Grading Method Research Articles

Retinal Vessel Caliber Measurement Bias in Fundus Images in the Presence of the Central Light Reflex.

To investigate the agreement between a fundus camera and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope in retinal vessel caliber measurements and to identify whether the presence of the central light reflex (CLR) explains potential discrepancies. For this cross-sectional study, we obtained fundus camera and scanning laser ophthalmoscope images from 85 eyes of 85 healthy individuals (aged 50-65 years) with different blood pressure status. We measured the central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal artery vein equivalent (CRVE) with the Knudtson-Parr-Hubbard algorithm and assessed the CLR using a semiautomatic grading method. We used Bland-Altman plots, 95% limits of agreement, and the two-way mixed effects intraclass correlation coefficient for consistency [ICC(3,1)] to describe interdevice agreement. We used multivariable regression to identify factors associated with differences in between-device measurements. The between-device difference in CRAE (9.5 µm; 95% confidence interval, 8.0-11.1 µm) was larger than the between-device difference in CRVE (2.9 µm; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.5 µm), with the fundus camera yielding higher measurements (both P < 0.001). The 95% fundus camera-scanning laser ophthalmoscope limits of agreement were -4.8 to 23.9 µm for CRAE and -12.0 to 17.8 µm for CRVE. The corresponding ICCs(3,1) were 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.92) and 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.94). The between-device CRAE difference was positively associated with the presence of a CLR (P = 0.002). Fundus cameras and scanning laser ophthalmoscopes yield correlated but not interchangeable caliber measurements. The CLR induces bias in arteriolar caliber in fundus camera images, compared with scanning laser ophthalmoscope images. Refined measurements could yield better estimates of the association between retinal vessel caliber and ophthalmic or systemic disease.

Intelligent large-scale flue-cured tobacco grading based on deep densely convolutional network

Flue-cured tobacco grading plays a crucial role in tobacco leaf purchase and the formulation of tobacco leaf groups. However, the traditional flue-cured tobacco grading mode is usually manual, which is time-consuming, laborious, and subjective. Hence, it is essential to research more efficient and intelligent flue-cured tobacco grading methods. Most existing methods suffer from the more classes less accuracy problem. Meanwhile, limited by different industry applications, the flue-cured tobacco datasets are hard to be obtained publicly. The existing methods employ relatively small and lower resolution tobacco data that are hard to apply in practice. Therefore, aiming at the insufficiency of feature extraction ability and the inadaptability to multiple flue-cured tobacco grades, we collected the largest and highest resolution dataset and proposed an efficient flue-cured tobacco grading method based on deep densely convolutional network (DenseNet). Diverging from other approaches, our method has a unique connectivity pattern of convolutional neural network that concatenates preceding tobacco feature data. This mode connects all previous layers to the subsequent layer directly for tobacco feature transmission. This idea can better extract depth tobacco image information features and transmit each layer’s data, thereby reducing the information loss and encouraging tobacco feature reuse. Then, we designed the whole data pre-processing process and experimented with traditional and deep learning algorithms to verify our dataset usability. The experimental results showed that DenseNet could be easily adapted by changing the output of the fully connected layers. With an accuracy of 0.997, significantly higher than the other intelligent tobacco grading methods, DenseNet came to the best model for solving our flue-cured tobacco grading problem.

Development Of Video Learning Based On The Indonesian Language Signing System (SIBI) Method For Class II Deaf Chill At SDN 2 Bengkala Academic Year 2022/2023

This research is development research (research and development). The product developed is Learning Video Media Based on the SIBI Method for Deaf Children, Grade II. This study aims to (1) determine the design of learning video media based on the SIBI method for grade II deaf students; (2) determine the validity of learning video media based on the SIBI method for grade II deaf children; and (3) determine the response of deaf students to learning video media based on the SIBI method for grade II deaf children. The 4D (four-D) model is a method used in the process of developing learning videos based on the SIBI method. The data collection method used is a questionnaire, which is then filled out by the respondents. Data analysis methods and techniques used in this research are qualitative and quantitative descriptive statistical analysis. In this SIBI method-based learning video media obtained a validation score by learning media experts of 94.5% (very good), then the validity test score by learning material experts was 97.85% (very good), then the results of media assessment through practitioner/teacher responses were 93.5% (very practical), and through student responses, a score of 86% (good). It is concluded that this development research obtained results with very good and very practical qualification levels, so that the products produced are feasible to be applied and used in the learning process for deaf children in grade II SDN 2 Bengkala

