• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.1373-1380
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• 2019

Besides promising implications as fertile nuclear materials, thorium carbonitrides are of great interest owing to their peculiar physical and chemical properties, such as high density, high melting point, good thermal conductivity. This paper reports first-principles simulation results on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of cubic thorium carbonitrides $ThC_xN_{(1-x)}$ (X = 0.03125, 0.0625, 0.09375, 0.125, 0.15625) employing formalism of density-functional-theory. For the simulation of physical properties, we incorporated full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FPLAPW) method while the exchange-correlation potential terms in Kohn-Sham Equation (KSE) are treated within Generalized-Gradient-Approximation (GGA) in conjunction with Perdew-Bruke-Ernzerhof (PBE) correction. The structural parameters were calculated by fitting total energy into the Murnaghan's equation of state. The lattice constants, bulk moduli, total energy, electronic band structure and spin magnetic moments of the compounds show dependence on the C/N concentration ratio. The electronic and magnetic properties have revealed non-magnetic but metallic character of the compounds. The main contribution to density of states at the Fermi level stems from the comparable spectral intensity of Th (6d+5f) and (C+N) 2p states. In comparison with spin magnetic moments of ThSb and ThBi calculated earlier with LDA+U approach, we observed an enhancement in the spin magnetic moments after carbon-doping into ThN monopnictide.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 2019

PURPOSE. Limited data is available regarding the differences for possible microleakage problems and fitting accuracy of zirconia versus titanium abutments with various connection designs. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of connection design and abutment material on the sealing capability and fitting accuracy of abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 42 abutments with different connection designs [internal conical (IC), internal tri-channel (IT), and external hexagonal (EH)] and abutment materials [titanium (Ti) and zirconia (Zr)] were evaluated. The inner parts of implants were inoculated with $0.7{\mu}L$ of polymicrobial culture (P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, T. denticola and F. nucleatum) and connected with their respective abutments under sterile conditions. The penetration of bacteria into the surrounding media was assessed by the visual evaluation of turbidity at each time point and the number of colony forming units (CFUs) was counted. The marginal gap at the implant- abutment interface (IAI) was measured by scanning electron microscope. The data sets were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann-Whitney U tests with the Bonferroni-Holm correction (${\alpha}=.05$). RESULTS. Statistically significant difference was found among the groups based on the results of leaked colonies (P<.05). The EH-Ti group characterized by an external hexagonal connection were less resistant to bacterial leakage than the groups EH-Zr, IT-Zr, IT-Ti, IC-Zr, and IC-Ti (P<.05). The marginal misfit (in ${\mu}m$) of the groups were in the range of 2.7-4.0 (IC-Zr), 1.8-5.3 (IC-Ti), 6.5-17.1 (IT-Zr), 5.4-12.0 (IT-Ti), 16.8-22.7 (EH-Zr), and 10.3-15.4 (EH-Ti). CONCLUSION. The sealing capability and marginal fit of abutments were affected by the type of abutment material and connection design.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.58-77
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• 2019

Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate clinical studies on the effect of acupuncture, moxibustion, and manual therapy in pediatric growth by analyzing randomized controlled trials conducted in China. Methods We searched the clinical studies from the China Academic Journal (CAJ) in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) by specific key words and criteria. Selected 31 clinical studies were collected and analyzed. Results Total of 31 randomized controlled trials were selected and analyzed. In most of the studies, the effectiveness of acupuncture, moxibustion, and manual therapy on growth was significantly high. The most commonly used therapies were massage. The most commonly used massage methods were pinching spine (捏脊), pressing and kneading $Z\acute{u}s\bar{a}nl\check{i}$ (按?足三里), supplementing $P\acute{i}j\bar{i}ng$ (補脾經), supplementing $Sh\grave{e}nj\bar{i}ng$ (補腎經), rubbing Abdomen (摩腹), pushing $Y\check{o}ngqu\acute{a}n$ (推涌泉), supplementing $F\grave{e}ij\bar{i}ng$ (補肺經), kneading $T\grave{a}iy\acute{a}ng$ (?太陽), and kneading $Sh\acute{e}nqu\grave{e}$ (?神闕) etc. Conclusions Based on the results of the clinical studies from China, acupuncture, moxibustion, and manual therapy can be a valuable option for pediatric growth.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.40.1-40.10
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• 2018

