• Title/Summary/Keyword: Mixed Methods Research

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Upgrade of Neutron Energy Spectrometer with Single Multilayer Bonner Sphere Using Onion-like Structure

  • Mizukoshi, Tomoaki;Watanabe, Kenichi;Yamazaki, Atsushi;Uritan, Akira;Iguchi, Tetsuo;Ogata, Tomohiro;Muramatsu, Takashi
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.41 no.3
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    • pp.185-190
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    • 2016
  • Background: In order to measure neutron energy spectra, the conventional Bonner Sphere Spectrometers (BSS) are widely used. In this spectrometer, several measurements with different size Bonner spheres are required. Operators should, therefore, place these spheres in several times to a measurement point where radiation dose might be relatively high. In order to reduce this effort, novel neutron energy spectrometer using an onion-like single Bonner sphere was proposed in our group. This Bonner sphere has multiple sensitive spherical shell layers in the single sphere. In this spectrometer, a band-shaped thermal neutron detection medium, which consists of a LiF-ZnS mixed powder scintillator sheet and a wavelength-shifting (WLS) fiber readout, was looped to each sphere at equal angular intervals. Amount of LiF neutron converter is reduced near polar region, where the band-shaped detectors are concentrated, in order to uniform the directional sensitivity. The LiF-ZnS mixed powder has an advantage of extremely high light yield. However, since it is opaque, scintillation photons cannot be collect uniformly. This type of detector shows no characteristic shape in the pulse height spectrum. Subsequently, it is difficult to set the pulse height discrimination level. This issue causes sensitivity fluctuation due to gain instability of photodetectors and/or electric modules. Materials and Methods: In order to solve this problem, we propose to replace the LiF-ZnS mixed powder into a flexible and Transparent RUbber SheeT type $LiCaAlF_6$ (TRUST LiCAF) scintillator. TRUST LiCAF scintillator can show a peak shape corresponding to neutron absorption events in the pulse height spectrum. Results and Discussion: We fabricated the prototype detector with five sensitive layers using TRUST LiCAF scintillator and conducted basic experiments to evaluate the directional uniformity of the sensitivity. Conclusion: The fabricated detector shows excellent directional uniformity of the neutron sensitivity.

A Study on the Application of Non-glutinous rice in Shanghanlun (『상한론(傷寒論)』의 갱미(粳米) 입약법(入藥法)에 대한 고찰)

  • Ahn, Jin-hee
    • Journal of Korean Medical classics
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    • v.32 no.2
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    • pp.71-92
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    • 2019
  • Objectives : To examine various ways non-glutinous rice has been applied in different formulas of "Shanghanlun" and the relationship between non-glutinous rice and the formulas' effects. Methods : First, texts that included non-glutinous rice were selected from the "Shanghanlun". Then, they were categorized according to the application of non-glutinous rice, followed by analysis of its relationship with each formula. Results : Most formulas that used non-glutinous rice in raw form when decocting with other ingredients included Shigao. Non-glutinous rice alleviates coldness of Shigao as in the case with Taohuatang where it stops diarrhea. Non-glutinous rice used in Wumeiwan warms the center and boosts Qi and helps the medicinal ingredients to bind when made into pellets. In Guizhitang and Lizhongwan, non-glutinous rice assists Stomach Qi. In Shizaotang, porridge is taken after diarrhea to help quick recovery. To prevent damage of Zheng Qi, Baisan can be mixed with rice water for administration. The level of cathartic effect can be managed through giving cold or hot porridge to the patient according to his/her response to the medicine. Mazirenwan, Mulizexiesan, Banxiasan, Sinisan, Wulingsan are mixed in rice water for administration. It makes it easier to swallow than when mixed with plain water. The application of rice flour is either internal or external. In Zhufutang, where rice flour is parched, it harmonizes the center and stops diarrhea. In Daqinglongtang when there is too much perspiration, warm powder is sprinkled on the skin to stop sweating. Clear porridge in Jiuziyisifang and rice flour in Shechuangzisan were exclusive to "Jinguiyaolue", while Baisan and rice water mixture could only be found in "Shanghanlun". Conclusions : The excavation and research on various ways non-glutinous rice was applied in treatment holds certain meaning in contemporary practice of Korean Medicine where treatment leans heavily on medicinal treatment rather than food, and all ingredients are boiled together in large quantities for most decoctions.

Material Removal Rate Modeling of SiO2/TiO2 Mixed-Abrasive Slurry CMP for SiC (SiO2/TiO2 혼합입자 슬러리 SiC CMP의 재료제거율 모델링)

