• Title/Summary/Keyword: New Normal Period

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Emergence of New Business Mode in the Chinese Water Market - Hefei Wangxiaoying Wastewater TOT Project -

  • Lee, Seung-Ho
    • Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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    • 2011.05a
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    • pp.20-20
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    • 2011
  • The purpose of this research aims to evaluate the emergence of new business mode in the Chinese water market since the mid-2000s - Transfer-Operate-Transfer(TOT) Projects. The study pays special attention to the case of the Hefei Wangxiaoying Wastewater Treatment TOT Project, which was awarded to the consortium of Berlin Water International and its Chinese partner in late 2004. The consortium secured an exclusive operating right for 23 years on the basis of a TOT scheme and would take responsibility of all the profits and losses in the operation of the plant. The total investment for the transfer amounted to RMB 491 million(US$70 million). The price was more than 288% of the original value, RMB 170 million (US$24 million). The project can be regarded as a successful case because of the following three causes. First, the Hefei government followed a series of standardized procedures in the international bidding, which ignited best-performed international players' competition for the project. Second, the project will bring in cutting-edge operation skills and management know-how. Third, the government succeeded in raising public asset values, and thanks to this, the government is able to consider other similar projects not only in the water sector but also other sectors in public utility services. Nevertheless, Berlin Water's point of view, there are several challenges. First, the company took a risk to pay such a large amount of cash to the Hefei government. Although such premium can be recouped in the operation period of 23 years, whether or not the company would be able to recover the initial investment and realize profits is in question due to an uncertainty of socio-political circumstances in China. Second, Berlin Water should expect a steep rise of water tariffs over the contract period in order to get the investment back. Water pricing is still a sensible matter to Chinese authorities, and therefore, it is uncertain if such rise of water tariffs would be possible. Third, the TOT mode leads to creation of a large amount of cash to government officials, which might have caused corruption between those who are involved in TOT deals. Then, the final contract fee would soar, which often results in the burden of normal customers. As discussed, the TOT mode has drawn much attention of foreign investors as a new alternative to enter into the Chinese water market. But it is important to note that foreign investors should be aware of possible risks in water TOT projects, which reflects some features of the Chinese political economy landscape and social norms. The Hefei case indicates that benefits can overshadow risks in TOT projects, which will continue to attract foreign investors that are dedicated to establishing their strongholds in the Chinese water market.

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Studies on the Early Development of the Mouse Embryo Transplanted in the Anterior Chamber of the Eye (眼前房내에 이식한 생쥐배의 초기발생에 관한 연구)

  • Cho, Wan Kyoo;Kim, Moon Kyoo
    • The Korean Journal of Zoology
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.25-33
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    • 1972
  • Two-Cell mouse embryos were incubated in the anterior chamber of the rat eye, which has been known as the best place among other animals' for the mouse ovum maturation, in order to observe the capability of their early development. Within 120 hours after incubation, 71.0% of two-cell embryos have developed to the blastocysts in the male rat eye, while only 38.5% in the eye of the same mouse as donated two-cell embryos. Thus, the rat eye chamber provides more favourable environment to the embryos than the mouse itself. The results are consistent with those of the previous studies comparing the maturation of the mouse follicular oocytes in the mouse and the rat eye chamber. Although the aqueous humor which is filled in the anterior chamber of the eye is characterized by its specific properties, being of higher osmolarity, higher concentrations of ascorbic acid, pyruvate and lactate, but lower of proteins and lower temperature than those in blood or lymph serum, The embryos are able to under-take their cleavage as normal as in vivo or in vitro. Concerning with a number of studies in vitro on the development of the mouse embryos which are requiring a very limited condition, the fact that they are able to manage their further development under very different enviroment from our knowledges would provide us a moment to understand their behavior during the early development. The difference of the proportion of the developed blastocysts between in the mouse eye chamber and in the rat can possibly be resulted from the species specific difference in the physicochemical properties between their eye chambers. This assumption is based upon the findings by many investigators who chmpared the nature of the eye chamber of various animals. As a consequence, the rat eye chamber might consist of better properties for the embryonal growth than the mouse eye chamber. The mouse embryos cleaved with a delayed period. In normal development they complete almost the cleavage within 94 hours after fertilization. However, in the present studies, 81.1% of two-cell embryos developed to the blastocysts and the morula in 120 hours in the eye chamber, assumed to be about 154 hours after fertilization. Such delay in development would be caused mainly by the low temperature of the eye chamber. At present we can make two assumptions to explain the capability of the emtryonal development in the eye chambers. One is that the embryos would possess an ability to adapt themselves to the environment which provides unfavourable conditions. The other is that the embryos might remain for a certain duration in the eye chamber, which is filled with a new body fluid produced immediately after the loss of the aqueous humor and the fluid of which becomes similar to blood serum in component. The first assumption is highly reliable since the embryonal cells are mostly at the undifferentiated state and so they probably engage a simple metabolism during their early period. The second assumption is induced by the fact that the rabbit eye chamber produces a plasmoid humor which has mostly similar components to blood serum after loss of aqueous humor through cornea by puncturing. However, the plasmoid humor is substituted by the initial aqueous humor in eight hours. Even though this finding, production of the new fluid, could be applied to the rat eye, it is hardly reliabel that the plasmoid humor remains for such a long period as 120 hours. Consequently, the development of the embryos is more likely due to their adaptability to the new environment during their early developmental stages.