Objectives: This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength (${\mu}TBS$) of polymer-ceramic and indirect composite resin with 3 classes of resin cements. Materials and Methods: Two computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-fabricated polymer-ceramics (Enamic [ENA; Vita] and Lava Ultimate [LAV; 3M ESPE]) and a laboratory indirect composite resin (Gradia [GRA; GC Corp.]) were equally divided into 6 groups (n = 18) with 3 classes of resin cements: Variolink N (VAR; Vivadent), RelyX U200 (RXU; 3M ESPE), and Panavia F2 (PAN; Kuraray). The ${\mu}TBS$ values were compared between groups by 2-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Tamhane test (${\alpha}=0.05$). Results: Restorative materials and resin cements significantly influenced ${\mu}TBS$ (p < 0.05). In the GRA group, the highest ${\mu}TBS$ was found with RXU ($27.40{\pm}5.39N$) and the lowest with VAR ($13.54{\pm}6.04N$) (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in the ENA group. In the LAV group, the highest ${\mu}TBS$ was observed with VAR ($27.45{\pm}5.84N$) and the lowest with PAN ($10.67{\pm}4.37N$) (p < 0.05). PAN had comparable results to those of ENA and GRA, whereas the ${\mu}TBS$ values were significantly lower with LAV (p = 0.001). The highest bond strength of RXU was found with GRA ($27.40{\pm}5.39N$, p = 0.001). PAN showed the lowest ${\mu}TBS$ with LAV ($10.67{\pm}4.37N$; p < 0.001). Conclusions: When applied according to the manufacturers' recommendations, the ${\mu}TBS$ of polymer-ceramic CAD/CAM materials and indirect composites is influenced by the luting cements.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2019

Background: This study was conducted to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of internal fixation using a Polarus humeral nail for treatment of a humeral shaft fracture according to fracture types. Methods: From 43 patients, 13 were excluded and 30 patients were included. The 30 patients were divided into 2 groups: 15 in group I (Orthopaedic Trauma Association/Arbeitsgemeinschaft $f{\ddot{u}}r$ Osteosynthesefragen classification type A and B) and 15 in group II (type C). The mean age was 63.1 years (range, 20-87 years), and mean follow-up period was 2.3 years (range, 1.0-6.1 years). The causes of injuries were as follows: 12, traffic accidents; 14, simple slips; 2, simple falls; 2, contusions after lower energy trauma. Radiological and clinical evaluations were performed. Results: Radiological union was confirmed by plain anteroposterior and lateral radiographs on average of 5.0 months in group I, and 8.4 months in group II, respectively. Differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p<0.01). The clinical union value was 1.6 in group I, and 2.0 months in group II, but these values did not differ significantly (p=0.441). The mean Korean shoulder scoring system scores were 89.7 and 90.6, which did not differ significantly (p=0.352). Conclusions: Intramedullary nailing using the Polarus humeral nail is considered to be a good treatment modality for all types of humeral shaft fractures. Additionally, the Polarus humeral nail can be an optimal choice for the treatment of complex type fractures such as segmental or comminuted humeral shaft fractures.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.220-231
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• 2021

Purpose: This study is a pseudo-experimental study of design before and after the non-equivalent control group, which was attempted to verify that the application of the ukulele to the elderly has the effects of reducing depression, improving self-efficacy, strengthening social bonding, and improving cognitive function. Methods: 46 (23 in the experimental group and 23 in the control group) participants were selected. The experimental group was provided with three sessions of a music program using eight Ukuleles for the elderly, while the control group was provided with three sessions for the elderly. IBM SPSS 25.0 was used for data analysis, and the independent t-test, 𝑥²-test, and Fisher's exact probability test were performed to verify the homogeneity of the subject's general characteristics. The effect verification after the experimental treatment was analyzed by Fisher's exact probability test, Friedman test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Depression showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (F=39.88, p<.001), self-efficacy showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (z=-4.96, p<.001), social bonding showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (z=-5.19, p<.001), and cognitive function showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (z=-3.98, p<.001). Conclusion: It was found that the 'Music Program using the Ukulele' was effective in reducing depression of the elderly, improving self-efficacy, reinforcing social bonding, and improving cognitive function. We hope that the Music Program using the Ukulele can be used in the elderly nursing curriculum in the future, and we suggest it should be applied as a nursing intervention to those who are experiencing cognitive decline.