Rock drillability measurement and grading method for a polycrystalline diamond composite bit

The bit holds paramount importance as a rock-breaking tool in petroleum and natural gas industry drilling, rock drillability grading using a polycrystalline diamond composite (PDC) bit is the key basis for individualized design and selection of a bit and optimization of drilling parameters. This is especially true for formations that are above medium hard. However, the petroleum and natural gas industry standard “rock drillability measurement and gradation method” issued and implemented in China has obvious defects. For rocks above medium hard, the measurement is often invalid and drillability grade data cannot be obtained. Through many drillability measurements on rock samples of various lithologies, it has been found that the main reasons for the ineffectiveness of measurements of rock above medium hard are that the standard weight on the bit (WOB) is too low and that the structural parameters of PDC microbits are unreasonable. To solve these problems, we first studied the influence of the side rake of the microbit cutter on the interference state and proposed an optimal microbit side rake. This eliminates the possibility of interference between the microbit cutter and the rock. Second, we conducted rock drilling experiments on five kinds of rock under various WOB values. The experimental data show that there is a linear relation between the variable-weight drillability level and the WOB. We put forward a new method of drillability measurement and grading, which is based on the measurement of drilling pressure grading, equivalent conversion grading, or independent grading. This method not only effectively solves the problem of drillability measurement of medium-hard and harder rocks but is also compatible with past soft-rock measurement data.

Non-invasive preoperative prediction of Edmondson-Steiner grade of hepatocellular carcinoma based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound using ensemble learning.

This study aimed to explore the clinical value of non-invasive preoperative Edmondson-Steiner grade of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). 212 cases of HCCs were retrospectively included, including 83 cases of high-grade HCCs and 129 cases of low-grade HCCs. Three representative CEUS images were selected from the arterial phase, portal vein phase, and delayed phase and stored in a 3-dimensional array. ITK-SNAP was used to segment the tumor lesions manually. The Radiomics method was conducted to extract high-dimensional features on these contrast-enhanced ultrasound images. Then the independent sample T-test and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) were employed to reduce the feature dimensions. The optimized features were modeled by a classifier based on ensemble learning, and the Edmondson Steiner grading was predicted in an independent testing set using this model. A total of 1338 features were extracted from the 3D images. After the dimension reduction, 10 features were finally selected to establish the model. In the independent testing set, the integrated model performed best, with an AUC of 0.931. This study proposed an Edmondson-Steiner grading method for HCC with CEUS. The method has good classification performance on independent testing sets, which can provide quantitative analysis support for clinical decision-making.

Comparison of the effects of botulinum toxin type A hamstring muscle injection combined with periarticular injection and simple periarticular injection on early pain and functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty

Objective: This study was designed to compare the effects of hamstring muscle injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) combined with periarticular injection to those of simple periarticular injection alone, in terms of early pain reduction and functional recovery following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).&#x0D; Methods: This study included 40 patients who underwent elective unilateral TKA at our hospital from February 2021 to December 2021. The patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (BoNT/A injection into the hamstring muscle + periarticular injection, n = 20 cases) or the control group (0.9% normal saline injection into the hamstring muscle + periarticular injection, n = 20 cases). The preoperative and postoperative 3-day HSS scores were compared between the two groups. Postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were observed and compared between the two groups. The Lovett grading method was used to evaluate the postoperative muscle strength of both groups. Additionally, postoperative knee joint pain scores, maximum active flexion angle, and any postoperative adverse reactions were observed and compared between the two groups.&#x0D; Results: The experimental group showed significantly lower VAS pain scores than the control group at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the operation, with a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, compared to the control group, the patients in the experimental group exhibited larger knee joint active flexion angles at 1 day, 3 days, and 5 days post-operation, also demonstrating a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05). These findings hold scientific significance (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the combined administration of BoNT/A hamstring muscle injection with periarticular injection exhibited a low incidence of adverse reactions during the perioperative period and had no significant effect on quadriceps muscle strength.&#x0D; Conclusion: The combination of BoNT/A hamstring muscle injection with periarticular injection effectively alleviates early postoperative pain following TKA and promotes early functional recovery of the knee joint.

