• Title/Summary/Keyword: Evaluating guidelines

Search Result 277, Processing Time 0.027 seconds

Complete Blood Count Reference Intervals and Patterns of Changes Across Pediatric, Adult, and Geriatric Ages in Korea

  • Nah, Eun-Hee;Kim, Suyoung;Cho, Seon;Cho, Han-Ik
    • Annals of Laboratory Medicine
    • /
    • v.38 no.6
    • /
    • pp.503-511
    • /
    • 2018
  • Background: Sampling a healthy reference population to generate reference intervals (RIs) for complete blood count (CBC) parameters is not common for pediatric and geriatric ages. We established age- and sex-specific RIs for CBC parameters across pediatric, adult, and geriatric ages using secondary data, evaluating patterns of changes in CBC parameters. Methods: The reference population comprised 804,623 health examinees (66,611 aged 3-17 years; 564,280 aged 18-59 years; 173,732 aged 60-99 years), and, we excluded 22,766 examinees after outlier testing. The CBC parameters (red blood cell [RBC], white blood cell [WBC], and platelet parameters) from 781,857 examinees were studied. We determined statistically significant partitions of age and sex, and calculated RIs according to the CLSI C28-A3 guidelines. Results: RBC parameters increased with age until adulthood and decreased with age in males, but increased before puberty and then decreased with age in females. WBC and platelet counts were the highest in early childhood and decreased with age. Sex differences in each age group were noted: WBC count was higher in males than in females during adulthood, but platelet count was higher in females than in males from puberty onwards (P <0.001). Neutrophil count was the lowest in early childhood and increased with age. Lymphocyte count decreased with age after peaking in early childhood. Eosinophil count was the highest in childhood and higher in males than in females. Monocyte count was higher in males than in females (P <0.001). Conclusions: We provide comprehensive age- and sex-specific RIs for CBC parameters, which show dynamic changes with both age and sex.

Potential Evaluation and Health Fostering Intrinsic Traits of Novel Probiotic Strain Enterococcus durans F3 Isolated from the Gut of Fresh Water Fish Catla catla

  • Alshammari, Eyad;Patel, Mitesh;Sachidanandan, Manojkumar;Kumar, Prashant;Adnan, Mohd
    • Food Science of Animal Resources
    • /
    • v.39 no.5
    • /
    • pp.844-861
    • /
    • 2019
  • Over the last few years, marine environment was found to be a source of surplus natural products and microorganisms with new bioactive secondary metabolites of interest which can divulge nutritional and biological impact on the host. This study aims to assess the possible, inherent and functional probiotic properties of a novel probiotic strain Enterococcus durans F3 (E. durans F3) isolated from the gut of fresh water fish Catla catla. Parameters for evaluating and describing the probiotics described in FAD/WHO guidelines were followed. E. durans F3 demonstrated affirmative results including simulated bile, acid and gastric juice tolerance with exhibited significant bactericidal effect against pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This can be due to the enterocin produced by E. durans F3 strain, which was resolute by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gel with amplification of the anticipated fragment of a structural gene; enterocin A, followed by antibiotic susceptibility assessment. Effective antioxidant potentiality against ${\alpha}$-diphenyl-${\alpha}$-picrylhydrazyl free radicals including lipase, bile salt hydrolase activity with auto-aggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity was similarly observed. Results are proving the potentiality of E. durans F3, which can also be used as probiotic starter culture in dairy industries for manufacturing new products that imparts health benefits to the host. Finding the potent and novel probiotic strains will also satisfy the current developing market demand for probiotics.

On an Enhanced Model of System Readiness Level by Incorporating Safety for the Development of Live Fire Test Systems (실사격 시험시스템의 효율적인 개발을 위해 안전도 반영을 통해 개선된 시스템 성숙도 모델에 관한 연구)