• Journal of Engineering Education Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.3-14
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of efficient problem-solving teams and inefficient problem-solving teams using SYMLOG. In this study, 35 college students majoring in engineering education at C university were organized into 7 teams and carried out technological problem solving projects over one semester. Based on the results of the team project, the top 2 teams were defined as efficient problem solving teams and the bottom 2 teams were defined as inefficient problem solving team, and analyzed the characteristics of the team using SYMLOG. The main results are as follows: First, an analysis of SYMLOG from efficient problem solving teams and inefficient problem solving teams showed that there was a difference between self-awareness and others' perception in terms of U(Upward)-D(Downward) dimension. Second, in the inefficient problem solving teams, there was a significant difference between self-awareness and others' in the F(Forward)-B(Backward) dimension. Third, there was no difference between self-awareness and others' in both efficient and inefficient teams at the P (Positive)-N(Negative) dimension. Fourth, an efficient problem-solving team had a clear leader, and there was a team member who supported the leader. On the other hand, the inefficient problem-solving team did not have a clear leader, or one person played the role of leader and there were no team members supporting the leader.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.7-18
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• 2012

Purpose : This study was to compare the difference Trunk Control Test(TCT), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke(PASS-TC), and Trunk Impairment Scale(TIS) and its subscales in relation to the difference MBI(Modified Barthel Index), BBS(Berg Balance Scale), and to establish the association between MBI, BBS, Fugl Meyer-motor function(FM-M), and to predict MBI-subscales from the variables. Methods : 58 stroke patients, attending a rehabilitation programme, participated in the study. Trunk control was measured with the use of the TCT, PASS-TC, TIS, and the performance of Activities daily living was obtained by MBI, and dynamic balance ability(by BBS). Trunk control scores from the difference MBI, BBS were compared using the 1-way ANOVA(Mann Whitney U test) and the data were analyzed using Pearson product correlation. Multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for ADL subscale. Results : Trunk control scores showed significant differences between MBI(F=2.139~13.737, p<.05~.001), BBS(t=3.491~7.705, p<.01~.001). It was significantly related with value of the MBI(r=.25~.50), BBS(r=.38~.68), FMM( r=.31~.48). Stepwise linear regression analysis showed an additional, significant contribution of the TCT, in addition to the PASS-TC, dynamic sitting balance subscale of the TIS for measures of MBI subscales. Conclusion : Measures of trunk control were significantly related with values of MBI, BBS score, so the management of trunk rehabilitation after stroke should be emphasized. The use of both quantitative and qualitative scales was shown to be a good measuring instrument for the classification of the general performance of the stroke patients. Further study about trunk control is needed using a longitudinal study design.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.490-497
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• 2021

Background and objective: Synthetic ginsenoside compounds G-Rp (1,3, and 4) and natural ginsenosides in Panax ginseng 20(S)-Rg3, Rg6, F4 and Ro have inhibitory actions on human platelets. However, the inhibitory mechanism of ginsenoside Rk1 (G-Rk1) is still unclear thus, we initiated investigation of the anti-platelet mechanism by G-Rk1 from Panax ginseng. Methodology: Our study focused to investigate the action of G-Rk1 on agonist-stimulated human platelet aggregation, inhibition of platelet signaling molecules such as fibrinogen binding with integrin α_IIbβ₃ using flow cytometry, intracellular calcium mobilization, fibronectin adhesion, dense granule secretion, and thromboxane B2 secretion. Thrombin-induced clot retraction was also observed in human platelets. Key Results: Collagen, thrombin, and U46619-stimulated human platelet aggregation were dose-dependently inhibited by G-Rk1, while it demonstrated a more effective suppression on collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation using human platelets. Moreover, G-Rk1 suppressed collagen-induced elevation of Ca²⁺ release from endoplasmic reticulum, granule release, and α_IIbβ₃ activity without any cytotoxicity. Conclusions and implications: These results indicate that G-Rk1 possess strong anti-platelet effect, proposing a new drug candidate for treatment and prevention of platelet-mediated thrombosis in cardiovascular disease.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.49-64
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• 2021

This research paper delved into the availability and utilization of library portal services for research in university libraries in Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The study was carried out in Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and Felix Aghagbo Nwako Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Library (UNIZIK), Awka. A total of 70 professionals (librarians and system analysts) in these libraries supplied data for the study. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. These were used to answer the research questions while the null hypotheses were tested using t-test statistic at 0.05 level of significance and 68 degree of freedom. Major findings showed that portal services available in the library showed that the areas of availability of library portal services in Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, U.N.N. includes Agriculture, Health Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Sciences and information about institution, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences. In Festus Aghagbo Nwako Library, Awka, the areas of Portal Library Services include Career Development, Federal Government Programs, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Engineering, and Health Sciences. Findings on extent of utilization of portal services available in the libraries indicated that portal services are utilized to a low extent in the university libraries. Furthermore, librarians did not significantly differ in their opinions on the availability of library portal services and on the extent of utilization of library portal services in the libraries under study. It is therefore recommended that provisions should be made by the universities and library management to provide and update required portal services in addition to creating enabling environment for enhanced access and utilization of these services. The governments must make an effort to provide funds for policy implementation, necessary technology training for librarians and users, and develop general information infrastructure.