Research Note: Interpreting findings of a systematic review using GRADE methods

Research Note: Interpreting findings of a systematic review using GRADE methods

Assessing user satisfaction of urban parks for sustainable cities: A pilot study of two urban parks in Chennai, India

Parks are significant potential spaces in the urban environment and it can provide multiple socio-ecological benefits, when appropriately planned, designed and managed. It presents a vital opportunity to enhance the sustainability in cities and it also improves the local quality of life by providing access to recreation and public health. To create more sustainable and liveable cities, it is essential to assess the performance of urban parks from the user’s perspective and understand their preferences. The aim of the current research article is to identify crucial parameters, their significance and assessment methods to achieve user satisfaction in an urban park setting. Critical analysis of literature forms the substratum for the identified parameters. These identified parameters are then used in the evaluation of two urban parks in Chennai, India through documentation and questionnaire survey. A user satisfaction survey based on the identified parameters and a user preference survey are included in the questionnaire. A grading method is developed based on the hierarchy of user’s satisfaction. The relationship between the park’s attributes and people’s satisfaction in urban parks was investigated in this study to ameliorate the overall performance of the parks. The study can be conducted in other cities too to aid the design professionals, urban decision-makers, landscape architects, and other stakeholders in evaluating the performance of the existing urban parks and assisting them in designing and setting up the urban parks from the users’ perspective so as to enhance more liveable communities.

Literature Review of Automated Grading Systems Utilizing MRI for Neuroforaminal Stenosis.

Cervical neural foraminal stenosis is a common and debilitating condition affecting people between the ages 40-60. Although it is established that MRI is the best method of scanning the neural foramen, the question remains whether there is a role for three-dimensional MRIs and whether it is possible to develop a computer-aided automated grading system to establish the degree of clinically relevant cervical foraminal stenosis. The study's objective is to conduct a literature review of existing or recently developed automated grading systems for the cervical neural foramen, including volumetric MRI evaluations of the foramen. A systematic search of Cochrane Library, Cochrane Clinical Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ACM Digital Library and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Web of Science was performed for reports examining automated systems and volumetric scanning foraminal stenosis published before 31.07.2021. 3971 articles were identified of which 8 were included in the study. The automated grading systems of the neural foramen focus largely on the lumbar spine with elements that may be applicable to the cervical spine. Although there are established studies on the automated grading of the lumbar spine, it is uncertain whether any of these are reproducible in the cervical spine. Visual grading systems for the cervical spine demonstrate good inter-reader reliability between radiologists and clinicians. The Park visual grading method shows strong inter-reader reliability across radiologists and clinicians despite the limited data on the correlation with neurological symptoms or surgical outcome. There is scope for further development of an automated grading system for cervical foraminal stenosis to improve the speed and consistency of image interpretation.

A Ginseng Appearance Quality Grading Method Based on an Improved ConvNeXt Model

In order to solve the problem of the small degree of variability between the features of ginseng grading classes and the resulting need for heavy reliance on professionals, this study established a ginseng dataset containing 5116 images with three classes in different contexts and proposed a ginseng-grading model based on an improved ConvNeXt framework. Firstly, a Channel Shuffle module was embedded in the backbone network after down-sampling to fully fuse the channel features and improve the model’s grading accuracy. The model’s characterization ability enriched the feature space of the convolutional block and further improved the model’s accuracy. Finally, the original activation function, GELU, was replaced with the PreLU activation function to increase the nonlinear variability of the neural network model and improve the model’s accuracy and efficiency. The experimental results show that the method demonstrated accuracy improvements of 2.46% and 4.32%, respectively, compared with the current advanced networks, Vision Transformer and Swim Transformer. Furthermore, the accuracy, precision, recall, and specificity of ginseng classification reached values of 94.44%, 91.58%, 91.04%, and 95.82%, respectively, and the loss rate was reduced to 0.24. A comparison with expert appraisal results showed high consistency, thus verifying our model’s accuracy and reliability in ginseng quality assessment and its ability to provide technical support for intelligent ginseng quality grading.

Infant isolation and cohorting for preventing or reducing transmission of healthcare-associated infections in neonatal units.

