• Title/Summary/Keyword: Mixed Methods Research

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Scan Time Analysis Using 4D Phase-Contrast MRI According to Scan Parameter: A Phantom Study (스캔 인자에 따른 4D 위상 대조 자기공명영상을 이용한 스캔 시간 분석: 팬텀 연구)

  • Park, Jieun;Kim, Junghun;Hwang, Moonjung;Lee, Jongmin
    • Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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    • v.41 no.5
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    • pp.179-184
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    • 2020
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect according to the NEX, VENC, targeted cardiac phases on the velocity measurement of 4D phase-contrast MRI. Materials and Methods: The abdominal aortic phantom was made to experiment. The working fluid was mixed with water and glycerin to mimic the density and viscosity of human blood. The inlet velocity was Reynolds number 2000. The experimental conditions were NEX 1 and 4, VENC 102 cm/s and 200 cm/s, and 10 and 15 targeted cardiac phases, respectively. The average flow rate, average velocity, maximum velocity, and cross-section area were measured. Results: As a result of the case-by-case comparison, the error rate was less than 5%. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It is expected that this result will be useful for acquiring blood flow information in clinical practice.

Formation of an intestine-cartilage composite graft for tracheal reconstruction

  • Jheon, Sang-Hoon;Kim, Tae-Hun;Sung, Sook-Whan;Kim, Yu-Mi;Lim, Jeong-Ok;Baek, Woon-Yi;Park, Tae-In
    • Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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    • 2003.09a
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    • pp.107-107
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    • 2003
  • Purpose; Tracheal transplantation is necessary in patients with extensive tracheal stenosis, congenital lesions and many oncologic conditions but bears many critical problems compared with other organ transplantations. The purpose of this study was to make an intestine-cartilage composite graft for potential application for tracheal reconstruction by free intestinal graft. Methods; Hyaline cartilage was harvested from trachea of 2 weeks old New Zealand White Rabbits. Chondrocytes were isolated and cultured for 8 weeks. Cultured chodrocytes were seeded in the PLGA scaffolds and mixed in pluronic gel. Chondrocyte bearing scaffolds and gel mixture were embedded in submucosal area of stomach and colon of 3kg weighted New Zealand White Rabbits under general anesthesia. 10 weeks after implantation, bowels were harvested for evaluation. Results; We could identify implantation site by gross examination and palpation. Developed cartilage made a good frame for shape memory Microscopic examinations include special stain showed absorption of scaffold and cartilage formation even though not fully matured Conclusion; Intestine-cartilage composite graft could be applicable to future tracheal substitute and needs further Investigations.

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Decision-Making on Incoterms 2020 of Automotive Parts Manufacturers in Thailand

  • SURARAKSA, Juthathip;AMCHANG, Chompoonut;SAWATWONG, Nutcharin
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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    • v.7 no.10
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    • pp.461-470
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    • 2020
  • The objective of this research is to examine the factors affecting the decision-making of International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) of automotive parts manufacturers in Thailand. This mixed method study applied qualitative and quantitative research methods and utilized the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritize the significance of the factors. By an in-depth literature review and expert interview, four main criteria were identified. These criteria include Operating costs, Cooperation and bargaining power, Knowledge and understanding and Operation duration then main criteria divided into fifteen sub-criteria. The common Incoterms, Ex Works (EXW), Free On Board (FOB), Free Carrier (FCA), and Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF), were determined as alternatives to the incoterms through a preliminary survey. The results revealed that the operating costs were the most important factor for the company. Moreover, it was discovered that this was consistent with the priority of the secondary factors, which included the annual budget for the transportation expenses and product value at one time. The respondents' perspective suggested that FCA was the most appropriate Incoterms for international trade for a company. The findings of this research suggest a hierarchy model for organizations to prioritize the significant factors in order to make a decision on the most appropriate Incoterms.