  • Hyunseop Lee
    • Tribology and Lubricants
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    • v.39 no.2
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    • pp.72-75
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    • 2023
  • Silicon carbide (SiC) is used as a substrate material for power semiconductors; however, SiC chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) requires considerable time owing to its chemical stability and high hardness. Therefore, researchers are attempting to increase the material removal rate (MRR) of SiC CMP using various methods. Mixed-abrasive CMP (MAS CMP) is one method of increasing the material removal efficiency of CMP by mixing two or more particles. The aim of this research is to study the mathematical modeling of the MRR of MAS CMP of SiC with SiO2 and TiO2 particles. With a total particle concentration of 32 wt, using 80-nm SiO2 particles and 25-nm TiO2 particles maximizes the MRR at 8 wt of the TiO2 particle concentration. In the case of 5 nm TiO2 particles, the MRR tends to increase with an increase in TiO2 concentration. In the case of particle size 10-25 nm TiO2, as the particle concentration increases, the MRR increases to a certain level and then decreases again. TiO2 particles of 25 nm or more continuously decreased MRR as the particle concentration increased. In the model proposed in this study, the MRR of MAS CMP of SiC increases linearly with changes in pressure and relative speed, which shows the same result as the Preston's equation. These results can contribute to the future design of MAS; however, the model needs to be verified and improved in future experiments.

A Research on a Comparison between the Strength and Weakness of Each Formwork Methods in the Core Wall Construction (대형 시스템 거푸집 공법별 장단점 비교에 관한 연구)

  • Shin, Han-Woo;Kim, Gwang-Hee;Kim, Jae-Yeob;Cho, Hyung-Keun
    • Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.153-159
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    • 2007
  • Recently, as a result of the economic growth, the concentration of population towards the cities and the rise in land prices, the demand for high rise buildings has increased significantly, the trend to build high rise buildings such as the mixed-use development buildings by the domestic construction companies continues. It's very important what kind of form work system is applied on the Core Wall of the high rise buildings to determine the economic efficiency for the whole project. That's because the appropriate selection of the Formwork system enables the construction cost lower, makes the good quality of the finished concrete, reduces the construction period, assurance of safety, and further more, it enables to achieve the successful performance of the projects. Therefore, this research, after comparing the strength and the weakness between the construction methods, focus the point to provide a builder the basic data to choose the right Formwork method.

Field Research on the Effects of School Sex Education Using Reconstructed Curriculum (교육과정 재구성을 통한 학교성교육 효과에 대한 현장연구)

  • Kang, Miyoung
    • Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.20-31
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    • 2019
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the satisfaction level toward school sex education and its effect on character cultivation by reconstructing a unit, sex and health, included in the current health education curriculum. Methods: The study is a mixed research which utilized both two-way ANOVA & MANOVA methods, and qualitative content analysis. A total of 279 middle school students participated in the pre-test and the sex education program using the reconstructed curriculum. Then, a total of 253 participated in the posttest. Results: The results showed an increase in the satisfaction level toward school sex education (p<.05) and in character (p<.05) in both male and female students. There was no significant difference between male and female students. In the total test for character cultivation, there were no interacting effects between the test and gender (p>.05). Also, in the qualitative analysis, the program helped students to build character including self-care skills Conclusion: By revising the unit of sex and health to meet the needs and demands of the students, curriculum reconstruction increased the students' satisfaction and had a positive effect on their character cultivation.

Characteristics of Complex Foaming Composites' Normal Pressure Foaming of Using Rubber and Bio-Degradable Materials

  • Dong Hun Han;Young Min Kim;Dan Bi Lee;Kyu Hwan Lee;Han-Seong Kim
    • Korean Journal of Materials Research
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    • v.33 no.8
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    • pp.323-329
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    • 2023
  • There are many types of foam molding methods. The most commonly used methods are the pressure foaming method, in which foam resin is mixed with a foaming agent at high temperature and high pressure, and the normal pressure foaming method, which foams at high temperature without pressure. The polymer resins used for foaming have different viscosities. For foaming under normal pressure, they need to be designed and analyzed for optimal foaming conditions, to obtain resins with low melt-viscosity or a narrow optimal viscosity range. This study investigated how changes in viscosity, molding temperature, and cross-link foaming conditions affected the characteristics of the molded foam, prepared by blending rubber polymer with biodegradable resin. The morphologies of cross sections and the cell structures of the normal pressure foam were investigated by SEM analysis. Properties were also studied according to cross-link/foaming conditions and torque. Also, the correlation between foaming characteristics was studied by analyzing tensile strength and elongation, which are mechanical properties of foaming composites.

Production responses of Holstein dairy cows when fed supplemental fat containing saturated free fatty acids: a meta-analysis

