• Title/Summary/Keyword: Least Cost

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Comparative risk analysis of NATM and TBM for mixed-face large-diameter urban tunneling (도심지 대단면 복합지반 NATM 과 TBM 터널공법의 비교위험도 분석)

  • Kim, Young-Geun;Moon, Joon-Shik;Shim, Jai-Beom;Lee, Seung-Bok;Choi, Chang-Rim;Chun, Youn-Chul
    • Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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    • v.13 no.1
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    • pp.19-32
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    • 2011
  • The risk assessment is essential for tunnel design in order to minimize risks associated with uncertainty about geological conditions and tunneling method. This paper provides a comparative risk analysis of a large single bore TBM driven tunnel against sequentially excavated NATM tunnel for a mixed-face large-diameter urban tunnel project near or under a river. The focus of this assessment is on the risks associated with the tunnel excavation methods, in particular whether a TBM or NATM presents more or less risk to achieve the planned excavation duration and bring the project within the estimated bid price. First, the impacts and risks to tunnel construction under each method were discussed, and the risks were scored and ranked in the order of perceived severity and likelihood. Finally, the assessment from a risk based perspective was conducted to decide which alternate tunneling method is more likely to deliver the project with the least time and cost. It is very important to note that this study is only applied to this tunnel project with specific geological conditions and other contract requirements.

Influence of Feeding Processed Cottonseed Meal on Meat and Wool Production of Lambs

  • Nagalakshmi, D.;Sastry, V.R.B.;Rao, V. Kesava
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.26-33
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    • 2002
  • In order to assess the effect of feeding raw or processed cotton (Gossypium) seed meal (CSM) on meat and wool production, 30 male crossbred lambs (3-4 months) of uniform body weight were assigned equally to five dietary treatments in a completely randomised design. The CSM was processed by three different methods i.e., cooking the meal at $100^{\circ}C$ for 45 minutes, treatment with 1% calcium hydroxide ($Ca(OH)_2$) for 24 h and iron treatment in the ratio of 1 part free gossypol (FG) to 0.3 parts of iron for 30 minutes. The lambs were fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric concentrate mixtures, containing 30% deoiled peanut meal (reference diet) and 40% of either raw, cooked, $Ca(OH)_2$ or iron treated CSM for 180 days. The raw and variously processed CSM replaced about 50% nitrogen of reference concentrate mixture. The concentrate mixtures were fed to meet 80% of the protein requirements (NRC, 1985) along with ad libitum chopped maize (Zea mays) hay. The slaughter weight, empty body weight and carcass weight was higher ($p{\leq}0.01$) in lambs fed cooked CSM incorporated diets, compared to diets containing deoiled peanut meal (DPNM). These parameters were not influenced by feeding diets containing either raw, $Ca(OH)_2$ or iron treated CSM in comparison DPNM diets. The carcass length, loin eye area and edible and inedible portion of carcass and the meat: bone ratio in whole carcass were also not affected by feeding CSM based diets. Among various primal cuts, the yield of legs was lower ($p{\leq}0.05$) from raw CSM fed lambs in comparison to DPNM fed lambs. The fat content in the Longissimus dorsi muscle was reduced ($p{\leq}0.05$) in lambs fed processed CSM based diets compared to those fed DPNM diet. Replacing DPNM with either raw or processed CSM based diets did not influence the sensory attributes and overall acceptability of meat. The wool yield was higher ($p{\leq}0.05$) in iron treated CSM fed lambs. The fibre length and fibre diameter were comparable among lambs on various dietary regimes. Among lambs fed variously processed CSM diets, the feed cost per kg of edible meat production was lower ($p{\leq}0.05$) on $Ca(OH)_2$ treated CSM, followed by cooked CSM diet and then on raw CSM based diets compared to DPNM diet. The CSM after 1% $Ca(OH)_2$ treatment or cooking for 45 minutes appears to be a satisfactory protein supplement in lamb diets for meat and wool production to replace at least 50% nitrogen of scarce and costly peanut meal.

Knowledge, Barriers and Attitudes Towards Breast Cancer Mammography Screening in Jordan