Exploiting the Anticorrosion Effects of Vernonia Amygdalina Extract for Protection of Mild Steel in Acidic Environments

  • Adindu, Blessing;Ogukwe, Cynthia;Eze, Francis;Oguzie, Emeka
    • Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.251-262
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    • 2016
  • The corrosion protection of mild steel in 1M HCl and 0.5M $H_2SO_4$ solutions by ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) was studied using a combination of experimental and computational methods. The obtained results revealed that VA reduced the corrosion of mild steel in both environments and inhibition efficiency increased with VA concentration but decreased with prolonged exposure. Electrochemical results showed that the extract functioned via mixed corrosion inhibiting mechanism by adsorption of some organic constituents of the extract on the metal/acid interface. Findings from infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy all confirmed that VA retarded mild steel corrosion in both 1M HCl and 0.5M $H_2SO_4$ through an adsorption process. The adsorption behavior of selected constituents of the extract was modeled using density functional theory computations.

Integrative Review of Nonviolent Communication Intervention Studies (비폭력대화를 이용한 의사소통 중재연구의 통합적 고찰)

  • Yang, Jeong Woon;Kim, Sungjae
    • Perspectives in Nursing Science
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    • v.13 no.1
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    • pp.36-47
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    • 2016
  • Purpose: This study aimed to uncover the evidence for developing effective communication intervention programs by analyzing and evaluating Communication Intervention Studies using Nonviolent Communication (NVC-CI). The specific purposes were to analyze general characteristics of NVC-CI studies, intervention contents, and the effectiveness of the studies. Methods: This was an integrative review that analyzed NVC-CI studies published from 2005 to 2015 identified through searches of five Korean electronic databases. The method proposed by Whittemore and Knafl was applied. This contains four stages: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, and data analysis. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of the experimental designs were Quasi-experimental studies. These included 9 papers (75%), one qualitative study, one mixed methodology, and one case study (8.3% respectively). Most NVC-CI studies used group intervention. In order to effectively change communication patterns, interventions needed about 10~11 sessions 1~2 times a week. Conclusion: Future research with well-designed clinical trials using NVC-CI needs to be done in the area of mental health nursing to promote communication skills.

Signaling Smartness: Smart Cities and Digital Art in Public Spaces

  • Littwin, Karolina;Stock, Wolfgang G.
    • Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice
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    • v.8 no.1
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    • pp.20-32
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    • 2020
  • Informational urbanism is a new research area in information science. In this study, art history joins informational urbanism: Are digital artworks in public urban spaces recognized as essential assets of a smart city? We employed case study research, working with the example of the huge digital media façade of the Arthouse Graz as an artwork in a public space. In a mixed-methods approach, we asked passers-by and interviewed experts on Graz as a smart city and on the Arthouse's role concerning the image of Graz as a smart city. The research found strong hints that indeed digital artworks with large screens or media façades at public spaces are parts of a city's weak location factors as well as of the city's urban structure and may symbolize the city's smartness. A practical implication of this finding is that artists, computer and information scientists, city planners, and architects should include interactive contemporary digital art into city spaces in order to demonstrate the city's way towards knowledge society.

Factors Affecting Brand Values of Private Universities: A Case Study of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH)

  • Le, Quang Hung
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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    • v.6 no.1
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    • pp.159-167
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    • 2019
  • The current higher education in Vietnam demonstrates the intense competition among local universities. Undoubtedly, the issue of enhancing the brand value to attract students is now placed at the top to Vietnamese universities. The research aims to identify the objective and subjective factors affecting the brand value of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as mediated by students' perceptions. This paper employs the mixed research methods and data were then analyzed by measuring Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for reliability, analyzing EFA, and using PATH model to test the experiment on the research model affecting HUTECH's brand value. Probability sampling used is Stratified sampling and 500 students of 8 faculties of HUTECH surveyed by convenience sampling. Additionally, this paper also proposes some managerial implications on enhancing the brand value of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City. The results indicate that the new factor, namely geographic location is the most influential factor to enhance the brand value of private universities in general and HUTECH in particular. Brand still plays a determinant role in students' trust when choosing a university. Finally, some implications proposed to enhance the brand value of private universities in Ho Chi Minh City in the context of fierce competition in attracting students.

