• Title/Summary/Keyword: effective sample size

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Three Treatment Methods via the Hepatic Artery for Hepatocellular Carcinoma - A Retrospective Study

  • Ma, Teng-Chuang;Shao, Hai-Bo;Xu, Yang;Xu, Ke
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.4
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    • pp.2491-2494
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    • 2013
  • Background: To evaluate the relative effectiveness of different treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the hepatic artery. Materials and Methods: The study sample group consisted of 418 patients who were randomly selected from 2008 to 2012 with a first diagnosis of HCC and treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or without (TAE) chemotherapy or transcatheter arterial infusion (TAI). We collected data including tumor size preoperative and one month thereafter to compare change in areas across the three groups, along with various laboratory indexes for comparison. Results: The overall average change of areas was $240.8{\pm}72.1mm^2$. In the three groups it was $265.0{\pm}58.0mm^2$ vs. $250.5{\pm}51.9mm^2$ vs. $123.7{\pm}26.2mm^2$. In groups TACE and TAE values were larger than in group TAI (p<0.01), but the difference between the two was not statistically significant (p= 0.191). Additionally, U/L change of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in groups TACE and TAE was greater than in the TAI cases ($24.0{\pm}13.5$ vs. $20.9{\pm}12.1$ vs. $5.47{\pm}8.20$ and $25.6{\pm}13.5$ vs.$23.2{\pm}12.28$ vs.$5.48{\pm}14.3$) on the preoperative day and two days thereafter (p<0.01). Between the two groups there was no significant cariation (p= 0.320 and p= 0.609). However, the AST and ALT recovered to normal levels one month later on therapy with liver protecting drugs. Conclusion: The groups TACE and TAE demonstrated more effective reduction of tumor size than group TAI. While lipiodol caused acute liver function damage, this proved reversible.

Nickel Silicide Nanowire Growth and Applications

  • Kim, Joondong
    • Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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    • 2013.02a
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    • pp.215-216
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    • 2013
  • The silicide is a compound of Si with an electropositive component. Silicides are commonly used in silicon-based microelectronics to reduce resistivity of gate and local interconnect metallization. The popular silicide candidates, CoSi2 and TiSi2, have some limitations. TiSi2 showed line width dependent sheet resistance and has difficulty in transformation of the C49 phase to the low resistive C54. CoSi2 consumes more Si than TiSi2. Nickel silicide is a promising material to substitute for those silicide materials providing several advantages; low resistivity, lower Si consumption and lower formation temperature. Nickel silicide (NiSi) nanowire (NW) has features of a geometrically tiny size in terms of diameter and significantly long directional length, with an excellent electrical conductivity. According to these advantages, NiSi NWs have been applied to various nanoscale applications, such as interconnects [1,2], field emitters [3], and functional microscopy tips [4]. Beside its tiny geometric feature, NW can provide a large surface area at a fixed volume. This makes the material viable for photovoltaic architecture, allowing it to be used to enhance the light-active region [5]. Additionally, a recent report has suggested that an effective antireflection coating-layer can be made with by NiSi NW arrays [6]. A unique growth mechanism of nickel silicide (NiSi) nanowires (NWs) was thermodynamically investigated. The reaction between Ni and Si primarily determines NiSi phases according to the deposition condition. Optimum growth conditions were found at $375^{\circ}C$ leading long and high-density NiSi NWs. The ignition of NiSi NWs is determined by the grain size due to the nucleation limited silicide reaction. A successive Ni diffusion through a silicide layer was traced from a NW grown sample. Otherwise Ni-rich or Si-rich phase induces a film type growth. This work demonstrates specific existence of NiSi NW growth [7].

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Development of a Practical Two-Microphone Impedance Tube Method for Sound Transmission Loss Measurement of Sound Isolation Materials

