• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.21.1-21.8
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• 2024

Objectives: This paper aims to serve as a useful guide for sample size determination for various correlation analyses that are based on effect sizes and confidence interval width. Materials and Methods: Sample size determinations are calculated for Pearson's correlation, Spearman's rank correlation, and Kendall's Tau-b correlation. Examples of sample size statements and their justification are also included. Results: Using the same effect sizes, there are differences between the sample size determination of the 3 statistical tests. Based on an empirical calculation, a minimum sample size of 149 is usually adequate for performing both parametric and non-parametric correlation analysis to determine at least a moderate to an excellent degree of correlation with acceptable confidence interval width. Conclusions: Determining data assumption(s) is one of the challenges to offering a valid technique to estimate the required sample size for correlation analyses. Sample size tables are provided and these will help researchers to estimate a minimum sample size requirement based on correlation analyses.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.67-79
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• 2018

Malaysia and Singapore have adopted Eurocode 8 (EC8) for the seismic design of building structures. The authors studied the seismic hazard modelling of the region surrounding Malaysia and Singapore for a long time and have been key contributors to the drafting of the Malaysia National Annex (NA). The purpose of this paper is to explain the principles underlying the derivation of the elastic response spectrum model for Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah). The current EC8 NA for Singapore is primarily intended to address the distant hazards from Sumatra and is not intended to provide coverage for potential local intraplate hazards. Hence, this paper recommends a reconciled elastic response spectrum for Singapore, aiming to achieve a more robust level of safety. The topics covered include the modelling of distant interplate earthquakes generated offshore and local earthquakes in an intraplate tectonic setting, decisions on zoning, modelling of earthquake recurrences, ground motion and response spectrum. Alternative expression for response spectrum on rock, strictly based on the rigid framework of EC8 is discussed.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.225-230
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• 2016

Phytochemical investigation from the stem bark of Beilschmiedia pulverulenta resulted in the isolation of five lignans, (+)-yangambin (1), (+)-sesartemin (2), (+)-excelsin (3), (+)-sesamin (4), and (+)-syringaresinol (5), together with lupeol (6), lupenone (7), ${\beta}-sitosterol$ (8), and ${\beta}-sitostenone$ (9). Their structures were established by the analysis of their spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) and spectrometric (MS) data, as well as by comparison with those reported in the literature. The isolated lignans were tested for their anticholinesterase (AChE: acetylcholine esterase and BChE: butyryl cholineesterase) and anti-inflammatory (COX-2: cyclooxygenase-2 and LOX: lipoxygenase) activities. All the isolated lignans (1 - 5) exhibited significant inhibition activities in AChE/BChE and COX-2/LOX assays with $IC_{50}$ values ranging from $168.8-504.2{\mu}M$ and $21.0-59.4{\mu}M$, respectively.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.1709-1718
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• 2017

This paper presents a hybrid stochastic deterministic multi-timescale scheduling (SDMS) approach for generation scheduling of a power grid. SDMS considers flexible resource options including conventional generation flexibility in a chance-constrained day-ahead scheduling optimization (DASO). The prime objective of the DASO is the minimization of the daily production cost in power systems with high penetration scenarios of variable generation. Furthermore, energy storage is scheduled in an hourly-ahead deterministic real-time scheduling optimization (RTSO). DASO simulation results are used as the base starting-point values in the hour-ahead online rolling RTSO with a 15-minute time interval. RTSO considers energy storage as another source of grid flexibility, to balance out the deviation between predicted and actual net load demand values. Numerical simulations, on the IEEE RTS test system with high wind penetration levels, indicate the effectiveness of the proposed SDMS framework for managing the grid flexibility to meet the net load demand, in both day-ahead and real-time timescales. Results also highlight the adequacy of the framework to adjust the scheduling, in real-time, to cope with large prediction errors of wind forecasting.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.401-405
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• 2013

Complex regional pain syndrome secondary to brachial plexus injury is often severe, debilitating and difficult to manage. Percuteneous radiofrequency sympathectomy is a relatively new technique, which has shown promising results in various chronic pain disorders. We present four consecutive patients with complex regional pain syndrome secondary to brachial plexus injury for more than 6 months duration, who had undergone percutaneous T2 and T3 radiofrequency sympathectomy after a diagnostic block. All four patients experienced minimal pain relief with conservative treatment and stellate ganglion blockade. An acceptable 6 month pain relief was achieved in all 4 patients where pain score remained less than 50% than that of initial score and all oral analgesics were able to be tapered down. There were no complications attributed to this procedure were reported. From this case series, percutaneous T2 and T3 radiofrequency sympathectomy might play a significant role in multi-modal approach of CRPS management.

• Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.61-74
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• 2017

This study investigated the effect of various cations ($Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$, $Al^{3+}$, $Mn^{2+}$, $Zn^{2+}$) on the autoaggregation (AAg) and surface hydrophobicity (SHb) of three different bacteria (Brevibacillus panacihumi strain (ZB1), Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain (ZB2) and Enterococcus faecalis strain (ZL)) using a 2-level factorial design. The AAg ratio was measured from the changes in the absorbance of the media. Results show that ZB2 had maximum AAg for the three bacteria investigated. A microscopic clustering of cells was observed when $Ca^{2+}$ was added to ZB2. The AAg was in the range of 62%, 58% and 34% for ZB2, ZB1 and ZL, respectively and correlated to the SHb. The aggregation and SHb of the microbial cells increased with increasing ionic strength due to the repulsive steric or overlap forces between the polymer covered surfaces. $Ca^{2+}$ demonstrated a more significant effect on aggregation and SHb of microbial cells due to an attractive binding force.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.175-178
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• 1994

A study was conducted at Ijok, Malaysia, to determine the relationship of testicular measurements with libido and semen quality in tropical and imported temperate breeds of sheep. Ten rams each of Malin (M), Siamese Longtail (L), Cross of Merino with Border Leicester (C), Dorset (D) and Suffolk (S) were used for the study. Libido, semen volume and semen quality were recorded monthly for a year together with testicular length, width and circumference. The results showed that there were breed differences in volume and quality of semen where the tropical breeds had better semen compared to the temperate breeds. There was positive and significant correlation between testicle length and semen volume in all the breeds. Testicular length was found to be positively and significantly correlated with motility and sperm concentration in the tropical breeds (L and M). The relationship between libido and testicle measurements in the tropical breeds was not significant (p<0.05). There was variable relationship between the testicular measurements and libido in the temperate breeds where the relationship was significant and negative in breeds C and D and highly significant and positive in S. It was evident that the long testicles influenced the quality of the semen whereas testicles with greater circumference influenced the libido of the rams.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.100-104
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• 2011

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a regional musculoskeletal pain disorder that is caused by myofascial trigger points. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MPS among chronic back pain patients, as well as to identify risk factors and the outcome of this disorder. Methods: This was a prospective observational study involving 126 patients who attended the Pain Management Unit for chronic back pain between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2009. Data examined included demographic features of patients, duration of back pain, muscle(s) involved, primary diagnosis, treatment modality and response to treatment. Results: The prevalence of MPS among chronic back pain patients was 63.5% (n = 80). Secondary MPS was more common than primary MPS, making up 81.3% of the total MPS. There was an association between female gender and risk of developing MPS ($x^2$ = 5.38, P = 0.02, O.R. = 2.4). Occupation, body mass index and duration of back pain were not significantly associated with MPS occurrence. Repeated measures analysis showed significant changes (P < 0.001) in Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and Modified Oswestry Disability Score (MODS) with standard management during three consecutive visits at six-month intervals. Conclusions: MPS prevalence among chronic back pain patients was significantly high, with female gender being a significant risk factor. With proper diagnosis and expert management, MPS has a favourable outcome.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.263-271
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• 2012

Cultural products reflect a living culture and evolve despite being based on traditional forms only. It is known as traditional cultural expression that portray certain culture groups, materials, spiritual and creativity inspired from their living environment that characterize a society. The old Malay community had a close relationship with their surrounding and environment. Sensitivity towards the nature and surrounding environment moved them into creative people. In designing the local traditional textile, role of the motifs, design and product design play an important element in Malay cultural values. This reflects the symbols and philosophy of the arts and culture and thus becomes the identity of the Malay community, which in general practice their culture and tradition based on Islamic culture and religion. Kelantan and Terengganu are the pioneer states for most producers of Malay traditional textiles. In these states the Pelangi cloths, is one of the unique textiles use and inherited by the Malay communities. Base on history, the Malay rulers and Malay nobility used Pelangi cloth as complementing clothing and ornament in attending various ceremonies and customs in their daily life. In this paper will discuss the specific picture of Pelangi motifs, design and its usage in Malay society in Malay Peninsula through its identification aspect of representations. It shows that this textile represent certain insights of Malay customs and identity.

• The Korean Journal of Food & Health Convergence
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.5-21
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• 2020

Bungkang (Syzygium polyanthum) is a medium to tall plant which produces medicinal root-bark, the plant is normally found along inland river bank and produces small white flowers and fruits. Essential oils are among the most interesting components of the plant extracts consisting mostly of monoterpenoid or sesquiterpenoids. They are used as therapeutic agents in ethno, conventional, and complementary alternative medicines. Investigation and evaluation of the essential oil of Syzygium polyanthum as well as the antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal activity was ascertained. The experiment was performed. 100 chemical constituents were obtained and two pure compound was isolated as Eugenol (1) and Farnesol (2). Significant growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, (ATCCⓒ25923) Klebsiellia pneumonia (ATCCⓒ19155), Salmonella typhi (ATCCⓒ14028) and Escherichia coli (ATCC©25922) and the fungal strains Aspergillus flavin, Aspergillus niger, Candida, tropicalis, and Fusarium oxysporium was observed from the essential oil at concentration of 500 ㎍/mL. Antioxidant potential was observed to be strong of 18.42 ㎍/mL when compared to the control of 15.23 ㎍/mL. The result indicated that the oil obtained from root-bark of Syzygium polyanthum can be considered as an agent for antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal in pharmaceutical food and cosmetic industries trails.