• Title/Summary/Keyword: evaluation methods & instruments

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Comparison of automatic and manual chamber methods for measuring soil respiration in a temperate broad-leaved forest

  • Lee, Jae-Seok
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.42 no.4
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    • pp.272-277
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    • 2018
  • Background: Studying the ecosystem carbon cycle requires analysis of interrelationships between soil respiration (Rs) and the environment to evaluate the balance. Various methods and instruments have been used to measure Rs. The closed chamber method, which is currently widely used to determine Rs, creates a closed space on the soil surface, measures $CO_2$ concentration in the inner space, and calculates Rs from the increase. Accordingly, the method is divided into automatic or manual chamber methods (ACM and MCM, respectively). However, errors of these methods and differences in instruments are unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the characteristics and difference of Rs values calculated using both methods with actual data. Results: Both methods determined seasonal variation patterns of Rs, reflecting overall changes in soil temperature (Ts). ACM clearly showed detailed changes in Rs, but MCM did not, because such small changes are unknown as Rs values are collected monthly. Additionally, Rs measured using MCM was higher than that using ACM and differed depending on measured plots, but showed similar tendencies with all measurement times and plots. Contrastingly, MCM Rs values in August for plot 4 were very high compared with ACM Rs values because of soil disturbances that easily occur during MCM measurements. Comparing Rs values calculated using monthly means with those calculated using MCM, the ACM calculated values for monthly averages were higher or lower than those of similar measurement times using the MCM. The difference between the ACM and MCM was attributed to greater or lesser differences. These Rs values estimated the carbon released into the atmosphere during measurement periods to be approximately 57% higher with MCM than with ACM, at 5.1 and $7.9C\;ton\;ha^{-1}$, respectively. Conclusion: ACM calculated average values based on various Rs values as high and low for measurement periods, but the MCM produced only specific values for measurement times as representative values. Therefore, MCM may exhibit large errors in selection differences during Rs measurements. Therefore, to reduce this error using MCM, the time and frequency of measurement should be set to obtain Rs under various environmental conditions. Contrastingly, the MCM measurement is obtained during $CO_2$ evaluation in the soil owing to soil disturbance caused by measuring equipment, so close attention should be paid to measurements. This is because the measurement process is disturbed by high $CO_2$ soil concentration, and even small soil disturbances could release high levels into the chamber, causing large Rs errors. Therefore, the MCM should be adequately mastered before using the device to measure Rs.

A Comparative Analysis on National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Implementation Strategies Priority Using AHP and ANP (AHP와 ANP를 이용한 부문별 온실가스 감축 이행 방안 중요도 비교 분석)

  • Lee, Sang-Youp;Kim, Kwang-Mo
    • Journal of Environmental Policy
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    • v.14 no.1
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    • pp.33-52
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    • 2015
  • The purpose of this paper is to analyze the sector-specific greenhouse gas reduction implementation strategies priority using the multi-criteria analysis methods (AHP and Feedback ANP). Our analysis demonstrates that the highest priority among the evaluation criteria is given to the feasibility compared to the efficiency and the effectiveness in most of the sectors. In the public and the building sectors, it has been found that the governmental driving force is absolutely crucial in technological dissemination and diffusion. The results and the main findings are as follows. Firstly, the priority of the policy evaluation criteria has been changed by analysis methods. Secondly, the total weight and the priority of each sector's alternatives also have been changed. Finally, the priority of the alternatives for criteria has been changed by the analysis methods.