A Literature Review of Return-to-Work Interventions for Cancer Survivors (암 생존자 직장복귀 중재 프로그램 연구 고찰)

  • Bae, Ka Ryeong;Cho, Juhee;Jeon, Seo Heui
    • Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.83-93
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    • 2019
  • Purpose: Cancer patients are at a higher risk of being unemployed or facing difficulty in returning to work (RTW) than individuals without health concerns. The aim of this study is to identify and describe interventions developed specifically to assist cancer patients to RTW after treatment. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted from September to October 2018 in different international databases: PubMed, Medline, and Embase. Studies using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed designs were included if they satisfied the following criteria: (a) described an intervention to assist cancer patients to RTW during or after treatment; (b) conducted on patients aged 18 and over and diagnosed with cancer; (c) written in English; (d) published in peer-reviewed journals. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Counseling with physical activity intervention, behavioral training to reduce fatigue, and multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programs were found to be effective. Conclusion: Interventions adopting a multidisciplinary approach were effective for RTW in cancer patients. This literature review emphasizes the need for more tailored interventions based on survivors' needs and characteristics in the RTW field.

Evaluation of Treatment Outcomes in Oromandibular Dystonia Using Surface Electromyography: A Case Series

  • Im, Yeong-Gwan;Kim, Jae-Hyung;Kim, Byung-Gook
    • Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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    • v.46 no.4
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    • pp.143-149
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    • 2021
  • Purpose: Oromandibular dystonia is a neurological disorder that affects the jaw and lower face muscles, often resulting in abnormal repetitive movement of the jaw and perioral structures. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of surface electromyography (EMG) in evaluating the treatment outcome of oromandibular dystonia. Methods: Based on a retrospective review of medical records, we analyzed the data of four patients who received medication or botulinum toxin injection, as well as surface EMG of the jaw muscles before and after treatment. We assessed the patients' clinical characteristics and the results of surface EMG before and after treatment. Results: The case series included one female and three males, and the age range was 65-78 years. Based on the clinical features, two subjects were classified as jaw deviation and the remaining two were as jaw closing. Dystonic patterns revealed by surface EMG varied, including phasic, tonic, and mixed contraction patterns. EMG amplitude after treatment was lower than pre-treatment value in all four subjects, suggesting improved clinical signs and symptoms. One subject who received clonazepam and another who received botulinum toxin injection showed a remarkable reduction in EMG amplitude within a normal range. Conclusions: Surface EMG can be used to effective evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with oromandibular dystonia. It could be considered as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in managing patients with dystonia.

The Factors of Product Purchase Decisions for Distribution of Community Enterprises in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

  • NAKUDOM, Sor sirichai;NAKUDOM, Siwaporn;NOOBUTR, Pinrudee;KHIAWNOI, Pannapa;WANNAPIROON, Panita
    • Journal of Distribution Science
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    • v.21 no.1
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    • pp.45-52
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    • 2023
  • Purpose: This study aims to analyze the confirmation the purchase decision of community enterprise products, such information is an important issue for community enterprise entrepreneurs to develop a marketing strategy through the purchasing decision of community enterprise products Research design, data and methodology: The research was designed by using mixed methods research (exploratory design), starting with in-depth interviews of consumers of community enterprise products to determine the reasons for their purchase decisions. The researcher then used the data from the in-depth interviews to create a questionnaire for consumers of community enterprise products. These data were used to analyze the confirmation components of such elements. Results: The analysis found the following. 1. Decision-making is based on a product 2. Decision-making is based on social context considerations Conclusions: Develop an image to make a difference between community enterprise entrepreneurs and general entrepreneurs for distribution. The local wisdom, it is a local intellectual resource. It should be used in adjusting or blending old knowledge with new knowledge together appropriately. Creating community participation, love, unity, and the sympathy of the people in the community can help in participation in the operation of community enterprises.