• Title/Summary/Keyword: quantitative research methods

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Technical Feasibility of Quantitative Measurement of Various Degrees of Small Bowel Motility Using Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • Ji Young Choi;Jihye Yun;Subin Heo;Dong Wook Kim;Sang Hyun Choi;Jiyoung Yoon;Kyuwon Kim;Kee Wook Jung;Seung-Jae Myung
    • Korean Journal of Radiology
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    • v.24 no.11
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    • pp.1093-1101
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    • 2023
  • Objective: Cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a noninvasive method to quantitatively assess bowel motility. However, its accuracy in measuring various degrees of small bowel motility has not been extensively evaluated. We aimed to draw a quantitative small bowel motility score from cine MRI and evaluate its performance in a population with varying degrees of small bowel motility. Materials and Methods: A total of 174 participants (28.5 ± 7.6 years; 135 males) underwent a 22-second-long cine MRI sequence (2-dimensional balanced turbo-field echo; 0.5 seconds per image) approximately 5 minutes after being intravenously administered 10 mg of scopolamine-N-butyl bromide to deliberately create diverse degrees of small bowel motility. In a manually segmented area of the small bowel, motility was automatically quantified using a nonrigid registration and calculated as a quantitative motility score. The mean value (MV) of motility grades visually assessed by two radiologists was used as a reference standard. The quantitative motility score's correlation (Spearman's ρ) with the reference standard and performance (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve [AUROC], sensitivity, and specificity) for diagnosing adynamic small bowel (MV of 1) were evaluated. Results: For the MV of the quantitative motility scores at grades 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3, the mean ± standard deviation values were 0.019 ± 0.003, 0.027 ± 0.010, 0.033 ± 0.008, 0.032 ± 0.009, and 0.043 ± 0.013, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the quantitative motility score and the MV (ρ = 0.531, P < 0.001). The AUROC value for diagnosing a MV of 1 (i.e., adynamic small bowel) was 0.953 (95% confidence interval, 0.923-0.984). Moreover, the optimal cutoff for the quantitative motility score was 0.024, with a sensitivity of 100% (15/15) and specificity of 89.9% (143/159). Conclusion: The quantitative motility score calculated from a cine MRI enables diagnosis of an adynamic small bowel, and potentially discerns various degrees of bowel motility.

Qualitative Analysis on Mixed Research in the field of Mathematics for Elementary Students (초등 수학교육 관련 혼합 연구에서 적용된 질적 연구 방법에 대한 분석)

  • Na, Jang Ham;Kim, Jinho
    • Education of Primary School Mathematics
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    • v.19 no.1
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    • pp.47-60
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    • 2016
  • The purpose of this study is to analyze how the qualitative research is applied to mixed method research and thereby to gain an insight to suggest reasonable ways of employing qualitative method in order to accomplish intended goal of research, especially in the field of mathematics education. For that purpose, this study carefully selects and analyzes 5 article that used mixed method and were published by Education of Primary School Mathematics Journal in 2012. Unlike those a few previous studied on mixed method that focused on producing general trend by simply showing quantitative information on what the frequence of used research topic, content, methods combination, quantitative methods, and qualitative methods, this study provides detailed result of qualitative analysis on mixed studies. In sum, this study concludes with practical and in-depth suggestions on how to improve validity of mixed research and qualitative research in the field of mathematic of education.

Domestic Research of Medical Students Trends Analysis (의과대학생에 관한 국내 연구동향 분석)

  • Lee, Aehwa
    • Korean Medical Education Review
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    • v.20 no.2
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    • pp.91-102
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    • 2018
  • This study explored medical students' major research topics and research methods by analyzing 184 academic articles pertaining to the characteristics of medical students from 2007 to 2017. Results showed many papers dealing with medical students' emotional and cognitive aspects, student counseling, clinical practice education, and curriculum management. According to the medical education accreditation board, research trends were found mostly in the student and curriculum areas of learner characteristics, medical humanities, student counseling, clinical practice education, and curriculum management. Common research topics have been steadily increasing since the introduction of the evaluation accreditation standard in 2012. Medical students predominantly used quantitative research methods for the studies. In the future, it is necessary to ensure that research topics such as CQI, digital- and performance-based clinical practice, and convergent curriculum within the Fourth Industrial Revolution are being studied. In addition, it is crucial to investigate learners' unique, dynamic, and qualitative characteristics through qualitative and mixed methods.