  • Ro, Sing-Nam;Hwang, Yoon;Lee, Dong-Hoon
    • International Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
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    • v.11 no.3
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    • pp.105-113
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    • 2003
  • This study developed a practical two-microphone impedance tube method to measure the sound transmission loss of sound isolation materials without the use of an expensive reverberation room or an acoustic intensity probe. In order to evaluate the validation and applicability of the two-microphone impedance tube method, sound transmission losses for several sound isolation materials with different surface density and bending stiffness were measured, and the measured values were compared with the results from the reverberation room method and the theory. From the experimental results, it was found that the accuracy of sound transmission loss obtained by the impedance tube method depends upon the diameter size of the impedance tube (i.e., tested sample size). For sound isolation materials having relatively large bending stiffness such as acryl, wood, and aluminum plates, it was found that the impedance tube method proposed by this study was not valid to measure the sound transmission loss. On the other hand, for sound isolation materials having relatively small bending stiffness such as rubber, polyvinyl, and asphalt sheets, the comparisons of transmission loss between the results from the impedance tube method and the theory showed a good agreement within the range of the frequencies satisfying the normal incidence mass law. Therefore, the two-microphone impedance tube method proposed by this study can be an effective measurement method to evaluate the sound transmission loss for soft sound isolation sheets having relatively small bending stiffness.

Short-term protein intake increases fractional synthesis rate of muscle protein in the elderly: meta-analysis

  • Gweon, Hyun-Soo;Sung, Hee-Ja;Lee, Dae-Hee
    • Nutrition Research and Practice
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    • v.4 no.5
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    • pp.375-382
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    • 2010
  • The precise effects of protein intake on fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of muscle protein are still under debate. The sample size of these studies was small and the conclusions in young and elderly subjects were inconsistent. To assess the effect of dietary protein intake on the FSR level, we conducted a meta-analysis of controlled protein intake trials. Random-effects models were used to calculate the weighted mean differences (WMDs). Ten studies were included and effects of short-term protein intake were evaluated. In an overall pooled estimate, protein intake significantly increased the FSR (20 trials, 368 participants; WMD: 0.025%/h; 95%CI: 0.019-0.031; P < 0.0001). Meta-regression analysis suggested that the protein dose was positively related to the effect size (regression coefficient = 0.108%/h; 95%CI: 0.035, 0.182; P = 0.009). A subgroup analysis indicated that protein intake significantly increased FSR when the protein dose was ${\leq}$ 0.80 g/kg BW (16 trials, 308 participants; WMD: 0.027%/h; 95%CI: 0.019-0.031; P < 0.0001), but did not affect FSR when the protein dose was > 0.80 g/kg BW (4 trials, 60 participants; WMD: 0.016%/h; 95%CI: 0.004-0.029; P = 0.98). In conclusion, this study is the first integrated results showing that a short-term protein intake is effective at improving the FSR of muscle protein in the healthy elderly as well as young subjects. This beneficial effect seems to be dose-dependent when the dose levels of protein range from 0.08 to 0.80 g/kg BW.

Effects of Gluteus Medius Strengthening Training Using Sling on Ankle Instability, Muscle Strength, Balance in Adults in Their 20s with Chronic Ankle Instability (슬링을 이용한 중간볼기근 강화훈련이 만성 발목 불안정성을 가진 20대 성인의 발목 불안정성, 균형, 근력에 미치는 영향)

  • Jeong, Jong-Hyo;Kim, Ho;Shin, Won-Seob
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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    • v.10 no.4
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    • pp.57-69
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    • 2022
  • Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ankle strengthening exercise combined with sling-assisted gluteus medius strengthening on ankle instability score, and static and dynamic balance ability, muscle strength in adults in their 20s with chronic ankle instability. Methods : Twenty-eight adults in their 20s with chronic ankle instability were recruited. After screening test, they were randomized through R studio program as an experimental group (n=14) to apply an ankle strengthening exercise combined with sling-assisted gluteus medius strengthening and a control group (n=14) to apply ankle strengthening exercise. The intervention lasted two times a week for 6 weeks. To compare the intervention effects, the Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) score, static and dynamic balance ability, and muscle strength of lower extremities were measured. Results : The experimental group showed a significant increase in pre and post-intervention Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT) score, static and dynamic balance ability, and muscle strengt (p<.05). The control group showed a significant increase in pre and post-intervention CAIT score, dynamic balance ability, and muscle strength (p<.05). The experimental group showed a significant increase in CAIT score, dynamic balance ability, and muscle strength compared to the control group (p<.05), and showed a high effect size. Conclusions : The results of this study confirmed that ankle strengthening exercise combined with sling-assisted gluteus medius strengthening on people with chronic ankle instability the possibility that it could be effective in improving ankle instability and improving dynamic balance ability, and strength by movement. Although additional research is needed to increase the number of participants due to the small sample size, it is hoped that this study will be an optimistic clinical protocol for people with chronic ankle instability.