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A Suggestion for Counting Efficiency Management of the Automation Instrument (자동화장비 계측효율 관리적 측정방법 제안)

  • Park, Jun Mo;Kim, Han Chul;Choi, Seung Won
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.22 no.2
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    • pp.105-111
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    • 2018
  • Purpose Quality control of instrument takes up a large part in the Radioimmunoassays. The gamma-ray instrument, which is one of the important instruments in the laboratory, observes the condition and performance of instrument and performs quality control of the instrument by measuring the Normalization, Calibration, Background and etc. However, there are some automation instruments which can't measure the counting efficiency of gamma-ray meters, resulting in insufficient management in terms of performance evaluation of gamma-ray meters. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to manage the quality control continuously and regularly by suggesting how to measure the counting efficiency of gamma-ray instruments. Materials and Methods In case of a comparative measurement method to a gamma-ray instrument dedicated to nuclear medical examination, the CPM and counting efficiency can be obtained after the measurement of normalization by inserting the I-125 $200{\mu}L$(CPM 50,000~500,000) into the test tube. With this CPM and counting efficiency values, it's possible to calculate the measurement of the DPM value and count the CPM from the automation instrument from the same source, and enter the DPM to calculate the counting efficiency using a comparative measurement method. Another method is to calculate the counting efficiency by estimating the half life using the radiation source information of the tracer in B test reagents of company A. Results According to the calculation formula using the DPM obtained by counting the normalization of gamma-ray meters, the detection efficiency was 75.16% for Detector 1, 76.88% for Detector 2, 77.13% for Detector 3, 75.36% for Detector 4 and 73.2% for Detector 5 respectively. Using another calculation formula estimated from the shelf life, the data of the detection efficiency from Detector 1 to Detector 5 were 74.9%, 75.1%, 76.5%, 74.9% and 73.2% respectively. Conclusion Although the accuracy of counting efficiencies of both methods are insufficient, this is considered to be useful for ongoing management of quality control if counting efficiency is managed after setting the acceptable ranges. For example, if the measurement efficiency is set to 70% or higher, the allowed %difference between measurements is within 3% and the %difference with the detector wall is set within 5%.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Literature Review

  • Song, Da-Yea;Kim, So Yoon;Bong, Guiyoung;Kim, Jong Myeong;Yoo, Hee Jeong
    • Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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    • v.30 no.4
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    • pp.145-152
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    • 2019
  • Objectives: The detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is based on behavioral observations. To build a more objective datadriven method for screening and diagnosing ASD, many studies have attempted to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review is to summarize the studies that used AI in the assessment process and examine whether other behavioral data could potentially be used to distinguish ASD characteristics. Methods: Based on our search and exclusion criteria, we reviewed 13 studies. Results: To improve the accuracy of outcomes, AI algorithms have been used to identify items in assessment instruments that are most predictive of ASD. Creating a smaller subset and therefore reducing the lengthy evaluation process, studies have tested the efficiency of identifying individuals with ASD from those without. Other studies have examined the feasibility of using other behavioral observational features as potential supportive data. Conclusion: While previous studies have shown high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in classifying ASD and non-ASD individuals, there remain many challenges regarding feasibility in the real-world that need to be resolved before AI methods can be fully integrated into the healthcare system as clinical decision support systems.

Current Status of Studies on Cancer-Related Quality of Life Instruments (암 관련 삶의 질 평가도구에 관한 연구 현황)

  • Cho, Jung-Hyo;Son, Chang-Gue;Lee, Yeon-Weol;Yoo, Hwa-Seung;Sung, Jung-Hyeon;Kim, So-Young;Lee, Myong-Min;Kang, Wee-Chang;Cho, Chong-Kwan
    • The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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    • v.27 no.1
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    • pp.84-91
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    • 2006
  • The importance of measurement of health-related quality of life (HRQL) cannot be overemphasized. However, efforts to implement HRQL measurement often fail because of differences in definition and insufficient information about available measures. In this paper, many available HRQL measures are reviewed, which have been designed for, or frequently used with, people with cancer in order to aid in the evaluation of effects of oriental medicine on cancer patients. A total of 28 articles were selected from three different databases. The selected articles were analyzed according to three aspects of application of the Korean version of HRQL measures, namely generic, disease specific and symptoms related instruments. Nine HRQL measures are completed with Korean validation and data collection under contact and permission of the author. However, research studies that reported data on quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients treated with oriental medicine were wholly lacking. It is recommended that further studies be performed, using methods of data collection whose validity and reliability has been confirmed.