Methods for quantitative measurement of tooth wear using the area and volume of virtual model cusps

  • Kim, Soo-Hyun;Park, Young-Seok;Kim, Min-Kyoung;Kim, Sulhee;Lee, Seung-Pyo
    • Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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    • v.48 no.2
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    • pp.124-134
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    • 2018
  • Purpose: Clinicians must examine tooth wear to make a proper diagnosis. However, qualitative methosds of measuring tooth wear have many disadvantages. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate quantitative parameters using the cusp area and volume of virtual dental models. Methods: The subjects of this study were the same virtual models that were used in our former study. The same age group classification and new tooth wear index (NTWI) scoring system were also reused. A virtual occlusal plane was generated with the highest cusp points and lowered vertically from 0.2 to 0.8 mm to create offset planes. The area and volume of each cusp was then measured and added together. In addition to the former analysis, the differential features of each cusp were analyzed. Results: The scores of the new parameters differentiated the age and NTWI groups better than those analyzed in the former study. The Spearman ${\rho}$ coefficients between the total area and the area of each cusp also showed higher scores at the levels of 0.6 mm (0.6A) and 0.8A. The mesiolingual cusp (MLC) showed a statistically significant difference (P<0.01) from the other cusps in the paired t-test. Additionally, the MLC exhibited the highest percentage of change at 0.6A in some age and NTWI groups. Regarding the age groups, the MLC showed the highest score in groups 1 and 2. For the NTWI groups, the MLC was not significantly different in groups 3 and 4. These results support the proposal that the lingual cusp exhibits rapid wear because it serves as a functional cusp. Conclusions: Although this study has limitations due to its cross-sectional nature, it suggests better quantitative parameters and analytical tools for the characteristics of cusp wear.

A Research on the Verification Test Procedure for Quantitative Explosion Risk Assessment and Management of Offshore Installations (해양플랜트 폭발사고 위험도 평가/관리를 위한 실증시험기법에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Bong Ju;Ha, Yeon Chul;Seo, Jung Kwan
    • Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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    • v.55 no.3
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    • pp.215-221
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    • 2018
  • The structural design of offshore installations against explosions has been required to protect vital areas (e.g. control room, worker's area etc.) and minimize the damage from explosion accidents. Because the explosion accident will not only result in significant casualties and economic losses, but also cause serious pollution and damage to surrounding environment and coastal marine ecosystems. Over the past two decades, an incredible efforts was made to develop reliable methods to reduce and manage the explosion risk. Among the methods Quantitative Risk Assessment and Management (QRA&M) is the one of cutting-edge technologies. The explosion risk can be quantitatively assessed by the product of explosion frequency based on probability calculation and consequence analyzed using computer simulations, namely Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). However to obtain reliable consequence analysis results by CFD and FEA, uncertainties associate with modeling and simulation are needed to be identified and validated by comparison with experimental data. Therefore, large-scaled explosion test procedure is developed in this study. And developed test procedure can be helpful to obtain precious test data for the validation of consequence analysis using computer simulations, and subsequently allow better assessment and management of explosion risks.

The Assessment on the Characteristics of Quantitative Image in Digora$\textregistered$ (Digora$\textregistered$에서 정량영상의 특성에 대한 평가)

  • Kim Jae-Duk
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.397-405
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    • 1999
  • Purpose: To clarify the usefulness and the limitation of Digora system/sup (R)/ by evaluating the physical characteristics as the quantitative image on Image Plate(Ip). Materials and Methods: Radiograms were taken by Heliodent MD(Siemens Co.. Germany) with the image plate for adult. Cu-step wedge as reference material. and three pieces of dry mandibular bone. Image analysis was performed by single color enhancement. density measurement with histogram. The relationship between the exposure conditions and the distribution of the pixel values of the image. the variation of pixel values of each step of Cu-step wedge at two different area and Cu-equivalent value of three pieces of dry mandibular bone measure by the conversion equation. Results: There was no linear relationship between the exposure condition and the average pixel value of the image. of which the distribution was not even. The pixel value differences between the center portion and the periphery were ranged from 60 to 70 in vertical plane and from 15 to 26 in horizontal plane. Two plot profile formed at two different areas of the Cu-step wedge were different. The measured Cu-equivalent values showed the discrepancy among the times of measurement. Conclusion: As above results. Image Plate(Ip) of Digora system/sup (R)/ showed the limitation as the quantitative image. The physical property of IP was expected to need to be compensated for the quantitative evaluation of the bone or others

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Research Performance Evaluation Based on Quantitative Information Analysis in the Field of Herbal Medicine for Dementia Treatment (계량정보분석 기반의 연구개발 성과분석 : 치매 치료용 천연약물 분야)