Immediate Effect of Biofeedback Training of Gluteus Medius on Dynamic Balance during Single Leg Squat (한다리 스쿼트 시 중간볼기근의 생체되먹임 훈련이 동적 균형에 미치는 즉각적인 효과)

  • Kyung-Hye Yang;Jong-Chul Jung;Du-Jin Park
    • PNF and Movement
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    • v.21 no.2
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    • pp.255-263
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    • 2023
  • Purpose: This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of electromyography (EMG) biofeedback training of the gluteus medius on dynamic balance during single leg squats in healthy individuals. Methods: The sample size in this study was estimated using the G-power program at an effect size of 0.4, a significance level (α) of 0.05, and a testing power of 0.90. In addition, as a result of considering the 10% dropout rate, this study recruited 21 healthy individuals (8 males and 13 females). All subjects measured the Y-balance test-lower quarter (YBT-LQ) and limits of stability (LOS) before and after a single leg squat (SLS) and SLS with EMG biofeedback training of the gluteus medius (SLSEB). They were trained for 10 minutes for each exercise, and two dynamic balance tests were performed three times. Results: There was a significant difference in the YBT-LQ score between the two exercises (p < 0.05). In the YBT-LQ score, there was a significant difference before and after SLS and SLSEB (p < 0.05). SLSEB showed a significantly higher YBT-LQ score than SLS (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in LOM between the two exercises (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two exercises. Conclusion: A single-leg squat with EMG biofeedback exercises is an effective method to improve dynamic balance, such as the YBT-LQ.

Fe-Nanoparticle Amalgamation Using Lagenaria siceraria Leaf Aqueous Extract with Focus on Dye Removal and Antibacterial Efficacy

  • Kirti;Suantak Kamsonlian;Vishnu Agarwal;Ankur Gaur;Jin-Won Park
    • Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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    • v.61 no.2
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    • pp.287-295
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    • 2023
  • Iron nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) were synthesized employing Lagenaria siceraria (LS) leaf aqueous extract as a reducing and capping medium to remove methylene blue (MB) dye and have antibacterial properties against G-negative (Escherichia coli) and G-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The formation of LS-Fe-NPs (Lagenaria-siceraria-iron-nanoparticles) was confirmed by a change in color from pale yellow to dark brown. Characterization techniques, such as particle size analysis (PSA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were employed to prove nano spherical particles of size range between 80-100 nm. Phytochemicals and the presence of iron in LS-Fe-NPs nanoparticles were proved by UV-visible spectrophotometry. Further, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis results confirmed the existence of bioactive molecules in the plants. The magnetic property was analyzed using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), which displayed that the synthesized nanoparticles were superparamagnetic and exhibiting a saturation magnetization of 12.5 emu/g. Synthesized magnetic nanoparticles were used in methylene blue (MB) dye removal through adsorption. About 83% of 100 mg/L MB dye was removed within 120 min at pH 6 with a maximum adsorption capacity of 246.8 mg/g. Antibacterial efficacy of LS-Fe-NPs was screened against G-negative (Escherichia coli) and G-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), respectively, and found that LS-Fe-NPs were effective against Staphylococcus aureus.

Microplastic pollution in two industrial locations of the Karnaphuli River, Bangladesh: insights on abundance, types, and characteristics

  • Shahida Arfine Shimul;Zannatul Bakeya;Jannatun Naeem Ananna;Antar Sarker;Saifuddin Rana;Sk. Ahmad Al Nahid
    • Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.26 no.12
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    • pp.715-725
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    • 2023
  • Microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic environments is a growing concern worldwide. This study investigated the abundance, types, and attributes of MPs in the surface water at two industrial sites (Avoimitro Ghat and Kalurghat) along the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Sampling was conducted over eight months across three transects encompassing a total area of 500 m at each site. A manta net of 200 ㎛ mesh size was used to sample MPs. The obtained samples were subsequently filtered, enumerated, and characterized using a stereo microscope and imaging software. The mean abundance of MP particles (per km2 ) was found higher in Avoimitro Ghat (94,861 ± 57,126) than in Kalurghat (31,343 ± 23,183). A significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the mean abundance of MP particles between the wet and dry seasons. The fragment group of MP exhibited the most abundant category, whereas the pellet category displayed the lowest. MPs with an elongated shape prevailed at both locations throughout all seasons. At Avoimitro Ghat, blue-colored MPs demonstrated the highest mean count, while in Kalurghat, the highest mean count belonged to brown-colored MPs. The size distribution of MPs differed between the two sites, with 1-2 mm MPs being plentiful in both seasons and Avoimitro Ghat, whereas MPs ranging from 500 ㎛ to less than 1 mm were abundant in Kalurghat. Ten (10) polymer types were found from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis with high levels of polypropylene atactic in both Avoimitro Ghat (32%) and Kalurghat (17%). The findings provide important insights into MP pollution in the Karnaphuli River, which may aid in developing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of MP pollution on the aquatic ecosystem and human health.