  • Ye, Sung Hyuck;Lee, Jae-Chon
    • Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
    • /
    • v.17 no.3
    • /
    • pp.195-204
    • /
    • 2015
  • The live fire test has been playing a critical role in evaluating the goals-to-meet of the weapon systems which utilize the power of explosives. As such, the successful development of the test systems therein is quite important. The test systems development covers that of ranges and facilities including system-level key components such as mission control, instrumentation or observation, safety control, electric power, launch pad, and so on. In addition, proper operational guidelines are needed with well-trained test and operation personnel. The emerging weapon systems to be deployed in future battle field would thus have to be more precise and dynamic, smarter, thereby requiring more elaboration. Furthermore, the safety consideration is becoming more serious due to the ever-increasing power of explosives. In such a situation, development of live fire test systems seems to be challenging. The objective of the paper is on how to incorporate the safety and other requirements in the development. To achieve the goal, an architectural approach is adopted by utilizing both the system components relationship and safety requirement when advanced instrumentation technology needs to be developed and deteriorated components of the range are replaced. As an evaluation method, it is studied how the level of maturity of the test systems development can be assessed particularly with the safety requirement considered. Based on the concepts of both systems engineering and SoS (System-of-Systems) engineering process, an enhanced model for the system readiness level is proposed by incorporating safety. The maturity model proposed would be helpful in assessing the maturity of safety-critical systems development whereas the costing model would provide a guide on how the reasonable test resource allocation plan can be made, which is based on the live fire test scenario of future complex weapon systems such as SoS.

Development of safety-Based Guidelines for Cost-Effective Utility Pole Treatment along Highway Rights-of-way

  • 김정현
    • Proceedings of the KOR-KST Conference
    • /
    • 1997.12b
    • /
    • pp.35-72
    • /
    • 1997
  • This study was conducted to develop a methodology to predict utility pole accident rates and to evaluate cost-effectiveness for safety improvement for utility pole accidents. The utility pole accident rate prediction model was based on the encroachment rate approach introduced in the Transportation Research Board special Report 214. The utility pole accident rate on a section of highway depends on the roadside encroachment rate and the lateral extent of encroachment. The encroachment rate is influenced by the horizontal and vertical alignment of the highway as well as traffic volume and mean speed. The lateral extent of encroachment is affected by the horizontal and vertical alignment, the mean speed and the roadside slope. An analytical method to generate the probability distribution function for the lateral extent of encroachment was developed for six kinds of encroachment types by the horizontal alignment and encroachment direction. The encroachment rate was calibrated with the information on highway and roadside conditions and the utility pole accident records collected on the sections of 55mph speed limit of the State Trunk Highway 12 in Wisconsin. The encroachment rate on tangent segment was calibrated as a function of traffic volume with the actual average utility pole accident rates by traffic volume strategies. The adjustment factors for horizontal and vertical alignment were when derived by comparing the actual average utility pole accident rates to the estimations from the model calibrated for tangent and level sections. A computerized benefit-cost analysis procedure was then developed as a means of evaluating alternative countermeasures. The program calculates the benefit-cost ratio and the percent of reduction of utility pole accidents resulting from the implementation of a safety improvement. This program can be used to develop safety improvement alternatives for utility pole accidents when a predetermined performance level is specified.

  • PDF

Comparison of radiographic and computed tomographic acetabular index in small-breed dogs: a preliminary study using Maltese and Shih Tzu

  • Kanthavichit, Kanokporn;Klaengkaew, Auraiwan;Thanaboonnipat, Chutimon;Darawiroj, Damri;Soontornvipart, Kumpanart;Choisunirachon, Nan
    • Journal of Veterinary Science
    • /
    • v.22 no.4
    • /
    • pp.58.1-58.13
    • /
    • 2021
  • Background: The morphometry of the acetabulum is one source of information that assists in the clinical diagnosis of the hip and influences the proper selection of a prosthesis, reducing post-operative complications such as those seen in total hip replacement (THR). However, acetabular parameters in small-breed dogs are rarely reported. Objectives: To investigate acetabular parameters using radiography and computed tomography (CT) in small-breed dogs with Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs used as model breeds. Methods: Standard calibrated, extended hip radiographs and CT images were obtained. Subsequently, acetabular width (AW) in various directions was measured using radiography and CT, whereas acetabular depth (AD) was obtained by CT. Acetabular index (AI) is a ratio calculated from AD and AW. Results: The values of AW and AD were much higher in Shih Tzu than in Maltese dogs. Male Shih Tzus showed higher values of these parameters than females, while sex-based differences in most of the parameters could not be detected in Maltese. Body weight, but not age, influenced AWs and ADs. While AWs and ADs were influenced by several factors, AI was comparable among the assessed factors and between Maltese and Shih Tzu dogs (p = 0.172; 31.42 ± 1.35 and 32.60 ± 1.80, respectively). Also, AI did not vary with breed, sex, or body size. Conclusions: The obtained radiographic and CT acetabular parameters could be useful as guidelines for evaluating the acetabulum of small-breed dogs in clinical practice.