Neonatal healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) result in increased morbidity and mortality, as well as increased healthcare costs. Patient isolation measures, i.e. single-room isolation or the cohorting of patients with similar infections, remain a recommended and commonly used practice for preventing horizontal spread of infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to assess the effect of single-room isolation or cohorting, or both for preventing transmission of HAIs or colonization with HAI-causing pathogens in newborn infants less than six months of age admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Our secondary objective was to assess the effect of single-room isolation or cohorting, or both on neonatal mortality and perceived or documented adverse effects in newborn infants admitted to the NICU. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registries. There were no restrictions to date, language or publication type. We also checked the reference lists of studies identified for full-text review. SELECTION CRITERIA: Types of studies: cluster-randomized or quasi-randomized trials at the level of the cluster (where clusters may be defined by NICU, hospital, ward, or other subunits of the hospital). We also included cross-over trials with a washout period of more than four months (arbitrarily defined). newborn infants less than six months of age in neonatal units that implemented patient isolation or cohorting as infection control measures to prevent HAIs. Types of interventions: patient isolation measures (single-room isolation or cohorting, or both of infants with similar colonization or infections) compared to routine isolation measures. the primary outcome was the rate of transmission of HAIs as estimated by the infection and colonization rates in the NICU. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality during hospital stay at 28 days of age, length of hospital stay, as well as potential adverse effects of isolation or cohorting measures, or both. The standard methods of Cochrane Neonatal were used to identify studies and assess the methodological quality of eligible cluster-randomized trials. The certainty of the evidence was to be assessed by the GRADE method as evidence of high, moderate, low, or very low certainty. Infection and colonization rates were to be expressed as rate ratios for each trial and if appropriate for meta-analysis, the generic inverse variance method in RevMan was to be used. We did not identify any published or ongoing trials to include in the review. The review found no evidence from randomized trials to either support or refute the use of patient isolation measures (single-room isolation or cohorting) in neonates with HAIs. Risks secondary to infection control measures need to be balanced against the benefits of decreasing horizontal transmission in the neonatal unit for optimal neonatal outcomes. There is an urgent need to research the effectiveness of patient isolation measures for preventing the transmission of HAIs in neonatal units. Well-designed trials randomizing clusters of units or hospitals to a type of patient isolation method intervention are warranted.

Project Work in Literature Teaching in the First Stage of Primary Education

The subject of study presented in the article are the educational projects included in the readers for 1st – 4th grade levels, their varieties and methods of working on a certain project. The objective is to outline the status of the educational project in the readers for primary literature education and reveal the possibilities of application of project-based technologies through the main teaching device. The nature and specific features of project work in the first stage of education are revealed. It is established that there are a variety of project types in the readers. Creative, role-play and information-cognitive projects prevail. Group and collective projects are mainly included, but there is a room also for individual projects. Priority is given to short-term projects, but opportunities for implementation of long-term projects are also presented. The stages in the implementation of the project activity are not developed to the maximum.

Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Determination of Os Driven by Electrocatalytic Gaseous Separation

Rapid assessment of ore grade is very important for field geological exploration, especially for precious metals. Based on the new electrooxidation gaseous separation (EOGS) idea, this paper reports a simple (colorimetric), fast (∼2 min), and accurate (μg L–1 level) method for the analysis of associated minerals Os in iron ores. The application of highly active coated electrodes has promoted the efficient and quantitative conversion of Os (including trivalent and tetravalent) to gaseous OsO4. Most of the coexisting components remain in the sample digestion solution during electrooxidation, which provides the possibility for ore sample analysis without pre-separation. Further electrochemical tests showed that appropriate catalytic activity (oxygen and chlorine evolution) was the key to both high conversion and anti-interference ability of the RuIr/Ti electrode, while long-term stability and low memory effect offered effective guarantee for practical application. Using the catalytic behavior of OsO4 to the CA-H2O2 reaction, we realized the accurate and rapid analysis of Os at the level of μg L–1 for the first time. Compared with the traditional chemical oxidation generation technology, mild operating conditions (such as not involving high temperature and strong oxidation/corrosive reagents) are the most significant characteristics of the electro-oxidation technology. Under the optimized conditions, the method has the merits of high separation efficiency (>90%), low detection limit (0.01 μg L–1), wide linear range (2–100 μg L–1), and low signal fluctuation (2.7%, n = 11). The aim of this study is to provide not only an economic and sustainable EOGS strategy for the accurate analysis of precious metal elements, but also a simple and effective rapid evaluation method for the ore grade based on the semi-quantitative analysis of color difference observed by the naked eye.