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A Review of Clinical Shoulder Assessment Scales (견관절의 임상적 평가도구에 관한 고찰)

  • Yang, Dong-Hoon;Kim, Kun-Hyung;Kim, Haeng-Beom;Choi, Yang-Sik;Park, Young-Bae
    • Journal of Acupuncture Research
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    • v.24 no.6
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    • pp.123-135
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    • 2007
  • Objectives : A number of instruments have been developed to measure the quality of life in patients with various shoulder disorders. Much progress has been made in this area, and currently an appropriate instrument exists for each shoulder state. The purpose of this study is to review the instruments that are currently in use for assessing the shoulder joint. Methods : A literature research was performed to choose appropriate scales for assessment of function and the disability of the shoulder. Theoretically based scales were selected for review. Therefore, 11 scales were reviewed. The status of scales involved in shoulder treatment of acupuncture throughout several countries was evaluated. Results : 11 scales: The American shoulder and elbow surgeons evaluation form(ASES), Constant Shoulder Score, The disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand(DASH), Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ), The Shoulder Pain And Disability index(SPADI), The simple shoulder test(SST), Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire(OSQ), The Rotator Cuff quality-of-life Measure(RC-QoL), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index(WOSI), Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder Index(WOOS), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index(WORC), wereevaluated. Each measurement has its own composition and characteristics. Their validity, reliability, responsiveness and practical characteristics were already evaluated. We found 3 domestic and 10 overseas papers about shoulder treatments using acupuncture assessed with shoulder scales. Conclusions : In clinical research, the selection of the measurement scale should take account of the condition of disease, the patient's traits and the characteristics of the research. Moreover, appropriate scales, which havevalidity, reliability, responsiveness and practical characteristics, are needed to enhance the quality of research.

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Noise Exposure Assessment in a Dental School

  • Choosong, Thitiworn;Kaimook, Wandee;Tantisarasart, Ratchada;Sooksamear, Puwanai;Chayaphum, Satith;Kongkamol, Chanon;Srisintorn, Wisarut;Phakthongsuk, Pitchaya
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.2 no.4
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    • pp.348-354
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    • 2011
  • Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Dental School of Prince of Songkla University to ascertain noise exposure of dentists, dental assistants, and laboratory technicians. A noise spectral analysis was taken to illustrate the spectra of dental devices. Methods: A noise evaluation was performed to measure the noise level at dental clinics and one dental laboratory from May to December 2010. Noise spectral data of dental devices were taken during dental practices at the dental services clinic and at the dental laboratory. A noise dosimeter was set following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration criteria and then attached to the subjects' collar to record personal noise dose exposure during working periods. Results: The peaks of the noise spectrum of dental instruments were at 1,000, 4,000, and 8,000 Hz which depended on the type of instrument. The differences in working areas and job positions had an influence on the level of noise exposure (p < 0.01). Noise measurement in the personal hearing zone found that the laboratory technicians were exposed to the highest impulsive noise levels (137.1 dBC). The dentists and dental assistants who worked at a pedodontic clinic had the highest percent noise dose (4.60 ${\pm}$ 3.59%). In the working areas, the 8-hour time-weighted average of noise levels ranged between 49.7-58.1 dBA while the noisiest working area was the dental laboratory. Conclusion: Dental personnel are exposed to noise intensities lower than occupational exposure limits. Therefore, these dental personnel may not experience a noise-induced hearing loss.