A Web-based Survey Research on Improving and Utilizing Korean Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline for Ankle Sprain (족관절 염좌 임상진료지침 개정과 활용도 향상을 위한 전자우편 설문조사)

  • Lee, Ji-Eun;Choi, Jin-Bong;Kim, Do-Hyeong;Jeong, Hyun-Jin;Kim, Jae-Hong
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
    • /
    • v.40 no.2
    • /
    • pp.1-16
    • /
    • 2019
  • Objectives: The purpose of this study was to increase the utilization of Korean Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines(KMCGP) for ankle sprain by investigating the recognition of guideline developed in 2015 and evaluating the current status of treatment. Methods: An e - mail questionnaire survey was conducted for Korean medicine doctor(K.M.D) registered in Korean Medicine Association. Survey data were analyzed through Excel. Results: The most common Korean medicine treatments used in clinic were acupuncture(adjacent points)(28.5%), cupping therapy(19.7%) and pharmacopuncture(9.8%). The treatments with high patient satisfaction were acupuncture (adjacent points)(27.9%), moxibustion(22.4%) and herbal medicine(10.4%). Herbal medicine(17.9%), tuina(10.7%) and embedding therapy(9.2%) were difficult to perform during treatment because of cost. In the case of a later revision, respondents most thought it is necessary to update evidence and adjust recommendation ratings. A majority of all respondents said they would like to know about the revised guideline through the Internet. In the expected revision effect, the first order was 'presentation of standardized treatment method', the second was 'establishing the basis of Korean medicine treatment', and the third was 'strengthening the status of Korean medicine as therapeutic medicine'. Many respondents wished to add exercise therapy. In order to increase the utilization rate of the guideline, many respondents thought it should be included in textbooks and 90.6% of respondents answered that they would use more than 50% of the revised guideline. Conclusion: It is necessary to update evidence and adjust recommendation ratings and to promote KMCGP. At the same time treatment methods should be taught to K.M.D

Is aromatherapy associated with patient's dental anxiety levels? A systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Purohit, Abhishek;Singh, Abhinav;Purohit, Bharathi;Shakti, Prateek;Shah, Nidhi
    • Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
    • /
    • v.21 no.4
    • /
    • pp.311-319
    • /
    • 2021
  • The use of aromatherapy for the reduction of anxiety levels during dental treatment procedures has been well established in the literature; however, there is limited evidence regarding its efficacy. The present meta-analysis is an attempt to assess the association between the use of aromatherapy and anxiety levels among dental patients. A comprehensive search was conducted across Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO host, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar for studies evaluating aromatherapy and anxiety level among dental patients. PRISMA guidelines were followed for the meta-analysis. Randomized and cluster-randomized trials comparing aromatherapy with controls were included. The random-effects model was used to assess the mean differences in anxiety levels of patients visiting dental OPD. The significance value was set at P < 0.05. Six studies were identified that met the requirements for inclusion. Aromatherapy was significantly associated with reduction in patient anxiety levels during dental treatment (pooled mean difference: -3.36 [95% CI, -3.77 - -2.95, P = 0.00001). Low heterogeneity was noted between studies (I2 = 1%, P = 0.41) analyzed in the meta-analysis. High certainty of the evidence was obtained from the association between the use of aromatherapy and dental anxiety. This meta-analysis suggests that aromatherapy is effective in reducing dental anxiety. When used judiciously, the results of this work should encourage the use of aromatherapy to reduce patient anxiety levels during dental procedures

A Study on the Development of Index System Evaluating the Location Suitability for the Future-Oriented New Industrial Complex (미래형 신산업단지의 입지적합성 평가지표체계 개발 연구)