  • Hu, Wenping;Boerman, Jacquelyn P.;Aldrich, James M.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.30 no.8
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    • pp.1105-1116
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    • 2017
  • Objective: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental fat containing saturated free fatty acids (FA) on milk performance of Holstein dairy cows. Methods: A database was developed from 21 studies published between 1991 and 2016 that included 502 dairy cows and a total of 29 to 30 comparisons between dietary treatment and control without fat supplementation. Only saturated free FA (>80% of total FA) was considered as the supplemental fat. Concentration of the supplemental fat was not higher than 3.5% of diet dry matter (DM). Dairy cows were offered total mixed ration, and fed individually. Statistical analysis was conducted using random- or mixed-effects models with Metafor package in R. Results: Sub-group analysis showed that there were no differences in studies between randomized block design and Latin square/crossover design for dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production responses to the supplemental fat (all response variables, $p{\geq}0.344$). The supplemental fat across all studies improved milk yield, milk fat concentration and yield, and milk protein yield by 1.684 kg/d (p<0.001), 0.095 percent unit (p = 0.003), 0.072 kg/d (p<0.001), and 0.036 kg/d (p<0.001), respectively, but tended to decrease milk protein concentration (mean difference = -0.022 percent unit; p = 0.063) while DMI (mean difference = 0.061 kg/d; p = 0.768) remained unchanged. The assessment of heterogeneity suggested that no substantial heterogeneity occurred among all studies for DMI and milk production responses to the supplemental fat (all response variables, $I^2{\leq}24.1%$; $p{\geq}0.166$). Conclusion: The effects of saturated free FA were quantitatively evaluated. Higher milk production and yields of milk fat and protein, with DMI remaining unchanged, indicated that saturated free FA, supplemented at ${\leq}3.5%$ dietary DM from commercially available fat sources, likely improved the efficiency of milk production. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to assess the variation of production responses to different saturated free FA, either C16:0 or C18:0 alone, or in combination with potentially optimal ratio, when supplemented in dairy cow diets.

Mixed Method Study on Patients' Level and Experience of Anxiety before Undergoing Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (위내시경 검사 목적에 따른 검사 전 불안 정도와 불안 경험: 혼합연구방법의 적용)

  • Cho, Sunghee;Suh, Eunyoung E.
    • Perspectives in Nursing Science
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    • v.17 no.2
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    • pp.61-71
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    • 2020
  • Purpose: This mixed method study aimed to investigate patients' level of anxiety and their experience of this before undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Methods: A total of 125 patients answered a questionnaire assessing their pre-EGD level of anxiety, and a total of 17 patients participated in individual interviews regarding their experience of EGD-related anxiety. The SPSS Software program was used for survey data analysis and content analysis was used for qualitative data. Results: The mean anxiety score was 40.00±9.86 and the factors related to anxiety levels were being female (p<.001) and being a relatively young age (20-30 years old, p=.004). There were no significant differences shown in level of anxiety according to the purpose EGD was performed for: screening, diagnosis, or disease follow-up. In the qualitative analysis, however, patients who underwent a follow-up procedure as a result of stomach cancer exhibited more complicated feelings of anxiety and helplessness than others. For those who underwent EGD for diagnostic reasons, they worried about the test results and were concerned about possible life changes after diagnosis. Those for whom EGD was performed for screening purposes expressed concern only in the event of EGD complications. Conclusion: This study explored the nature of pre-EGD anxiety according to the purpose of the procedure. Nurses and doctors should be aware that patients undergoing EGD may have different levels and experiences of pre-procedure anxiety.

Severe periodontitis with tooth loss as a modifiable risk factor for the development of Alzheimer, vascular, and mixed dementia: National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Retrospective Cohort 2002-2015

  • Kim, Do-Hyung;Jeong, Seong-Nyum;Lee, Jae-Hong
    • Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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    • v.50 no.5
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    • pp.303-312
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    • 2020
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate severe periodontitis with tooth loss as a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer dementia (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and mixed dementia (MD) using the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Retrospective Cohort database with long-term follow-up over 14 years. Methods: Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis was applied to a longitudinal retrospective database, which was updated in 2018, to evaluate the association between severe periodontitis with few remaining teeth and dementia after adjusting for potential risk factors, including sociodemographic factors and comorbid diseases. Results: Among 514,866 individuals in South Korea, 237,940 (46.2%) participants satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected. A total of 10,115 age- and sex-matched participants with severe periodontitis and 10,115 periodontally healthy participants were randomly selected and evenly assigned. The results showed that the risks of AD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08), VaD (HR, 1.24), and MD (HR, 1.16) were significantly higher in patients with severe periodontitis with 1-9 remaining teeth after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, anthropomorphic measurements, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Conclusions: Severe periodontitis with few remaining teeth (1-9) may be considered a modifiable risk factor for the development of AD, VaD, and MD in Korean adults.

Review of Technical Issues for Shield TBM Tunneling in Difficult Grounds (특수지반에서 쉴드TBM의 시공을 위한 기술적 고찰)

  • Jeong, Hoyoung;Zhang, Nan;Jeon, Seokwon
    • Tunnel and Underground Space
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    • v.28 no.1
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    • pp.1-24
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    • 2018
  • The use of TBM (tunnel boring machine) gradually increases in worldwide tunneling projects. TBM machine are often applied to more difficult and complex geological conditions in urban area, and many problems and difficulties have been reported due to these geological conditions. However, in Korea, there is a lack of research on difficult grounds so far. This paper discussed general aspects of investigation method, and problems of TBM tunneling in difficult grounds. Construction cases that passed through the difficult grounds in worldwide were analyzed and the typical difficult grounds were classified into 11 cases. For each case, the definition and general problems were summarized. Particularly, for mixed ground and boulder ground, and fault zone, which are frequent geological conditions in urban area with shallow depth, classification system, investigation methods and major considerations were discussed, and proposed the direction of future research. This paper is a basic study for the development of TBM construction technology in difficult ground, and it is expected that it will be useful for related research and construction of TBM in difficult ground in the future.