Qualitative evaluation of dental hygiene students following the application of the Capstone Design in dental hygiene theory and practice (일부 치위생학과 캡스톤 디자인 기반의 임상치위생학 수업 경험에 관한 질적 연구: 성찰일지 분석을 중심으로)

  • Choi, Yong-Keum;Jeon, Hyun-Sun;Park, Hyang-Ah
    • Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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    • v.4 no.2
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    • pp.77-88
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    • 2021
  • Background: In this study, the Capstone Design was applied to the clinical dental hygiene course of the Department of Dental Hygiene, and its effect was confirmed by qualitatively evaluating the students' reflection on the capstone design class experience. Methods: This study was conducted for the "Clinical Dental Hygiene and Practice III" course, in which third year students develop the ability to judge and plan dental hygiene based on problem-solving ability and critical thinking. By applying the Capstone Design within the core curriculum of the class, the students analyzed problems based on their major knowledge of dental hygiene in order to improve their ability to manipulate periodontal instruments, and focusedon the process of developing the contents of periodontal instruments by using them. Results: The application of Capstone Design on clinical dental hygiene and practice III classes increased students' active class participation, and through the problem-solving process, students' learning and confidence improved. Conclusion: The Capstone Design can be viewed as a teaching method that promotes the participation of students in the dental hygiene department and can effectively help their learning and confidence through a problem-solving process.

Task-oriented Approach using Percussion Instruments in Chronic Stroke Patients Effect on Upper Limb Function: a Randomized Controlled Trial (타악기를 활용한 과제지향운동이 만성 뇌졸중 환자의 상지 기능에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Ju-Hak;Kim, Myoung-Kwon
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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    • v.16 no.4
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    • pp.103-116
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    • 2021
  • PURPOSE: This study examined the effects on the upper extremity function, muscle strength, and hand function of a task-oriented training approach using a percussion instrument for patients with chronic stroke. METHODS: Twenty-four chronic stroke patients accompanied with upper extremity hemiplegia were selected for research and were classified randomly into 12 experimental groups and 12 control groups. The experimental group performed a task-oriented approach, and the control group performed upper extremity occupational therapy. Stroke upper extremity test, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function test, upper extremity muscle strength test, and hand muscle strength test were measured before and after training in the evaluation process. RESULTS: In the upper extremity test and Jebsen-Taylor test, there were no significant differences between the groups. In the upper extremity muscle strength test, there were significant differences in shoulder flexion, internal rotation, and elbow flexion in the experimental group. In the hand muscle strength test, there were significant differences in the grip, tip Pinch, lateral Pinch, and 3-jaw chuck in the experimental group and significant differences in only grip, tip pinch, and lateral pinch in the control group. In addition, there were significant differences in the lateral pinch compared to the amount of change. CONCLUSION: Task-oriented approach using percussion instruments for upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke patients is effective in the upper extremity function and strength, hand function, and strength.

Development and Evaluation of a Patient Safety-focused Inservice Education Program for Surgical Nurse (외과계 간호사를 위한 환자안전 관점의 실무교육 프로그램 개발과 효과)

  • Kim, Young-Mee;You, Myung-Sook;Cho, Yaun-Hee;Park, Seung-Hee;Nam, Seung-Nam;Park, Mi-Ok;Kim, Se-Young;Kim, Min-Young
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.152-161
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    • 2010
  • Purpose: The aim of this project was to develop a patient safety-focused inservice education program for surgical nurse and to test the effects of this program. Methods: Methodological designs for instruments development, a pretest-posttest and a posttest design were employed. After the education, nurses' satisfaction, confidence, usefulness and application of 137 nurses were evaluated at 15 surgical units of a tertiary teaching hospital in Seoul, Korea. The education contents are 6 skill areas (infusion pump use, suction, chest tube drainage, oxygen administration, nebulizer use, insulin administration) and medication knowledge. Teaching methods were lecture, instructor demonstration, and 1:1 skill test. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon test, Spearman's correlation and Stepwise regression were used. Results: Satisfaction scores for skills and medication education were 4.00-4.21 (out of 5), The more performance frequency in 6 skills, the higher score in confidence as well as in usefulness and application, and the higher satisfaction with the program, the higher score in usefulness, application, confidence, and medication knowledge. Medication knowledge improved after the education (Z=-7,757, p<.001). Significant predictors of skill confidence were application of skills in job performance, medication confidence, and career in present unit. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that systematic and continuous inservice education will improve patient safety by promoting nursing quality.