• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• 제37권3호
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• pp.217-225
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• 2021

This study evaluated the species composition, diversity and phorophyte preference of epiphytes at the University of Port Harcourt located in southern part of Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select sites representing major avenues in the three campuses (Abuja, Choba and Delta) of the University. Data were collected on species name of phorophytes, number of individuals, diameter at breast height (dbh) and height, and species/number of epiphytes present on them. The points/sections of attachment of epiphytes on phorophytes were also recorded. A total of eight species of epiphyte belonging to six families were recorded in the study. Species diversity was higher in Abuja campus (Simpson 1-D=0.81; Shannon H=1.79), followed by Choba campus (Simpson 1-D=0.73; Shannon H=1.09) and Delta campus (Simpson 1-D=0.56; Shannon H=0.93). Species richness was highest in Abuja campus (n=8) followed by Delta campus (n=4) and Choba campus (n=3). Similarity in epiphyte species composition was highest between Choba and Delta campuses (85.71%), followed by Delta and Abuja campuses (66.67%) and lowest between Choba and Abuja campuses (54.55%). The family-Polypodiaceae, had the highest number of species (n=3). Microgramma owariensis had the highest relative abundance (27%) followed by Platycerium bifurcatum (26%) while Tillandsia utriculata and Peperomia pellucida had the least relative abundance (3%). Epiphyte abundance was weakly correlated with both the dbh and height of phorophytes. However, epiphytes were more abundant on phorophytes with rough/scaly/corky/flaky barks than on those with smooth barks. The planting of avenue tree species with rough barks is recommended to enhance the diversity of epiphytes in the study area.

• Korea-Australia Rheology Journal
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.109-117
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• 2009

Absorption rate of carbon dioxide was measured in the aqueous xanthan gum (XG) solution in the range of 0~0.15 wt% containing diisopropanolamine (DIPA) of $0{\sim}2\;kmol/m^3$ in a flat-stirred vessel with an impeller of 0.05 m and agitation speed of 50 rpm at $25^{\circ}C$ and 101.3 kPa. The volumetric liquid-side mass transfer coefficient ($k_La$) of $CO_2$, which was obtained by the measured physical absorption rate, was correlated with the viscosity and the elastic behavior of XG solution such as Deborah number as an empirical formula. The chemical absorption rate of $CO_2$ ($R_A$), which was estimated by the film theory using the measured $k_La$ and the known kinetics of reaction between $CO_2$ and DIPA, was compared with the measured rate. The aqueous XG solution with elastic property of non-Newtonian liquid made $k_La$ and $R_A$ increased compared with Newtonian liquid based on the same viscosity of the solution.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• 제7권4호
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• pp.878-894
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• 2013

Secure multimedia multicast applications involve group communications where group membership requires secured dynamic key generation and updating operations. Such operations usually consume high computation time and therefore designing a key distribution protocol with reduced computation time is necessary for multicast applications. In this paper, we propose a new key distribution protocol that focuses on two aspects. The first one aims at the reduction of computation complexity by performing lesser numbers of multiplication operations using a ternary-tree approach during key updating. Moreover, it aims to optimize the number of multiplication operations by using the existing Karatsuba divide and conquer approach for fast multiplication. The second aspect aims at reducing the amount of information communicated to the group members during the update operations in the key content. The proposed algorithm has been evaluated based on computation and communication complexity and a comparative performance analysis of various key distribution protocols is provided. Moreover, it has been observed that the proposed algorithm reduces the computation and communication time significantly.

• Korea-Australia Rheology Journal
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.1-6
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• 2008

Absorption rate of carbon dioxide was measured in the aqueous xanthan gum (XG) solution in the range of 0-0.15 wt% containing 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) of $0-2\;kmol/m^3$ in a flat-stirred vessel with an impeller of 0.05m and agitation speed of 50rpm at $25^{\circ}C$ and 0.101 MPa. The volumetric liquid-side mass transfer coefficient ($k_La$) of $CO_2$, which was correlated with the viscosity and the elastic behavior of XG solution containing Deborah number as an empirical formula, was used to estimate the chemical absorption rate of $CO_2\;(R_A)$. $R_A$, which was estimated by mass transfer mechanism based on the film theory using the physicochemical properties and the kinetics of reaction between $CO_2$ and AMP, was compared with the measured rate. The aqueous XG solution with elastic property of non-Newtonian liquid made $R_A$ increased compared with Newtonian liquid based on the same viscosity of the solution.

