• Applied Microscopy
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.14-19
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• 2016

Currently, focused ion beams (FIB) are widely used for specimen preparation in atom probe tomography (APT), which is a three-dimensional and atomic-scale compositional analysis tool. Specimen preparation, in which a specific region of interest is identified and a sharp needle shape created, is the first step towards successful APT analysis. The FIB technique is a powerful tool for site-specific specimen preparation because it provides a lift-out technique and a controllable manipulation function. In this paper, we demonstrate a general procedure containing the crucial points of FIB-based specimen preparation. We introduce aluminum holders with moveable pin and an axial rotation manipulator for specimen handling, which are useful for flipping and rotating the specimen to present the backside and the perpendicular direction. We also describe specimen preparation methods for nanowires and nanopowders, using a pick-up method and an embedding method by epoxy resin, respectively.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.85-93
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• 2023

Purpose: The predominant approach for mitigating inadequate sampling rates has primarily involved bolstering the volume of education. This study aimed to curtail inadequate sampling rates through the implementation of continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities, tailoring effective methods to the unique needs of each institution. Methods: We developed a sample handling guidebook and implemented QI activities to address this issue. Results: These measures resulted in a 4.7% decrease in inadequate sampling rates, concurrently improving knowledge of sample handling and overall nurse satisfaction. We addressed the root causes of inadequate sampling before laboratory pre-processing by: 1) focusing on systematic rather than erratic errors through CQI activities, 2) revising the sample handling guide, and 3) delivering face-to-face education based on the specific needs of the nursing department. These changes resulted in an additional 0.6% decrease in the inadequate sampling rate. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the implementation of CQI activities based on evidence derived from a multifaceted causal analysis significantly reduced the inadequate sampling rate compared to previous studies.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2004.04a
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• pp.258-263
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• 2004

Mechanical property evaluation of micrometer-sized structures is necessary to help design reliable microelectromechanical systems(MEMS) devices. Most material properties are known to exhibit dependence on specimen size and such properties of microscale structures are not well characterized. This paper describes techniques developed for tensile testing of materials used in MEMS. Epi-polycrystalline silicon is currently the most widely used material, and its tensile strength has been measured as 1.52GPa. We have developed an uniaxial testing machine for testing microscale specimen using electro-magnetic actuator. The field magnet and the moving coil taken from an audio-speaker were utilized as the components of the actuator. Structure of specimen was designed and manufactured for easy handling and alignment. In addition to the static tensile tests, new techniques and procedures for measuring strength are described.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.31 no.6 s.261
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• pp.644-650
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• 2007

Mechanical property evaluation of micrometer-sized structures is necessary to help design reliable microelectromechanical systems(MEMS) devices. Most material properties are known to exhibit dependence on specimen size and such properties of microscale structures are not well characterized. This paper describes techniques developed for tensile testing of thin film used in MEMS. Epi-polycrystalline silicon is currently the most widely used material, and its tensile strength has been measured as 1.52GPa. We have developed a tensile testing machine for testing microscale specimen using electro-magnetic actuator. The field magnet and the moving coil taken from an audio-speaker were utilized as the components of the actuator. Structure of specimen was designed and manufactured for easy handling and alignment. In addition to the static tensile tests, it is described that new techniques and procedures can be adopted for high cycle fatigue test of a thin film.

• KIEAE Journal
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.131-137
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• 2010

This study aims to know temperature and humidity handling ability of Hwang-To brick and traditional paper window's in mock-up room test. To achieve these goals, mock-up room test was carried out. The results are as follows. 1) There are no significant differences among specimen in temperature handling capacity. 2) Traditional paper windows are very sensitive when compared with glass window in humidity control. 3) Traditional paper windows have a big handling capacity in humidity control when vapors letting out in mock-up room. 4) Hwang-To brick case is more stable than other cases in relative humidity variances because it has more potential to contain humidity.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.27-33
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• 2004

This paper is concerned with development of a micro tensile testing machine for optical functional materials such as single or poly crystal silicon and nickel film. Two micro tensile testers have been developed for various types of materials and dimensions. One of the testers is actuated by a PZT and the other is actuated by a servo motor for a precise displacement control. The specifications of PZT actuated micro tensile tester developed are as follows: the volumetric size of tester is desktop sized of 710$\times$200$\times$270 $mm^3$; the minimum load capacity and the load resolution in the load cell of 1N are 3 mN and 0.1 mN respectively; the full stroke and the stoke resolution of piezoelectric actuator are 1 mm and 10nm respectively. A special automatic specimen installing equipment is applied in order to prevent unexpected deformation and misalignment of specimens during handling of specimen for testing.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.182-189
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• 2019