UPAYA MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR MELALUI MEDIA LINGKUNGAN SEKOLAH ( MEDLINGSEK ) DAN METODE OBSERVASI BAGI SISWA KELAS IV SD.NEGERI 132409 KOMPETENSI SUMBER DAYA ALAM TAHUN PELAJARAN 2022/2023

Efforts to Improve Learning Outcomes Through School Environment Media (Medlingsek) and Observation Methods for Grade IV SD Students. Country 132409 Competence in Natural Resources for the 2022/2023 Academic Year. This study aims to find out: 1) To find out whether the use of MEDLINGSEK (School Environmental Media) can improve student learning outcomes in science learning on natural resources material in class IV SD Negri 132409 Tanjung Balai City. 2) Identify problems that occur in the science teaching and learning process in class IV SD Negri 132409 Tanjungbalai City. The research subjects were Grade IV students of SD Negri 132409 Tanjungbalai City. Research location for grade IV State Elementary School - 132409 Jalan MT. Haryono. The research method uses Classroom Action Research (CAR). The results showed that the average student score during the Preliminary Test was 63.38% with learning completeness of 46.42%, but after the action was taken in cycle I, the average learning outcomes of 53.57% where 15 students or 64.63% of students have reached the level of mastery of learning (total score of 70). (total value 70). Thus, the use of the MEDLINGSEK (School Environment Media) observation method can increase students' reasoning to understand science lessons more easily and clearly because they are learned directly through seeing and experiencing directly by the students themselves.

PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR GERAK MOTORIK MENGGUNAKAN METODE BERMAIN PESERTA DIDIK KELAS 1 SDN SAWUNGGALING VIII/ 389 KOTA SURABAYA

Physical Education is an important component of a well-rounded education. Physical Education involves the development of physical fitness, motor movement skills, and social skills through physical fitness activities. Physical Education as an integral part of education has a role in the learning done by students to be in accordance with teaching at the right level. In its application, it is treated with the play method. Elementary school age has an important aspect that must be stimulated in addition to cognitive and affective is the psychomotor (learning) motor of students. The first step to support ideal growth and development by providing stimulation to children's motor movements. This study aims to improve the learning outcomes of motor movements with the play method for grade 1 students of SDN Sawunggaling 8 Surabaya. Researchers used the Classroom Action Research method with a total of 32 students. The results of this study conducted from cycle I to cycle III experienced a significant increase in learning outcomes, in cycle I (48.54%), cycle II (59.58%) and cycle III (76.74%).

Design and Experimental Research of Intelligent Inspection and Classification System for Yuba Skin Quality

At present, the surface quality of Yuba skin is determined by sensory methods. In order to realize the intelligent classification detection of Yuba skin quality, this study designed a system that automatically determines the quality of Yuba skin surfaces based on image processing and support vector machine (SVM) approaches. Specifically, the system uses image preprocessing to extract the grayscale eigenvalues, gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) eigenvalues, and gray level run length matrix (GLRLM) eigenvalues of the sample image and uses them as input values for a quality grading system. Through model evaluation of three classification models, the SVM classification model was selected according to the evaluation results, and different kernel functions were used in the model for sample training. Based on Matlab, the quality grading software of Yuba skin was developed and designed. Intelligent detection and grading were realized through the radial basis kernel function support vector machine (RBF-SVM) grading model. The best penalty factor (c = 3.50) and kernel parameter value (g = 0.98) were obtained through cross-validation. The accuracy of the model was 95.31% and 94.16% for the training and test sets, respectively. The grading accuracy of the RBF-SVM grading system was 93.56%, and the error was less than 5% compared with the traditional sensory method of grading; thus, the quality classification method based on the SVM classification system for Yuba skin is feasible and can be used for quality detection.