  • Choi, Dae-Sik;Song, Young-Il;Kim, Tae-Gyun;Lee, Eun-Yeob;Lee, Hyeon-Joo
    • Journal of Korea Planning Association
    • /
    • v.54 no.7
    • /
    • pp.58-69
    • /
    • 2019
  • This study suggested the necessity of introducing the future-oriented new industrial complex as a way to enhance the competitiveness of the industrial complex in response to the industrial ecosystem change caused by the 4th industrial revolution. To evaluate the location suitability for the new industrial complex, location indices were developed in this study. The flexibility of location and connectivity to neighboring areas of the future-oriented new industrial complexes were the focused subjects of this study. In-depth expert consultation and Delphi survey were conducted to construct an index system and to measure the indices. Afterwards, the AHP analysis was conducted to elucidate the weighting by indicators. As a result, the indicators of industrial innovation environment were the most important in the major category. In addition, the convenience of workers, especially urban environment, was analyzed as an important factor for success of the future-oriented new industrial complex. The indicators which are closely related to the concept and purpose of the future-oriented new industrial complex turned out to have the higher weight compared to other indicators. From the point of view of the developers of the industrial complexes or tenant companies, the implications for deriving suitable locations for development of industrial complexes among urban under-utilized sites are suggested. Furthermore, It is expected that the government will be able to apply the development system to stimulate the development of these new industrial complexes and to prepare guidelines for selecting locations.

Reliability Analysis and Improvement Plan for Evaluation of Program Outcomes among Demand-driven Raters (프로그램 학습성과 평가에 대한 수요지향 평가자 간 신뢰도 분석 및 개선 방안)

  • Lee, Youngho;Shin, Younghak;Kim, Jonghwa
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
    • /
    • v.21 no.3
    • /
    • pp.410-418
    • /
    • 2021
  • In a program that runs an engineering education certification, program outcomes refer to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes a student must have until graduation. In general, capstone design is used as a tool for evaluating program outcomes. This paper applies the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to measure the raters' reliability in assessing program outcomes. Several raters evaluate program outcomes, and the result is used to obtain the raters' ICC. ICC measures the reliability of ratings or measurements for clusters - data that has been collected as groups or sorted into groups. If the ICC is close to 1, it means that the reliability among the raters is high. We evaluated the proposed method's usefulness through case analysis. As a method for assessing an evaluation tool's objectivity, multiple raters measure the same evaluation tool. As a result, we measured the ICC values for all POs, and analyzed the cause for the low measured POs. We applied this method to evaluate program outcomes of the Department of Computer Engineering in the past two years. As a result, we derived guidelines for improvement and program outcomes.

Success rate of nitrous oxide-oxygen procedural sedation in dental patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Rossit, Marco;Gil-Manich, Victor;Ribera-Uribe, Jose Manuel
    • Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
    • /
    • v.21 no.6
    • /
    • pp.527-545
    • /
    • 2021
  • The aim of this systematic review was to determine the success rate of nitrous oxide-oxygen procedural sedation (NOIS) in dentistry. A systematic digital search was conducted for publications or reports of randomized controlled trials evaluating the clinical performance of NOIS. Abstracts of research papers were screened for suitability, and full-text articles were obtained for those who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria accordingly. The quality of the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). A total of 19 articles (eight randomized clinical trials with parallel intervention groups and 11 crossover trials), published between May 1988 and August 2019, were finally selected for this review. The studies followed 1293 patients reporting NOIS success rates, with a cumulative mean value of 94.9% (95% CI: 88.8-98.9%). Thirteen trials were conducted on pediatric populations (1098 patients), and the remaining six were conducted on adults (195 patients), with cumulative efficacy rates of 91.9% (95% CI: 82.5-98.1%) and 99.9% (95% CI: 97.7-100.0%), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.002). Completion of treatment and Section IV of the Houpt scale were the most used efficacy criteria. Within the limitations of this systematic review, the present study provides important information on the efficacy rate of NOIS. However, further well-designed and well-documented clinical trials are required and there is a need to develop guidelines for standardization of criteria and definition of success in procedural sedation. Currently, completion of treatment is the most used parameter in clinical practice, though many others also do exist at the same time. To maximize NOIS efficacy, clinicians should strictly consider appropriate indications for the procedure.