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Bioactive Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) or Polylactic Acid (PLA) Polymers on Extracellular Matrix Mineralization in Osteoblast-like Mc3T3-E1 Cells

  • Cho, Young-Eun;Kim, Hye-Jin;Kim, Yong-Ha;Choi, Jae-Won;Kim, Youn-Jung;Kim, Gab-Joong;Kim, Jin-Su;Choi, Sik-Young;Kwun, In-Sook
    • Nutritional Sciences
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    • v.9 no.4
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    • pp.233-239
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    • 2006
  • Porous matrices of bioactive polymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polylactic acid (PLA) can be used as scaffolds in bone tissue growth during bone repair process. These polymers are highly porous and serve as a template for the growth and organization of new bone tissues. We evaluated the effect of PGA and PLA polymers on osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell extracellular mineralization. MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in a time-dependent manner -1, 15, 25d as appropriate - for the period of bone formation stages in one of the five culture circumstances, such as normal osteogenic differentiation medium, PGA-plated, fetal bovine serum (FBS)-plated, PGA/FBS-coplated, and PLA-plated For the evaluation of bone formation, minerals (Ca, Mg, Mn) and alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker for osteoblast differentiation, were measured Alizarin Red staining was used for the measurement of extracellular matrix Ca deposit During the culture period, PGA-plated one was reabsorbed into the medium more easily and faster than the PLA-plated one. At day 15, at the middle stage of bone formation, cellular Ca and Mg levels showed higher tendency in PGA- or PLA-plated treatments compared to non-plated control and at day 25, at the early late stage of bone formation, all three cellular Ca, Mg or Mn levels showed higher tendency as in order of PGA-related treatments and PLA-plated treatments, compared to control even without significance. Medium Ca, Mg or Mn levels didn't show any consistent tendency. Cellular ALP activity was higher in the PGA- or PLA-plated treatments compare to normal osteogenic medium treatment PGA-plated and PGA/FBS-plated treatments showed better Ca deposits than other treatments by measurement of Alizarin Red staining, although PLA-plated treatment also showed reasonable Ca deposit. The results of the present study suggest that biodegradable material, PGA and also with less extent for PLA, can be used as a biomaterial for better extracellular matrix mineralization in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

A Study of sea Dike meterials loss due to Scouring and Consolidation Settlement During the Periond of Construction on Construction on the West Cost of Korea (서해암 방조제 공사 기간중 유실토량 측정시험)