  • Abu-Helalah, Munir Ahmad;Alshraideh, Hussam Ahmad;Al-Serhan, Ala-Aldeen Ahmad;Kawaleet, Mariana;Nesheiwat, Adel Issa
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.16 no.9
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    • pp.3981-3990
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    • 2015
  • Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Jordan. Current efforts are focused on annual campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about breast cancer and encouraging women to conduct mammogram screening. In the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, there is a need to evaluate current mammography screening uptake and its predictors, assess women's knowledge and attitudes towards breast cancer and screening mammograms and to identify barriers to this preventive service. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in six governorates in Jordan through face-to-face interviews on a random sample of women aged 40 to 69 years. Results: A total of 507 participants with mean age of $46.8{\pm}7.8$ years were interviewed. There was low participation rate in early detection of breast cancer practices. Breast self-examination, doctor examination and periodic mammography screening were reported by 34.9%, 16.8% and 8.6% of study participants, respectively. Additionally 3.8% underwent breast cancer screening at least once but not periodically, while 87.6% had never undergone mammography screening. Reported reasons for conducting the screening were: perceived benefit (50%); family history of breast cancer (23.1%); perceived severity (21.2%); and advice from friend or family member (5.8%). City residents have shown higher probability of undergoing mammogram than those who live in towns or villages. Results revealed negative perceptions and limited knowledge of study participants on breast cancer and breast cancer screening. The most commonly reported barriers for women who never underwent screening were: fear of results (63.8%); no support from surrounding environment (59.7); cost of the test (53.4%); and religious belief, i.e. Qadaa Wa Qadar (51.1%). Conclusions: In the absence of regular systematic screening for breast cancer in Jordan, the uptake of this preventive service is very low. It is essential for the country of Jordan to work on applying regular systematic mammography screening for breast cancer. Additionally, there is a need for improvement in the current health promotion programmes targeting breast cancer screening. Other areas that could be targeted in future initiatives in this field include access to screening in rural areas and removal of current barriers.

Control Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella by gas treatment

  • Han, Gyung Deok;Kwon, Hyeok;Jin, Hyun Jung;Kum, Ho Jung;Kim, Bo Hwan;Kim, Wook
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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    • 2017.06a
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    • pp.45-45
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    • 2017
  • The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, is one of the most important pests of stored food in the food processing industry worldwide. To control the Indian meal moth, methyl bromide, phosphine, high carbon dioxide, sulfuryl fluoride and plant essential oil fumigation have been considered. However, these treatments have disadvantages. For example, depleting the ozone layer, showing resistance in insect, low control efficacy or need high cost for treatment. Chlorine dioxide ($ClO_2$) is strong disinfectant and insecticide. The gas caused a malfunction in enzymes. The oxidative stress induced by $ClO_2$ gas treatment damaged to a physiological system and all life stages of P. interpunctella. The gaseous $ClO_2$ is a convincing alternative to methyl bromide for controlling P. interpunctella. The gaseous $ClO_2$ was generated by a chlorine dioxide generator (PurgoFarm Co., Ltd., Hwasung, Korea). It generated highly pure $ClO_2$ gas and the gas blown out through a vent into a test chamber. Gas entry to the chamber was automatically controlled and monitored by a PortaSene II gas leak detector (Analytical Technology, Collegeville, PA, USA). The properly prepared eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of P. interpunctella were used in this experiment. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4. Percentage data were statistically analyzed after arcsine-root transformation. Analysis of variance was performed using general linear model, and means were separated by the least significant difference test at P < 0.05. Fumigation is an effective management technique for controlling all stages of P. interpunctella. We found that $ClO_2$ gas treatment directly effects on egg, larvae, pupae and adults of P. interpunctella. The gas treatment with proper concentration for over a day achieved 100 % mortality in all stages of P. interpunctella and short time treatment or low concentration gas treatment results showed that the egg hatchability, pupation rate, and adult emergency rate were lowered compare with untreated control. Also, abnormal pupae or adult rate were increased. Gaseous $ClO_2$ treatment induced insecticidal reactive oxygen species (ROS), and it resulted in fatal oxidative stress in P. interpunctella. Taken together, these results showed that exposure proper concentration and time of the gas control all stages of P. interpunctella by inducing fatal oxidative stress. Further studies will be required to apply the gas treatment under real-world condition and to understanding physiological reaction in P. interpunctella caused by oxidative stress.

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Health Status in Urban Slum Area (일부(一部) 도시(都市) 영세지역(零細地域)의 보건실태(保健實態))

