Historical and Contemporary Exam-driven Education Fever in China

Lan Yu,Hoi K. Suen 한국교육개발원 2005 KEDI Journal of Educational Policy Vol.2 No.1

Evidence of education fever in China can be found from the 7th century through today. Both historical and contemporary education fever have been created, promoted and maintained by state-orchestrated systems of high-stakes and extremely competitive exams. This comparative study examines the educational and social consequences of both the historical Civil Service (Keju) exam system and the current National College Entrance Exam (NCEE) system in China. Although the two systems focus on different content domains and serve different explicit purposes – employment versus college entrance – both have led to profound effects on society. Similarities and differences in design features between the two systems were compared. A number of common positive and negative social consequences were identified. It was observed that exam-driven education fever in China has been gained at the expense of many unintended and often serious negative consequences. Education fever and these consequences are all manifestations of the much deeper driving force of the exams. Attempts to regulate education fever needs to focus first on controlling the stakes and reward system that goes with the exams.

The Influence of a Second Metal on the Ni/SiC Catalyst for the Methanation of Syngas

( Lan Lan Song ),( Yue Yu ),( Xiao Xiao Wang ),( Guoq Jang Jin ),( Ying Yong Wang ),( Xiang Yun Guo ) 한국화학공학회 2014 Korean Chemical Engineering Research(HWAHAK KONGHA Vol.52 No.5

The catalytic performance of silicon carbide supported nickel catalysts modified with or without secondmetal (Co, Cu and Zn) for the methanation of CO has been investigated in a fixed-bed reactor using a feed consisting of25% CO and 75% H2 without any diluent gas. It has been found that the introduction of Co species can clearly improvethe catalytic activity of Ni/SiC catalyst, whereas the addition of Cu or Zn can result in a significant decrease in the catalyticactivity. The characterizations by means of XRD, TEM, XPS, CO-TPD and H2-TPR indicate that the addition ofCo could decrease the particle size of active metal, increase active sites on the surface of methanation catalyst, improvethe chemisorption of CO and enhance the reducibility of methanation catalysts. Additionally, the special interaction betweenCo species and Ni species is likely favorable for the dissociation of adsorbed CO on the surface of catalyst, and this mayalso contribute to the high activity of 5Co-Ni/SiC catalyst for CO methanation reaction. For 5Cu-Ni/SiC catalyst and 5Zn-Ni/SiC catalyst, Cu and Zn species could cover partial nickel particles and decrease the chemisorption amount of CO. These could be responsible for the low methanation activity. In addition, a 150h stability test under 2 MPa and 300 oCshowed that 5Co-Ni/SiC catalyst was very stable for CO methanation reaction.

Taiwan’s Efforts in Combating Human Trafficking

Yu-Lan Yeh 아시아경찰학회 2007 아시아경찰학회 국제학술회의 Vol.2007 No.-

Prediction of the Development of Pulmonary Fibrosis Using Serial Thin-Section CT and Clinical Features in Patients Discharged after Treatment for COVID-19 Pneumonia

Yu Minhua,Liu Ying,Xu Dan,Zhang Rongguo,Lan Lan,Xu Haibo 대한영상의학회 2020 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.21 No.6