  • 안재숙
    • Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.2503-2519
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    • 1972
  • The studies were carried out to find the cause and the quantitative evaluation of sea dike materials loss which is occured during the period of construction works for the tideland reclamation projects on the west coast of Korea. Major subjects to studies were to establish the typical relationships between the tidal flow and the movement of dike materials, the tidal-flow and the erosion, the dike materials and the ratio of material movement(losses), construction methods and the ratio of materials movement (losses). Based on the above subjects, the studies were made for the purpose of obtain the following informations; (1) Collecting and evaluaing the data of dike material losses due to foundation settlement, from designed existing dikes on the west coast. (2) By the field investigation at A-San Sea Dike, Pyong Taek Project, the Comparison would be made by the relationships between the tide velocity and the movement of dike foundation under the natural conditions and the period of construction so that find out the relationship between the dike materials of foundation situation and settlements. With regard to the dike construction works, it is so difficult to calculate the exact quantity of material losses due to the foundation settlements. The major factors that affect the settlement losses of the dike materials are: (1) Topographical variation (2) Swepting the sectional area of dike by the tide velocity. (3) Dumping riprap to the outerside of dike during the period of construction works. (4) Sectional area losses by the cause of occurence of the new tide channels. (5) material losses by the heavy storms. (6) Consolidation settlement by the foundation weakness. (7) Material losses by the earth materials by tide flow. Most hi호 material losses were occured by the Consolidation settlement due to the foundation weakness, the maximum tide velocities due to decrease the cross sectional area of the gaps and erosion of foundation due to the range of tide, Inner and outerside of dike, or dike material loses due to the tide flow. Final conclusion would be obtained by the continuous measurement of consolidation settlement at the stage of final clusure of the dike. (It is scheduled to close on the end of 1972) However, intermediate conclusion can be introduced as follows: (1) The estimation of material(losses) during the period of construction works for the existing sea-dikes up to date were only empirical. The material losses at the general closure for design was estimated at 10% of the riprap, 20% of the earth materials, and 20% of the riprap, 40% of the earth materials at the final closure of the dike. The final closure estimated double quantity to the general closure, but it is still doubt. (2) The ratio of consolidation settlements was found smaller than the calculated quantity. It can be foreseen that settlement speeds is higher thom the calculated speeds. (3) The movement of dike foundation under the natural conditions were not so depends on the geological conditions of the foundation. (4) When the tide velocities was estimated 100 at the normal tide, it was estimated 125 at the high tide and 55 at the low tide. The tide velocities at the low tide shows apparently lower than the high tide and the higher velocities at the deep water depth.

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Development of Conformal Radiotherapy with Respiratory Gate Device (호흡주기에 따른 방사선입체조형치료법의 개발)

  • Chu Sung Sil;Cho Kwang Hwan;Lee Chang Geol;Suh Chang Ok
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.20 no.1
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    • pp.41-52
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    • 2002
  • Purpose : 3D conformal radiotherapy, the optimum dose delivered to the tumor and provided the risk of normal tissue unless marginal miss, was restricted by organ motion. For tumors in the thorax and abdomen, the planning target volume (PTV) is decided including the margin for movement of tumor volumes during treatment due to patients breathing. We designed the respiratory gating radiotherapy device (RGRD) for using during CT simulation, dose planning and beam delivery at identical breathing period conditions. Using RGRD, reducing the treatment margin for organ (thorax or abdomen) motion due to breathing and improve dose distribution for 3D conformal radiotherapy. Materials and Methods : The internal organ motion data for lung cancer patients were obtained by examining the diaphragm in the supine position to find the position dependency. We made a respiratory gating radiotherapy device (RGRD) that is composed of a strip band, drug sensor, micro switch, and a connected on-off switch in a LINAC control box. During same breathing period by RGRD, spiral CT scan, virtual simulation, and 3D dose planing for lung cancer patients were peformed, without an extended PTV margin for free breathing, and then the dose was delivered at the same positions. We calculated effective volumes and normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) using dose volume histograms for normal lung, and analyzed changes in doses associated with selected NTCP levels and tumor control probabilities (TCP) at these new dose levels. The effects of 3D conformal radiotherapy by RGRD were evaluated with DVH (Dose Volume Histogram), TCP, NTCP and dose statistics. Results : The average movement of a diaphragm was 1.5 cm in the supine position when patients breathed freely. Depending on the location of the tumor, the magnitude of the PTV margin needs to be extended from 1 cm to 3 cm, which can greatly increase normal tissue irradiation, and hence, results in increase of the normal tissue complications probabiliy. Simple and precise RGRD is very easy to setup on patients and is sensitive to length variation (+2 mm), it also delivers on-off information to patients and the LINAC machine. We evaluated the treatment plans of patients who had received conformal partial organ lung irradiation for the treatment of thorax malignancies. Using RGRD, the PTV margin by free breathing can be reduced about 2 cm for moving organs by breathing. TCP values are almost the same values $(4\~5\%\;increased)$ for lung cancer regardless of increasing the PTV margin to 2.0 cm but NTCP values are rapidly increased $(50\~70\%\;increased)$ for upon extending PTV margins by 2.0 cm. Conclusion : Internal organ motion due to breathing can be reduced effectively using our simple RGRD. This method can be used in clinical treatments to reduce organ motion induced margin, thereby reducing normal tissue irradiation. Using treatment planning software, the dose to normal tissues was analyzed by comparing dose statistics with and without RGRD. Potential benefits of radiotherapy derived from reduction or elimination of planning target volume (PTV) margins associated with patient breathing through the evaluation of the lung cancer patients treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy.