  • Chang, Im-Won;Chung, Kyou-Chull
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.10 no.1
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    • pp.3-15
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    • 1977
  • In order to find out health problems among inhabitants in slum areas in Kwanak-Ku, Seoul, a series of health survey was conducted upon 510 households by interview from March to December, 1976. The results obtained were as follows: 1. Employments of householders were unstable; Out of 508 householders, 164(32.3%) were unemployed and 184 (36.2%) were daily or temporary employees. 2. Average number of households per house was 2.0 and average area of residential room per person was $4.0m^2$. 3. 476(93.3%) out of 510 households were supplied with tap water and rest of them made use of ground water as a source of drinking water. 4. Only 279(18.3%) out of 1527 live births were delivered at medical facilities, 496(32.7%) were at home attended by doctors or midwives and 358(25.1%) took prenatal care. The above findings were worse in urban slum area than in other urban area of relatively high economic level, but were better than in rural area of less medical facilities. 5. Initiation of treatment were delayed until their illnesses were advanced in most of the households, 472(92.5%) out 510. In the early stage of the illness, 131(25.6%) of the house-holds sought physicians in their clinics or general hospitals and 250 (40.9%) visited chemists, to toy drugs at first hand. Frequency of visits to physician increased to 52.8% as the disease aggravated in later stages. 6. Cost of medical expenditure per household amounted to 815 won, and was paid to, in the order of chemists, physicians, chinese herb stores, chinese herb doctors. 7. Concerning the health knowledge of the inhabitants, 273(53.9%) out of 506 respondents were aware of the infectivity of pulmonary tuberculosis, and 68(13.4%) of them checked regularly their chest findings by X-ray at least once every two years. 8. As for the family planning, although 448(87.3%) out of 510 respondents were in favor of it, 215 (41.8%) of them were actually practicing contraception. 9. About 40.6% (125 respondents) of them obtained information and knowledge concerning contraception through personal contact with family planning workers. 10. Nutritional status of housewives was generally poor: 49(38.3%) out of 128 housewives were found to be anemic and average serum protein level was $7.5{\pm}0.82g/dl$.

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The Value of X-ray Compared with Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Traumatic Vertebral Fractures

  • Lee, Yang Woo;Jang, Jae Ho;Kim, Jin Joo;Lim, Yong Su;Hyun, Sung Youl;Yang, Hyuk Jun
    • Journal of Trauma and Injury
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    • v.30 no.4
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    • pp.158-165
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of X-rays in patients with acute traumatic vertebral fractures visiting the emergency department and to analyze the diagnostic value of X-rays for each spine level. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed basal characteristics by reviewing medical records of 363 patients with adult traumatic vertebral fractures, admitted to the emergency center from March 1, 2014 to February 28, 2017. We analyzed spine X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to determine distribution according to the vertebral level, and we evaluated the efficacy of X-rays by comparing discrepancies between X-rays and MRI scans. Results: For a total of 363 patients, the mean age was 56.65 (20-93) and 214 (59%) were males. On the basis of X-rays, 67 cases (15.1%) were of the cervical spine, 133 cases (30.0%) were of the thoracic spine, and 243 cases (54.9%) were of the lumbar spine. In particular, the thoracolumbar region (T11-L2) was the most common, with 260 cases (58.7%). In X-rays, fractures were the least in the upper thoracic region (T1-T3), whereas MRI scans revealed fairly uniform distribution across the thoracic spine. Sensitivity of X-rays was lowest in the upper thoracic spine and specificity was almost always greater than 98%, except for 94.7% in L1. Positive predictive value was lower in the mid-thoracic region (T4-T9) and negative predictive value was slightly lower in C6, T2, and T3 than at other sites. Diagnostic accuracy of X-rays by vertebral body, transverse process, and spinous process according to fractured vertebral structures was significantly different according to vertebral level. Conclusions: Diagnostic accuracy of X-rays was lower in the upper thoracic region than in other parts. Further studies are needed to identify better methods for diagnosis considering cost and neurological prognosis.

Rapid Detection of Pathogens Associated with Dental Caries and Periodontitis by PCR Using a Modified DNA Extraction Method (PCR을 이용한 치아우식증 및 치주염 연관 병원체의 빠른 검출)

  • Kim, Jaehwan;Kim, Miah;Lee, Daewoo;Baik, Byeongju;Yang, Yeonmi;Kim, Jaegon
    • Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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    • v.41 no.4
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    • pp.292-297
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    • 2014
  • DNA extraction is a prerequisite for the identification of pathogens in clinical samples. Commercial DNA extraction kits generally involve time-consuming and laborious multi-step procedures. In the present study, our modified DNA isolation method for saliva samples allows for the quick detection of pathogens associated with dental caries or periodontitis by PCR within 1 h. To release DNA from the bacteria, 1 min of boiling was adequate, and the resulting isolated DNA can be used many times and is suitable for long term storage of at least 13 months at $4^{\circ}C$, and even longer at $-20^{\circ}C$. In conclusion, our modified DNA extraction method is simple, rapid, and cost-effective, and suitable for preparing DNA from clinical samples for PCR for the rapid detection of oral pathogens from saliva.