A thin spray coating of inorganic black lithium polysilicate (IBLP) on black anodized AZ31B magnesium alloy was fabricated for better corrosion resistance and thermo-optical properties for thermal control of spacecraft components. The morphology of the specimens with and without IBLP-based spray coating was characterized by SEM-EDS techniques. Impedance and potentiodynamic measurements on the specimens revealed better corrosion resistance for the specimen with a thin coating of lithium polysilicate. This was primarily due to the presence of lithium polysilicate inside the micro-cracks of the black anodized specimen, restricting the diffusion paths for corrosive media. Environmental tests, namely, humidity, thermal cycling, thermo vacuum performance, were used to evaluate the space-worthiness of the coating. The thermo-optical properties of the coating were measured before and after each environmental test to ascertain its stability. The specimen with an IBLP-based spray coating showed enhanced thermo-optical properties, greater than ~0.90. Hence, the proposed coating demonstrated better handling, better corrosion resistance, and space-worthiness during the pre-launch phase owing to its improved thermo-optical properties.

• Journal of Ceramic Processing Research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.407-412
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• 2018

In this study, we have made a cement based inorganic insulation material and added CSA (Hauyne Clinker) to reduce the demolding time and enhance the handling workability. CSA contents were varied by 0%, 1%, 3%, 5% and the atmospheric steam curing was tried for enhancing the compressive strength. As the CSA contents are increased to 5%, a rapid reaction of hydration caused the sinking of the slurry. So, the setting-retarder was added to control the reaction of hydration. By this, the sinking of the slurry was controlled but the height of the green body after expansions was a little bit lowered. In the CSA-added slurry, it was possible to demold within 24 hours and in case of CSA 5%-added, the sufficient workability was secured. Atmospheric steam curing (temperatures $-40{\sim}80^{\circ}C$, for 6~10 hrs.) was attempted to improve the compressive strength and found that an excellent strength of 0.25 MPa was achieved at $80^{\circ}C$ for 8 hrs. Specific gravity was about $0.12{\sim}0.13g/cm^3$ and heat conductivity was about 0.045 W/mK in all specimens. This strategy significantly improves the compressive strength of CSA 5%-added specimen up to 25% compared to without CSA added specimen.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide multifaceted interventions for nurses and to confirm changes in their knowledge, perception, and actual practice on the adequate storage, conditions, and transportation of culture specimens. Methods: A one-group pretest-posttest experimental design was conducted with 41 nurses in two general wards of a tertiary acute care hospital in Seoul. Multifaceted interventions including education, feedback, posting guidelines and reminders, and improvement in specimen management accessibility were provided from May 2019 to January 2020. Outcomes were measured before and after the interventions. Knowledge and perception of the nurses were evaluated using self-reported questionnaires and actual practice by observation. Results: After the interventions, the average knowledge score on transportation time was significantly increased (Z= -4.89, p< .001). However, the knowledge score on storage methods was not significantly increased. The perception score was significantly increased (t= -3.19, p= .003). The proportion of specimen storage times, places, and conditions managed properly was significantly increased from 43.0% (46/107) to 77.1% (84/109) (p< .001). The average transportation time of blood samples to the laboratory significantly decreased from 3 hours 36 minutes (± 1 hour 52 minutes) to 3 hours 1 minute (± 1 hour 41 minutes) (t= 2.51, p= .013). The percentage of blood culture specimens arriving within 2 hours was increased significantly from 22.9% to 39.2% (χ²= 6.90, p= .009). Conclusion: The interventions were effective. However, some specimens remained in the ward longer than expected after the interventions. This requires further interventions.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2005

Fine photographs are essential in the electron microscopy. Artifacts can be introduced during all steps of electron microscopy; specimen processing, observation and printing. Every caution is necessary to avoid the artifact formation. In this review, the authors discussed the causes of various artifacts and suggested the solution to help the correct tissue handling and electron microscopic observations.