  • Jeon, Won-Kyung;Han, Chang-Hyun;Kang, Jong-Seok;Heo, Eun-Jung;Han, Joong-Su;Lee, Young-Joon
    • Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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    • v.22 no.3
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    • pp.101-113
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    • 2011
  • Objectives : Trend of R&D of herbal medicine for dementia treatment was examined based on the quantitative information analysis for establishing the national strategy of research on dementia treatment with oriental medicine. Methods : Definition was made to clarify the technology for development of herbal medicine for dementia treatment. Based on the initial keyword provided by experts in the field, queries were compounded to conduct search in the search engines of WoS and DWPI. The raw data (papers or patents) extracted from the initial search were examined by expert-review before objects of analysis were determined. Then, the accumulated data was analyzed in terms of year, country and organization, which led to examination of the trend of R&D. And the research performance evaluation for dementia treatment technologies was also made in terms of country, organization and researcher based on the forward citation analysis. The international cooperation intensity was examined on the basis of analysis of network by researcher before analysis results were put together to select lead researchers. Results : According to the quantitative information analysis of 1,330 articles that were selected as analysis objects, the number of papers on natural products research for dementia treatment has increased by around 4.6 times in recent five years. This indicates that the intensive studies have been underway recently. It was found to be the US that had the highest level in research filed of herbal medicine for dementia treatment and the highest capacity of international cooperation for that purpose. On the contrary, Korea had the share of papers at 5.1%, the number of countries in cooperation research at 8, and the article quality index at 0.40, showing that the qualitative level was insufficient, compared to the quantitative outcome. In particular, Korea was found to have no intensity of international cooperation among researchers. In case of patent, the results of information analysis of 305 patents selected as analysis objects demonstrated that China had the highest share while Korea had the very low frequency of patent application quantitatively. Conclusions : In this study, the research to develop herbal medicine for dementia treatment has recently drawn much attention that has spread around the globe. Therefore, these results suggest establishing the strategy to develop technology for dementia treatment with oriental medicine in the future based on quantitative information analysis.

Establishing Quantitative Evaluation Standards for the Mobility test of Slacks (슬랙스 동작 적합성 평가의 정량적 평가 기준 설정)

  • Kim, Seonyoung;Nam, Yun-Ja
    • Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.80-90
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    • 2016
  • This study presents quantitative evaluation standards for they mobility test, conducted in the process of a slacks fit test. This study quantified the subjects' evaluation on the wearability of slacks to provide objective qualitative evaluation methods for existing mobility tests. The subjects were women of standard bodytype between the ages of 18 and 24 wearing slacks designed to test their mobility based on differences in ease in waist girth, hip girth, crotch length and knee length. A qualitative evaluation tested the wearability of slacks. Clothing pressure and gap area between the body and slacks were measured based on a quantitative evaluation. The clothing pressure and the gap area between the body and slacks (which reflect the results of the wearability test) were presented in this study as quantitative evaluation standards. Clothing pressure tended to increase as the ease of slacks decreased; however, clothing pressure standards, that induce discomfort, differed by body parts. The hip, crotch, and knee area were relatively less sensitive despite the waist and the abdominal area sensitivity to clothing pressure. This study suggests the minimum ease for the appropriate wearing comfort of slacks by region and motion as standards for the quantitative evaluation of mobility tests. These was reset in accordance to the limits of clothing pressure when the minimum ease was considered as wearable but exceeded the clothing pressure limits.

Several Quantitative Methods in order to Derive Tolerable Hazard Rate (Tolerable Hazard Rate 도출을 위한 정량적 분석 기법 검토)

  • Joung, Eui-Jin;Kim, Yang-Mo
    • Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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    • 2003.04a
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    • pp.438-440
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    • 2003
  • It is very important to ensure system safety during the process of developing a system. Railway system is also devoting a great portion for the safety. Nowadays many countries leading railway industry have their own system assessment process according to the situation of their train control system. In this Paper, several methods to derive Tolerable Hazard Rate are represented in the railway signalling system the characteristics of those methods are also considered respectively.

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Analysis of Research Papers Published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing (최근 3년간 대한간호학회지 게재 논문의 동향)

  • Suh, Yeon-Ok;Park, Jeong-Sook;Yang, Jin-Hyang;Kim, Hae-Won;Suk, Min-Hyun;Shin, Hyun-Sook;Jang, Hee-Jung;Jung, Myun-Sook;Chung, Myung-Sill
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.37 no.6
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    • pp.1013-1019
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    • 2007
  • Purpose: This study was to determine the current trend of nursing research as exploring both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and to provide the explicit direction to improve the quality of published papers. Methods: Total of 366 articles published between 2004 and 2006 was reviewed using the criteria of analysis. Results: There was more number of quantitative studies than qualitative studies. More studies were conducted with subjects who had health problems, and studies that targeted women and elderly population have been significantly increased. In quantitative methodology, utilization of experimental and quasi-experimental designs has been increased, however descriptive study was dominant as yet. In qualitative methodology, studies using grounded theory and phenomenology were frequently published. It was noted that theoretical framework and rational for sample size were rarely presented in quantitative study. Philosophical position and the process of preparation for study, which guided the research, were not clearly described in qualitative study. Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest that published studies have been improved and diversified, however, detailed and clear evaluation tool that assesses study process and method should be developed as a way to further improve the quality of published papers.