Association between Cigarette Smoking History and Mortality in 36,446 Health Examinees in Korea

  • Kim, Kyoungwoo;Yoo, Taiwoo;Kim, Yeonju;Choi, Ji-Ho;Myung, Seung-Kwon;Park, Sang-Min;Hong, Yun-Chul;Cho, Belong;Park, Sue K.;Yoo, Keun-Young
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.14
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    • pp.5685-5689
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    • 2014
  • Background: It is well known that smoking is a preventable factor for all-cause mortality; however, it is still questionable how many years after smoking cessation that people will have reduced risk for mortality, in particular in those with a high interest in their own health. We aimed to examine the association between time since quitting smoking and total mortality among past-smokers relative to current smokers. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 36,446 health examinees that voluntarily taken with diverse health check-up packages of high cost burden in 1995-2003 and followed them till death by 2004. The history of cigarette smoking consumption was collected using a self-administrative questionnaire at the first visit time. Mortality risk by smoking cessation years was analyzed using Cox's proportional hazard model. Results: Compared to non-smokers, male smokers over 15 pack-years had higher risk for total mortality (HR=1.60, 95%CI 1.23-2.14). The mortality risk in female smokers with same pack-years was more pronounced than that in male smokers (HR=2.83, 95%CI 1.17-7.04) despite a small number of cases. Compared to current smokers, a decrease of total mortality was observed among those who ceased smoking, and inverse dose-response was found with years after cessation: RR 0.98 (95%CI, 0.64-1.41) (<2 yrs), 0.60 (95%CI, 0.43-0.83) (3-9 yrs), and 0.58 (95%CI, 0.43-0.79) (${\geq}10$ yrs). Conclusions: A reduced risk of total mortality was observed after 3 years of smoking cessation. Our findings suggest that at least 3 years of smoking cessation may contribute to reduce premature mortality among Asian men.

An Empirical Test for CVM Calibration Factor through Combining Revealed and Stated Preferences Data (현시선호와 진술선호 자료의 결합을 통한 조건부 가치측정법 소득조정계수의 추정)

  • Eom, Young Sook;Larson, Douglas M.
    • Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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    • v.13 no.3
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    • pp.337-366
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    • 2004
  • Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), as non-market valuation approach, has been criticized on that respondents may not realistically reflect their budget constraints in answering willingness to pay (WTP) for hypothetical CV questions. This paper empirically estimates the income calibration factor associated with CV responses through combining travel cost method and contingent valuation method in a utility-theoretic framework. The joint model of recreation demand function and contingent WTP function was applied to an important case study on the Man Kyoung River system, whose water quality is at issue because of the Sae Alan Kum reclamation project. Relevant economic variables such as price, income and water quality had significant influence as anticipated by the economic theory. Equally important, the income calibration factor was not significantly different from one, suggesting that the systematic discrepancies of CV responses relative to the actual behavior was not detected at least in terms of budget exaggeration. Overall, this study supports the notion that carefully designed CVM studies can provide informative data on individuals' willingness to pay for environmental quality changes.

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Prediction of Crude Protein, Extractable Fat, Calcium and Phosphorus Contents of Broiler Chicken Carcasses Using Near-infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

  • Kadim, I.T.;Mahgoub, O.;Al-Marzooqi, W.;Annamalai, K.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.18 no.7
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    • pp.1036-1040
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    • 2005
  • Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopic (NIRS) calibrations were developed for accurate and fast prediction of whole broiler chicken carcass composition. The Feed and Forage Foss systems Model 5000 Reflectance Transport Model 5000 with near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS)-WinISI II windows software was used for this purpose. One equation was developed for the prediction of each carcass component. One hundred and fifty freeze dried broiler whole carcass samples were ground in a Cyclotech 1,093 sample mill and analyzed for dry matter, protein, fat, calcium and phosphate. Samples were divided into two sets: a calibration set from which equations were derived and a prediction set used to validate these equations. The chemical analysis values (mean${\pm}$SD) were calculated based on dry matter basis as follows: dry matter: 33.41${\pm}$2.78 (range: 26.41-43.47), protein: 54.04${\pm}$6.63 (range: 36.20-76.09), fat 35.44${\pm}$8.34 (range: 7.50-55.03), calcium 2.55${\pm}$0.65 (range: 0.99-4.41), phosphorus 1.38${\pm}$0.26 (range: 0.60-2.28). One hundred and three samples were used to calibrate the equations and prediction values. The software used was modified to obtain partial least square regression statistics, as it is the most suitable for natural products analysis. The coefficients of determination ($R^2$) and the standard errors of prediction were 0.82 and 1.83 for the dry matter, 0.96 and 1.98 for protein, 0.99 and 1.07 for fat, 0.90 and 0.30 for calcium and 0.91 and 0.11 for phosphorus, respectively. The present study indicated that NIRS can be calibrated to predict the whole broiler carcass chemical composition, including minerals in a rapid, accurate, and cost effective manner. It neither requires skilled operators nor generates hazardous waste. These findings may have practical importance to improve instrumental procedures for quick evaluation of broiler carcass composition.