Objective: To identify predictors of pulmonary fibrosis development by combining follow-up thin-section CT findings and clinical features in patients discharged after treatment for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study involved 32 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were divided into two groups according to the evidence of fibrosis on their latest follow-up CT imaging. Clinical data and CT imaging features of all the patients in different stages were collected and analyzed for comparison. Results: The latest follow-up CT imaging showed fibrosis in 14 patients (male, 12; female, 2) and no fibrosis in 18 patients (male, 10; female, 8). Compared with the non-fibrosis group, the fibrosis group was older (median age: 54.0 years vs. 37.0 years, p = 0.008), and the median levels of C-reactive protein (53.4 mg/L vs. 10.0 mg/L, p = 0.002) and interleukin-6 (79.7 pg/L vs. 11.2 pg/L, p = 0.04) were also higher. The fibrosis group had a longer-term of hospitalization (19.5 days vs. 10.0 days, p = 0.001), pulsed steroid therapy (11.0 days vs. 5.0 days, p < 0.001), and antiviral therapy (12.0 days vs. 6.5 days, p = 0.012). More patients on the worst-state CT scan had an irregular interface (59.4% vs. 34.4%, p = 0.045) and a parenchymal band (71.9% vs. 28.1%, p < 0.001). On initial CT imaging, the irregular interface (57.1%) and parenchymal band (50.0%) were more common in the fibrosis group. On the worst-state CT imaging, interstitial thickening (78.6%), air bronchogram (57.1%), irregular interface (85.7%), coarse reticular pattern (28.6%), parenchymal band (92.9%), and pleural effusion (42.9%) were more common in the fibrosis group. Conclusion: Fibrosis was more likely to develop in patients with severe clinical conditions, especially in patients with high inflammatory indicators. Interstitial thickening, irregular interface, coarse reticular pattern, and parenchymal band manifested in the process of the disease may be predictors of pulmonary fibrosis. Irregular interface and parenchymal band could predict the formation of pulmonary fibrosis early.

Microvascular Myocardial Ischemia in Patients With Diabetes Without Obstructive Coronary Stenosis and Its Association With Angina

Yu Yarong,Yang Wenli,Dai Xu,Yu Lihua,Lan Ziting,Ding Xiaoying,Zhang Jiayin 대한영상의학회 2023 Korean Journal of Radiology Vol.24 No.11

Objective: To investigate the incidence of microvascular myocardial ischemia in diabetic patients without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and its relationship with angina. Materials and Methods: Diabetic patients and an intermediate-to-high pretest probability of CAD were prospectively enrolled. Non-diabetic patients but with an intermediate-to-high pretest probability of CAD were retrospectively included as controls. The patients underwent dynamic computed tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging (CT-MPI) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to quantify coronary stenosis, myocardial blood flow (MBF), and extracellular volume (ECV). The proportion of patients with microvascular myocardial ischemia, defined as any myocardial segment with a mean MBF ≤ of 100 mL/min/100 mL, in patients without obstructive CAD (Coronary Artery Disease–Reporting and Data System [CAD-RADS] grade 0–2 on CCTA) was determined. Various quantitative parameters of the patients with and without diabetes without obstructive CAD were compared. Multivariable analysis was used to determine the association between microvascular myocardial ischemia and angina symptoms in diabetic patients without obstructive CAD. Results: One hundred and fifty-two diabetic patients (mean age: 59.7 ± 10.7; 77 males) and 266 non-diabetic patients (62.0 ± 12.3; 167 males) were enrolled; CCTA revealed 113 and 155 patients without obstructive CAD, respectively. For patients without obstructive CAD, the mean global MBF was significantly lower for those with diabetes than for those without (152.8 mL/min/100 mL vs. 170.4 mL/min/100 mL, P < 0.001). The mean ECV was significantly higher for diabetic patients (27.2% vs. 25.8%, P = 0.009). Among the patients without obstructive CAD, the incidence of microvascular myocardial ischemia (36.3% [41/113] vs. 10.3% [16/155], P < 0.001) and interstitial fibrosis (69.9% [79/113] vs. 33.3% [8/24], P = 0.001) were significantly higher in diabetic patients than in the controls. The presence of microvascular myocardial ischemia was independently associated with angina symptoms (adjusted odds ratio = 3.439, P = 0.037) in diabetic patients but without obstructive CAD. Conclusion: Dynamic CT-MPI + CCTA revealed a high incidence of microvascular myocardial ischemia in diabetic patients without obstructive CAD. Microvascular myocardial ischemia is strongly associated with angina.

