally, the technical aspect of the study was not planned but later during the consultation with the advisor it was taken into consideration which added value to the research study. The sample were collected from different locations and analyzed on the field itself. The other part of the study i.e. the social aspect was done through questionnaire survey and focus group discussion. the tea farming provided them not only a new opportunity but also earned an identity in the region. This initiative was undertaken as a piloting measure. Now that the tea is in production with processing unit established locally, more serious consideration has to be given for better yield and economic prosperity. This research finding will help the community to analyze their efforts and make correction measures in tea garden management and application of fertilizer. It is also expected to fill up the gaps of knowledge and information required to reduce economic stresses and enhance capacity of farmers to make the tea farming a sustainable and beneficial business. The findings are expected to Sustainability of organic tea farming has direct impacts on biodiversity conservation compared to the other traditional farming practices that are more resource intensive. The study will also contribute to identify key action points required for reducing poverty while conserving environment and enhancing livelihoods

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.61-68
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• 2007

The frequency response of a microphone, which indicates the frequency range that a microphone can output within the approved level, is one of the most significant standards used to measure the characteristics of a microphone. At present, conventional methods of measuring the frequency response are complicated and involve the use of expensive equipment. To complement the disadvantages, this paper suggests a new algorithm that can measure the frequency response of a microphone in a simple manner. The algorithm suggested in this paper generates the Optimized Aoshima's Time Stretched Pulse(OATSP) signal from a computer via a standard speaker and measures the impulse response of a microphone by convolution the inverse OATSP signal and the received by the microphone to be measured. Then, the frequency response of the microphone to be measured is calculated using the signals. The performance test for the algorithm suggested in the study was conducted through a comparative analysis of the frequency response data and the measures of frequency response of the microphone measured by the algorithm. It proved that the algorithm is suitable for measuring the frequency response of a microphone, and that despite a few errors they are all within the error tolerance.

• Information Systems Review
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.79-96
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• 2018

This study started by focusing on the internalization of the technology appraisal model into the credit rating model to increase the discriminative power of the credit rating model not only for SMEs but also for all companies, reflecting the items related to the financial stability of the enterprises among the technology appraisal items. Therefore, it is aimed to verify whether the technology appraisal model can be applied to identify high-stability SMEs in advance. We classified companies into industries (manufacturing vs. non-manufacturing) and the age of company (initial vs. non-initial), and defined as a high-stability company that has achieved an average debt ratio less than 1/2 of the group for three years. The C5.0 was applied to verify the discriminant power of the model. As a result of the analysis, there is a difference in importance according to the type of industry and the age of company at the sub-item level, but in the mid-item level the R&D capability was a key variable for discriminating high-stability SMEs. In the early stage of establishment, the funding capacity (diversification of funding methods, capital structure and capital cost which taking into account profitability) is an important variable in financial stability. However, we concluded that technology development infrastructure, which enables continuous performance as the age of company increase, becomes an important variable affecting financial stability. The classification accuracy of the model according to the age of company and industry is 71~91%, and it is confirmed that it is possible to identify high-stability SMEs by using technology appraisal items.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2024

Purpose: Cancer is the leading cause of death in Koreans, with breast cancer being the most common among women. Breast cancer readily metastasizes, and the existing treatment processes impose a significant burden on patients. This study examined whether pomegranate-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PNVs) have anti-cancer effects by inhibiting cell infiltration and metastasis while increasing apoptosis on breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: Initially, exosome-like nanovesicles were isolated from pomegranate using ultracentrifugation. Subsequently, the size range of these nanovesicles was confirmed using nanoparticle tracking analysis. The ability of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells to internalize these natural nanovesicles was assessed with flourescence microscope. The anti-cancer effects of the PNVs were confirmed by applying various concentrations of PNVs (10, 50, 100 ㎍/mL) to MDA-MB-231 cells and systematically assessing their impact on cell viability and migration. Results: The round shape of the lipid bilayer in the PNVs was confirmed, providing crucial insights into their structural properties. We demonstrate that PNVs-associated DiD dye can be efficiently internalized by the MDA-MB-231 cells. The data showed that the PNVs inhibited cell viability, invasion rates, and migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, PNVs were absorbed into the MDA-MB-231 cells, leading to an increased expression of apoptosis proteins, such as cleaved caspase-3 and phosphorus-JNK, in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, a reduction in cell infiltration and decreased expression of the transition markers MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins were observed. Conclusion: For the first time, this study suggests that PNVs may be useful in the prevention or treatment of breast cancer by inhibiting the infiltration and metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells and inducing apoptosis.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.83-103
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• 2024

Adhesive bonding is currently widely used in many industrial fields, particularly in the aeronautics sector. Despite its advantages over mechanical joints such as riveting and welding, adhesive bonding is mostly used for secondary structures due to its low peel strength; especially if it is simultaneously exposed to temperature and humidity; and often presence of bonding defects. In fact, during joint preparation, several types of defects can be introduced into the adhesive layer such as air bubbles, cavities, or cracks, which induce stress concentrations potentially leading to premature failure. Indeed, the presence of defects in the adhesive joint has a significant effect on adhesive stresses, which emphasizes the need for a good surface treatment. The research in this field is aimed at minimizing the stresses in the adhesive joint at its free edges by geometric modifications of the ovelapping part and/or by changing the nature of the substrates. In this study, the finite element method is used to describe the mechanical behavior of bonded joints. Thus, a three-dimensional model is made to analyze the effect of defects in the adhesive joint at areas of high stress concentrations. The analysis consists of estimating the different stresses in an adhesive joint between two 2024-T3 aluminum plates. Two types of single lap joints(SLJ) were analyzed: a standard SLJ and another modified by removing 0.2 mm of material from the thickness of one plate along the overlap length, taking into account several factors such as the applied load, shape, size and position of the defect. The obtained results clearly show that the presence of a bonding defect significantly affects stresses in the adhesive joint, which become important if the joint is subjected to a higher applied load. On the other hand, the geometric modification made to the plate considerably reduces the various stresses in the adhesive joint even in the presence of a bonding defect.