Nipple Reduction Preserving C-V Flap Tissue in Male Nipple Hypertrophy: Idea Innovation (남성 유두비대증에서 C-V피판을 이용한 유두축소)

  • Kim, Jae-In;Kim, Yong-Bae;Nam, Seung-Min;Park, Eun-Soo;Kang, Sang-Gyu;Jung, Sung-Gyun
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.37 no.2
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    • pp.202-205
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    • 2010
  • Purpose: Male nipple hypertrophy is a rare condition but is a social embarrassment for individual. The currently available techniques of nipple reduction already described in the literature for female patients are discussed, but the goal of treatment is different in male patients. In male patient, the diameter as well as vertical height should be reduced simultaneously to achieve better aesthetic results. Our new technique can reduce the diameter of the hypertrophic nipple as well as the vertical height efficiently and simply. Methods: A 19-years-old man with nipple hypertrophy on the right chest presented. The flap is designed based on the site of left nipple, symmetry, the diameter, and the projection desired. The widths of the V flaps determine projection, whereas the diameter of the C flap determines the diameter of the nipple and top of the new nipple. Unnecessary hypertrophic tissues are extirpated and the V flaps are elevated. The nipple base is reduced by purse-string suture technique. The V flaps are wrapped around, and C flap is used as a cap. Results: No complication including nipple necrosis or sensory loss were found during follow-up period. The normal symmetry of the nipple contour was restored. Conclusion: We describe a simple technique for male nipple reduction using a C-V flap with purse-string suture. In our experience, this technique has provided good aesthetic result and patient satisfaction.

Hydrological Stability Analysis of the Existing Soyanggang Multi-Purpose Dam (소양강 다목적댐의 수문학적 안정성 검토)

  • 고석구;신용노
    • Water for future
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    • v.28 no.3
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    • pp.187-195
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    • 1995
  • This study aims at suggesting an alternative to improve current capacity of flood control for the existing Soyanggang multi-purpose dam which was constructed 20 years ago as a largest dam in Korea. The newly estimated value of the probable maximum precipitation(PMP) is 760.0 mm which is based on the hydrometeorological method. The peak inflow of 1000 years return period at the time of construction was 13,500$m^3$/s. However, the newly estimated peak inflow of the PMF is 18,100$m^3$/s which is 1.34 times bigger than the original one. In order to adopt the newly estimated PMF as a design flood, following four alternatives were compared; (1) allocation of more flood control space by lowering the normal high water level, (2) construction of a new spillway in addition to the existing one, (3) raising the existing dam crest, (4) construction of a new dam which has relevant flood control storage at the upstream of the Soyanggang multipurpose dam. The preliminary evaluation of these alternatives resulted in that the second alternative is most economical and feasible. So as to stably cope with the newly estimated PMF by meeting all the current functions of the multi-purpose dam, a detailed study of an additional spillway tunnel has to be followed.

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New virtual orthodontic treatment system for indirect bonding using the stereolithographic technique

  • Son, Kyoung-Hoi;Park, Jae-Woo;Lee, Dong-Keun;Kim, Ki-Dal;Baek, Seung-Hak
    • The korean journal of orthodontics
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    • v.41 no.2
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    • pp.138-146
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    • 2011
  • The purpose of this article is to introduce a new virtual orthodontic treatment (VOT) system, which can be used to construct three-dimensional (3D) virtual models, establish a 3D virtual setup, enable the placement of the virtual brackets at the predetermined position, and fabricate the transfer jig with a customized bracket base for indirect bonding (IDB) using the stereolithographic technique. A 26-year-old woman presented with anterior openbite, crowding in the upper and lower arches, and narrow and tapered upper arch, despite having an acceptable profile and balanced facial proportion. The treatment plan was rapid palatal expansion (RPE) without extraction. After 10 days of RPE, sufficient space was obtained for decrowding. After a 10-week retention period, accurate pretreatment plaster models were obtained using silicone rubber impression. IDB was performed according to the protocol of the VOT system. Crowding of the upper and lower arches was effectively resolved, and anterior openbite was corrected to normal overbite. Superimposition of the 3D virtual setup models (3D-VSM) and post-treatment 3D virtual models showed that the latter deviated only slightly from the former. Thus, the use of the VOT system helped obtain an acceptable outcome in this case of mild crowding treated without extraction. More cases should be treated using this system, and the pre- and post-treatment virtual models should be compared to obtain feedback regarding the procedure; this will support doctors and dental laboratory technicians during the learning curve.