• Interdisciplinary Bio Central
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• 제3권4호
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• pp.13.1-13.8
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• 2011

Previous research has established the existence of individual differences with regards to individuals' optimum time of well-functioning; specifically in terms of being either morning or evening oriented. An association has also emerged between being more evening, as opposed to morning, oriented and having a greater number of sexual partners. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether "eveningness" in males is an evolved sexually dimorphic trait consistent across different cultures. A sample of 179 male Sri Lankan men residing in two different cultural and economic settings, Italy and Sri Lanka, were administered the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) followed by assessing their sexual behavior history. The results robustly portrayed a highly significant main effect of MEQ types highlighting the twofold sexual success enjoyed by the evening individuals in both regional locations. Morning oriented individuals, showed a stronger preference for going out and partying than evening-types, suggesting that the higher mating success of evening types is not due to their different lifestyles allowing more opportunities to encounter females. However, evening types exhibited a preference for flirtatious behaviors in the later part of the day. Shoulder-to-hip and handgrip strength, as measures of testosterone levels, were not significantly associated with eveningness. The results are discussed in terms of sexual selection and its interplay with human cultural variation.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.41-44
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• 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of different numbers of basis images and the use of metal artifact reduction (MAR) on the production and reduction of artifacts in cone-beam computed tomography images. Materials and Methods: An acrylic resin phantom with a metal alloy sample was scanned, with 450 or 720 basis images and with or without MAR. Standard deviation values for the test areas (around the metal object) were obtained as a way of measuring artifact production. Two-way analysis of variance was used with a 5% significance level. Results: There was no significant difference in artifact production among the images obtained with different numbers of basis images without MAR (P=.985). MAR significantly reduced artifact production in the test areas only in the protocol using 720 basis images (P=.017). The protocol using 450 basis images with MAR showed no significant difference in artifact production when compared to the protocol using 720 basis images with MAR (P=.579). Conclusion: Protocols with a smaller number of basis images and with MAR activated are preferable for minimizing artifact production in tomographic images without exposing the patient to a greater radiation dose.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.239-244
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• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the use and acceptance of digital radiographic examinations by Brazilian dental practitioners in daily practice and to evaluate the advances that have occurred over the past 5 years. Materials and Methods: Dental practitioners enrolled in extension courses at the Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Brazil, responded to a self­administered questionnaire in the years 2011 and 2015. They were asked about sociodemographic factors and their knowledge and use of digital radiographic examinations. Descriptive analysis was performed, as well as the chi-square and Fisher exact tests, with a significance level of 5% (${\alpha}=0.05$). results: A total of 181 participants responded to the questionnaire in the years 2011 and 2015. Most of the respondents worked in private practice, had graduated within the last 5 years, and were between 20 and 30 years old. In 2011, 55.6% of respondents reported having ever used digital radiographic examinations, while in 2015 this number increased significantly to 85.4% (p<.0001), out of which 71.4% preferred it to conventional images. Moreover, 21.4% of respondents reported having used digital radiographic examinations for more than 3 years. A significant increase in use of intraoral digital radiography (p = 0.0316) was observed in 2015. In both years, image quality and high cost were indicated, respectively, as the main advantage and disadvantage of digital radiographic examinations. conclusion: This study showed that digital radiology has become more common in Brazil over the past 5 years. Most of the Brazilian dental practitioners evaluated in 2015 used digital radiographic examinations.

• 한국의류산업학회지
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.971-976
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• 2013

This study provides insight into current social media influences and purchasing power of the young generation in that the size of both of these demographic groups will impact the apparel companies and retail market for the predictable future Denim apparel companies are aware of the discretionary spending power of the Y and Z Generations. The characteristics of current teens are so similar to college-age individuals in that they have grown up with digital technology and they prefer to communicate via social networking sites. Retailers have utilized these social media platforms in order to capture the attention of the generations. Traditionally marketing campaigns have differentiated between teens and the college-age population. However, the teens actually have larger spending power and more discretionary income. A survey consisted of 32 questions pertaining to Internet media influences, influence of people, and decision factors on decisionmaking related to purchasing selection. A random sampling of 163 females responded to a set of questionnaires. Teens, like college students desire to make their own decisions when they select and purchase denim jeans. Overall 40% of them wanted to make their own decisions when purchasing their jeans, however, a significant number are influenced by their friend's opinions (34%) and the opinions of family members (15%). However, celebrities (10%) had the least influence on their decisions. Teens, like colleges students make decisions based on the same decision factors: fit (63%), cost (23%), brand (10%) and color (2%). The most important factor in determining preference was "fit".

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제54권2호
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• pp.159-169
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• 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition protocols on reducing the effective radiation dose while maintaining image quality. Materials and Methods: The effective dose emitted by a CBCT device was calculated using thermoluminescent dosimeters placed in a Rando Alderson phantom. Image quality was assessed by 3 experienced evaluators. The relationship between image quality and confidence was evaluated using the Fisher exact test, and the agreement among raters was assessed using the kappa test. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate whether the technical parameters could predict the effective dose. P-values<0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: The optimized protocol (3 mA, 99 kVp, and 450 projection images) demonstrated good image quality and a lower effective dose for radiation-sensitive organs. Image quality and confidence had consistent values for all structures (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis resulted in a statistically significant model. The milliamperage (b=0.504; t=3.406; P=0.027), kilovoltage peak (b=0.589; t=3.979; P=0.016) and number of projection images (b=0.557; t=3.762; P=0.020) were predictors of the effective dose. Conclusion: Optimized CBCT acquisition protocols can significantly reduce the effective radiation dose while maintaining acceptable image quality by adjusting the milliamperage and projection images.