Preparation and Characterization of Pitch/Cokes Composite Anode Material for High Power Lithium Secondary Battery

Lan Yu,Ki-Jung Kim,Dae-Yong Park,Myung-Soo Kim,Kab-Il Kim,Yun-Soo Lim 한국탄소학회 2008 Carbon Letters Vol.9 No.3

Petroleum pitch and coke with wet mixture method or with dry mixture method were investigated to develop the composite anodic carbon material of high power lithium ion battery. Cokes coated with pitch were obtained by the heat treatment of mixture of cokes and pitch with different weight ratios at 800~1200℃. The charge and discharge characteristic of the consequent composite anodic carbon material assembled in batteries was tested. Cokes with wet mixture method have a smooth surface and their capacity changed little with changing temperature and content as compared to the cokes with dry mixture method. Although the reversible capacities showed different values by the anode manufacturing method, the composite anode with the mixture of 20 wt% of petroleum pitch and 80 wt% of coke showed the higher power capability and initial efficiency than the pitch based anode. However, the reversible capacity of the composite anode showed the reduced value as compared with the pitch based anode.

Electrically conductive epoxy nanocomposites with expanded graphite/carbon nanotube hybrid fillers prepared by direct hybridization.

Yu, Lan,Kang, Hyokyung,Lim, Yun-Soo,Lee, Churl Seung,Shin, Kwonwoo,Park, Ji Sun,Han, Jong Hun American Scientific Publishers 2014 Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Vol.14 No.12

<P>Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are generally used to promote the electrical conductivity of the polymer nanocomposites. However, in spite of their superior properties, CNT's high cost has limited their commercial application, so far. Thus, the development of hybrid carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) composed of CNTs and cheaper CNMs such as carbon fibers (CFs), expanded graphites (EGs), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) is important in terms of reducing the cost of CNT-based fillers. In this study, we prepared EG/CNT hybrid fillers via direct CNT synthesis on the EG support using modified combustion method and thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, and investigated the electrical conductivity of the expoxy nanocomposite with EG/CNT hybrid fillers. The epoxy nanocomposites with EG/CNT hybrid fillers at 20 wt% filler loading showed 260% and 170% electrical conductivity enhancement in comparison with the EG and the simply mixed EG and CNT fillers, respectively. Our approach provides various applications including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials, thermal interface materials (TIMs), and reinforced nanocomposites.</P>

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure and its Relationship with Body Weight Factors among Inpatients with Schizophrenia in Taiwan

Yu-Li Lan,Tzy-Ling Chen 한국간호과학회 2012 Asian Nursing Research Vol.6 No.1

Purpose: The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and to explore its relationship with weight among inpatients with schizophrenia. Additionally, other possible risk factors impacting BP levels in relation to patients’ demographic characteristics and use of atypical antipsychotic drugs and medications to reduce blood pressure were analyzed. Methods: Using medical records, demographic data, and results of physical examination, this crosssectional study investigated the prevalence of hypertension and high BP and its association with body weight among 1,030 inpatients with schizophrenia in a large psychiatric facility in Taiwan. Results: The prevalence of high BP and hypertension were found to be higher among inpatients with schizophrenia in Taiwan in comparison with those of the general population in line with the latest evidence. Hypertensionwas significantly associated with body mass index; meanwhile, other risk factors,including age, gender, length of hospital stay, time since initial schizophrenia diagnosis, medications used to reduce blood pressure, and atypical antipsychotics, were identified. However, body mass index was the most effective predictor of blood pressure in the study. Conclusion: The findings of this research shed light on the importance of developing effective weight and blood pressure monitoring and management programs for inpatients with schizophrenia. There is also a need for clinical nurses to employ multiple behavioral intervention strategies to minimize risks of high BP in patients with schizophrenia. We recommend that clinical nurses carefully monitor and control BP among inpatients with schizophrenia. Purpose: The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) and to explore its relationship with weight among inpatients with schizophrenia. Additionally, other possible risk factors impacting BP levels in relation to patients’ demographic characteristics and use of atypical antipsychotic drugs and medications to reduce blood pressure were analyzed. Methods: Using medical records, demographic data, and results of physical examination, this crosssectional study investigated the prevalence of hypertension and high BP and its association with body weight among 1,030 inpatients with schizophrenia in a large psychiatric facility in Taiwan. Results: The prevalence of high BP and hypertension were found to be higher among inpatients with schizophrenia in Taiwan in comparison with those of the general population in line with the latest evidence. Hypertensionwas significantly associated with body mass index; meanwhile, other risk factors,including age, gender, length of hospital stay, time since initial schizophrenia diagnosis, medications used to reduce blood pressure, and atypical antipsychotics, were identified. However, body mass index was the most effective predictor of blood pressure in the study. Conclusion: The findings of this research shed light on the importance of developing effective weight and blood pressure monitoring and management programs for inpatients with schizophrenia. There is also a need for clinical nurses to employ multiple behavioral intervention strategies to minimize risks of high BP in patients with schizophrenia. We recommend that clinical nurses carefully monitor and control BP among inpatients with schizophrenia.