Characterization and performance test of phenolphthalein poly(aryl ether ketone) fractionated by incremental poor solvent fractionation

Though phenolphthalein poly(aryl ether ketone) (PEK-C) has gained attention as a special engineering plastic materials by virtue of its good thermal stability and favorable mechanical properties, its applications are limited due to its wide PDI during polymerization, which result in poor mechanical properties of PEK-C. In order to investigate the effect of molecular weight and polydispersity index (PDI) on PEK-C, an incremental poor solvent fractionation method was used to fractionate PEK-C. The process produced a series of grades with decreasing molecular weight and PDI. The LCP (linear cloud point) equation was combined with the grading method to find the optimal PEK-C/DMAc/ Non-solvent additives (NSA) system, which can be used to improve the grading efficiency. The obtained results showed that the incremental poor solvent fractionation method with the PEK-C/DMAc/EA system made the molecular weight distributed in the range of 25 ~ 113 kDa, PDI mostly distributed in the range of 1.1 ~ 1.4, and the narrowest PDI to reach 1.13, which could not be obtained through the condensation reaction. Meanwhile, we can also achieve expanded production. By fractionation, the elastic modulus of PEK-C film could be increased by up to 22.6%, elongation at break by up to 38.3%, the fracture strength by up to 38.2%, and impact strength of the sheest by up to 41.2%, while the polymer still maintained good thermal and UV shielding properties. This unique Polymer/Solution/NSA system can yield an effective design strategy for controlling its molecular weight and PDI and improving its mechanical performance.Graphical abstractPEK-C (NM01) was fractionated by incremental poor solvent fractionation. Due to the weak pr ecipitation strength of EA to PEK-C, a large number of grades can be obtained by expanding the classification. Through the method of adding precipitant, NM01 was fractionated into two parts with different molecular weights and PDIs. The impact strength of these grades could be improved well.

A Study on the Formation and Change of Yesso Scallop Odor Characteristics by GC-O-MS, Sensory Evaluation, and Flavor-Precursor Analysis

Scallops are exposed to drying and hypoxia for a long duration in the supply chain, leading to quality deterioration and changes in odor characteristics. In this study, quality deterioration of Yesso scallop was simulated under different conditions to explore the formation and change of its unique aroma. Its volatile components were analyzed by partial least squares (PLS) regression, GC-O, and smell threshold, and its odor characteristics were analyzed with reference to flavor precursors. The sensory descriptors selected comprehensively described the odor characteristics of Yesso scallop. The 16 most relevant volatile components for each odor characteristic were identified, and a new star-mark grading method was established to evaluate the role of volatile components in the formation of odor characteristics. The possible odor precursors were determined, providing preliminary information on the generation of pleasant and unpleasant odor characteristics by Yesso scallops. Thus, our results provide a scientific basis for the further study and control of the odor characteristics of aquatic products.

Measurement methods and fractal dimensions of blast-cleaned steel substrates

ABSTRACT Morphological parameters of steel substrates determine the adhesion of coatings and adhesives. Three different assessment methods (cross section image, contact stylus instrument, and stripe light projection) were applied to blast-cleaned substrates. A total of 12 surface configurations were generated with different abrasive materials. The fractal dimensions were estimated by means of the box-counting method. Design of experiment and ANOVA were applied to statistically analyze the relationships. Factors included abrasive type, surface preparation grade, surface roughness, and surface profile measurement method. Similar relative trends for the fractal dimensions resulted for the three measurement methods. The normalized values of the fractal dimensions were approximately twice as high for the cross section profiles compared to the ones from contact stylus and stripe light projection. Fractal values derived from contact stylus measurements showed the highest repeatability, whereas those derived from cross section images showed the lowest repeatability.

Effects of Bojungikgi-tang and its modifications for Anemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bojungikgi-tang (BJIG) and its modifications for patients with anemia.Methods: The subject of analysis of this study was a parallel design randomized controlled trial in which BJIG or its modifications was administered orally to patients who met the World Health Organization's anemia criteria and the efficacy and safety were prospectively measured. Electronic databases were searched to retrieve eligible literature published from 1 January 2000 to 12 February 2023. A meta-analysis was conducted, and the risk of bias (RoB) and level of evidence of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and GRADE method, respectively.Results: Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. When BJIG or its modifications was administered to anemia patients receiving conventional treatment, additional benefits compared to the non-administered group were found in terms of an increase in red blood cell count (mean difference (MD) 0.46 x 1012/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 0.74), hemoglobin concentration (MD 9.28 g/L, 95% CI 6.06 to 12.51), hematocrit (MD 2.57%, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.38), total effective rate (odds ratio 5.29, 95% CI 2.05 to 13.68), and traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores (standardized MD -1.51, 95% CI -2.79 to -0.24).Conclusions: This study demonstrated the clinical potential of BJIG and its modifications to provide additional benefits to patients with anemia receiving conventional treatment.