Efficient and Low-Cost Metal Revision Techniques for Post Silicon Repair

  • Lee, Sungchul;Shin, Hyunchul
    • JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science
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    • v.14 no.3
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    • pp.322-330
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    • 2014
  • New effective techniques to repair "small" design errors in integrated circuits are presented. As semiconductor chip complexity increases and the design period becomes tight, errors frequently remain in a fabricated chip making revisions required. Full mask revision significantly increases the cost and time-to-market. However, since many "small" errors can be repaired by modifying several connections among the circuit blocks and spare cells, errors can frequently be repaired by revising metal layers. Metal only revision takes significantly less time and involves less cost when compared to full mask revision, since mask revision costs multi-million dollars while metal revision costs tens of thousand dollars. In our research, new techniques are developed to further reduce the number of metal layers to be revised. Specifically, we partition the circuit blocks with higher error probabilities and extend the terminals of the signals crossing the partition boundaries to the preselected metal repair layers. Our partitioning and pin extension to repair layers can significantly improve the repairability by revising only the metal repair layers. Since pin extension may increase delay slightly, this method can be used for non-timing-critical parts of circuits. Experimental results by using academia and industrial circuits show that the revision of the two metal layers can repair many "small" errors at low-cost and with short revision time. On the average, when 11.64% of the spare cell area and 24.72% of the extended pins are added to the original circuits, 83.74% of the single errors (and 72.22% of the double errors) can be corrected by using two metal revision. We also suggest methods to use our repair techniques with normal commercial vender tools.

Effect on Fatty Acid Composition of red Blood Cell Membranes of supplement of Korean Pinenut Oil, rich in 5-Olefinic acids, in Normocholesterolemic and Atherosclerotic New Zealand White Rabbits (한국산 잣기름이 정상토끼 및 동맥경화증 유발 토기의 적혈구막 지방산조성에 미치는 영향)

  • 윤태헌;이상무
    • Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.57-70
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    • 1994
  • The present study was carried out in normal and atherosclerotic New Zealand white(NZW) rabbits, to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Korean pinenut oil, on the total fatty acid composition of red blood cell membranes. Erythrocyte fatty acids of chain lengths ranging fro 12 : 0 to 22 : 6$\omega$3 were identified. In study I, palmitic acid(16 : 0) was found to be the main erythrocyte membranes fatty acid, followed in turn by stearic(18 : 0), oleic(18 : 1), and linoleic acids(18 : 2$\omega$6). There was a large increase in the proportion of 20 : 4$\omega$6 in 10% pinenut oil group on days 40 and 80(compared with control), although the increase was not statistically significant. Most erythrocyte fatty acids were less affected by the types or levels of oils supplemented for periods fo 40 and 80days. In study II,at the end of the dietary treatment, the levels of 12 : 0, 14 : 0, 15 : 0 and 18 : 0 were significantly decreased in the 5% soybean oil/cholesterol group, whereas those of 12 : 0, 14 : 0 and 18 : 0 were significantly decreased, but that of 18 : 2$\omega$6 was significantly increased in the 10% soybean oil/cholesterol group, compared to the cholesterol group. No significant differences in fatty acid composition were seen between the pinenut oil/cholesterol group, whereas the 10% soybean oil/cholesterol group had significantly elevated 18 : 2$\omega$6, compared to the cholesterol group. The proportion of 18 : 4$\omega$6 was significantly raised in the 5% soybean oil/cholesterol and 5% pinenut oil/cholesterol group, and the content of 16 : 1$\omega$7 was significantly lowered in the 5% and 10% soybean/cholesterol groups, compared to the cholesterol group at 10 weeks supplementation. In studies I,II and III, the total proportions of saturated fatty acids were not significantly affected by the types of levels of oils supplemented throughout the study period.

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