Research about the Evaluation Index of Agricultural Sightseeing Garden Landscape Resources based on AHP

( Yu Lan Ling ),( Piao Yong Ji ),( Jiang Dao Zhu ),( Jo Hyunju ) 한국환경과학회 2016 한국환경과학회지 Vol.25 No.4

On the basis of conducting a comprehensive investigation to agricultural sightseeing garden landscape resources, we established a evaluation index system of agricultural sightseeing garden landscape resources. From the perspective of experts, comparing the importance of all levels indicators, we obtained the weights of landscape resources evaluation index through using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The result showed that the descending order of the weights of influence of agricultural sightseeing garden nineteen evaluation index is: reach ability (0.128), safety (0.083), location (0.078), participatory (0.076), cultural value (0.058), ecological conditions (0.057), scenic beauty (0.0505), environmental quality (0.051), featured properties (0.0501), environmental tolerance (0.048), reputation (0.047), environmental capacity (0.045), humanize (0.041), spots configuration (0.034), applicable travel period (0.033), scientific value (0.032), art value (0.031), holistic (0.03), suitability (0.027), it can provide a framework and basis for the planning, management, protection and exploitation of agricultural sightseeing garden landscape resources.

Identification of mTOR inhibitor-resistant genes in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Yu, Seong-Lan,Lee, Dong Chul,Baek, Seung Woo,Cho, Do Yeun,Choi, Jong Gwon,Kang, JaeKu Dove Medical Press 2018 Cancer management and research Vol.10 No.-

<P><B>Purpose</B></P><P>The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is frequently activated in various squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Although mTOR inhibitors are suggested as effective treatments in immunosuppressed patients with metastatic SCC, they are still not proven to be favorable in treating skin SCC patients not undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Moreover, the exact mechanism of the mTOR signaling pathway in SCC has not yet been identified. In this study, we aimed to determine the genes associated with mTOR inhibitors in skin SCC.</P><P><B>Materials and methods</B></P><P>The identification of cell viability according to concentration of everolimus and Western blot was done. To analyze the global gene expression profiles, A431 and HSC-1 cells were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or 100 nM of everolimus for 72 hours. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using Affymetrix analysis. To identify the gene network associated with everolimus resistance in SCC cells, pathway analysis was performed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tool.</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>The effects of cell death with respect to the mTOR inhibitor concentration were observed in the HSC-1 cell line; however, the mTOR inhibitor did not show effective cytotoxic activity in the A431 cell line. p-mTOR concentration also diminished with respect to everolimus concentrations in the HSC-1 cell line. Moreover, the microarray results showed that the <I>MYC/CCND1/TP73/NUPR1/SBD/ERBB2/CDKN2B</I> genes were related to mTOR inhibitor resistance. However, CCND1 gene overexpression was most closely related to mTOR inhibitor resistance.</P><P><B>Conclusion</B></P><P>We identified mTOR inhibitor resistance genes, and our findings may help select therapeutic targets in skin SCC.</P>