State of Optimal Rearing Technique on the Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) Juvenile (참전복 치패의 최적사육 기술현황)

  • Son, Maeng-Hyun;Lee, Jung-Uie;Park, Min-Woo;Lim, Han-Kyu;Kim, Dae-Jung;Hwang, Hyung-Gue
    • Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.42 no.6
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    • pp.621-627
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    • 2009
  • In order to standardize the juvenile abalone rearing technique, we selected sample farms by region in East, West and South coasts of Korea and Jeju island. We also have reviewed previous literature and visited farms to survey on the management of abalone juvenile production, spawning, hatching and so forth. Results of investigation are as follows: The light colors of tanks for larvae breeding are good for a frequent examination of larvae behaviour changes during the breeding period. The tank for the abalone juvenile production is a rectangular form in general and its size should amount to 3.5 m in length and 1.2 m width. It also should be built with proper drainage. The best age and size of adult for juvenile production are 3-6 years old individuals, with 9-12 cm separate burial and 125-150 g average weight. To induce spawning, the use of the exposure on air and ultraviolet ray together was the most effective. The density of larvae by plate should be 150-300 individuals and the proper stocking density was est imated and amount to 10-30 individuals. It has been shown that a correlation between water surface size($X_1$) and number of plates ($Y_1$), when producing abalone juveniles, is quite high and it is described by equation $Y_1=138.88X_1-5,736.8\;(R^2=0.9028)$. In addition, it has also been shown that a correlation between production of abalone juveniles ($Y_2$) and number of plates ($X_2$) is high and it is described by equation $Y_2=4.554X_2+12,493\;(R^2=0.8818)$. In Jindo region where a mass production of juveniles abalone has been done, it was shown, that a correlation between rearing water surface size ($X_3$) and production of juveniles abalone ($Y_3$) is very high and this relationship was described by the equation $Y_3=747.03X_2+94,359(R^2=0.9809)$. It has also been shown that a correlation between water surface size ($X_4$) and production of abalone juveniles ($Y_4$) in nationwide is high and the relationship between this variables was described by equation $Y_4=635.85X_4+99,923\;(R^2=0.9020)$.

Meta Analysis of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Program Effect on Student Learning (융합인재교육(STEAM) 프로그램이 학생에 미친 효과에 대한 메타분석)

  • Kang, Nam-Hwa;Lee, Na-ri;Rho, Minjeong;Yoo, Jin Eun
    • Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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    • v.38 no.6
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    • pp.875-883
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    • 2018
  • This study examined overall effect of STEAM programs on student learning through meta-analysis of journal articles published for the past six years. We examined the areas of effects that the research tested and analyzed overall effect across the research. We first identified academic journal articles that utilized quasi-experimental design in examining STEAM effects on student learning and presented appropriate data for meta-analysis such as effect size. A total of 63 articles were identified to be appropriate for meta-analysis. Using R packages, we first identified outliers and eliminated them in the analysis of mean effect size. Thus, 172 effect sizes from 60 studies were analyzed. The results showed that the mean effect was medium (effect size = 0.52). Analysis showed that moderators of the effect were affective measures, thinking skills, character measures, and career aspirations, which meant the studies that measured these variables had more effect than achievement measures. On the other hand, the school level (elementary, middle, and high school), the absence or presence of student products as program requirements, hours of intervention, and sample size did not moderate the effect. Thus, regardless of these variables STEAM programs produced medium effect in general. Based on these results, further research areas and topics are suggested.