• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 1997

In order to analyze the shifts in the volume and profits of Computed Tomography(CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) utilization for a year before and after the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, this study has been undertaken examining CT and MRI cost data from 'Y' University Hospital situated in Seoul, Korea. Following are the results of this study: 1. The medical insurance payment for CT, implemented on January 1, 1996, increased CT utilization from January 1996 to April 1996 due to low insurance premiums: however, from May 1996 the number of CT cases significantly decreased as a result of strengthened medical cost reviews and the new 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' announced near the end of April 1996 by the insurer. 2. Since the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, CT fee reduction rates for reimbursements by the insurer to the hospital were 50% and 40% for January and February, respectively, and 31% and 15% for March and April. A significant point in the lowering of the reduction rate was reached in May at 11%; furthermore, since June the reduction rate fell below the average reduction rate for reimbursements for all procedures. If the 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' had been announced before the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, CT utilization would not have been so high due to the need to meet those 'standards'. In addition, loss of hospital profits resulting from the reduction for reimbursements would not have occurred. 3. The shifts in MRI utilization showed that there was no particular change with the beginning of insurance coverage for CT, and the introduction of the 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' made MRI utilization increase because MRI is free of restrictions imposed by the insurer. 4. The relationship between CT utilization and MRI utilization showed that they were supplementary to each other before insurance coverage for CT, but that CT was substituted for MRI because of strengthened medical cost reviews after t~e beginning of insurance coverage for CT. 5. The shifts in volume by patient characteristics showed that the number of inappropriate case patients, according to the insurer's "Standards for approval", decreased more than the number of appropriate case patients after the introduction of insurance coverage for CT. Therefore, the health insurance fee schemes for CT have influenced patient care. 6. The shifts in profits from CT utilization showed a net profit decrease of 31.6%. In order to match the pre-coverage profit level, 5,471 more cases would need to be seen and productivity would need to be increased by 32.7%. This profit decrease resulted from a decrease of CT utilization and low reimbursements. With insurance coverage, net profits from CT were 24.4%, and a margin of safety ratio was 39.6%. Because of the net profits and margin of safety ratio, CT utilization fees for insured appropriate cases could not be considered inappropriate. 7. The shifts in profits from MRI utilization before and after the introduction of CT coverage showed that in order to match pre-CT coverage profit levels, 2,011 more cases would need to be seen and productivity would need to be increased by 9.2%. The reasons for needing to increase the number of cases and productivity result from cost burdens created by adding new MRI units. But with CT coverage already begun, MRI utilization increased. Combined with a minor increase in the MRI fee schedule, MRI utilization showed a net profit increase of 18.5%. Net profits of 62.8% and a 'margin of safety ratio' of 43.1% for MRI utilization showed that the hospital relied on this non-covered procedure for profits. 8. The shifts in profits from CT and MRI utilization showed the net profits from CT decreased by 2.33billion Won while the net profits from MRI increased by 815.7million Won. Overall, these two together showed a net profit decrease of 1.51billion Won. The shifts in utilization showed a functional substitutionary relationship, but the shifts in profits did not show a substitutionary relationship. From these results, We can conclude that if insurance is to be expanded to include previously uncovered procedures using expensive medical equipment, detailed standards should be prepared in advance. The decrease in profits from the shifts in coverage and changes in fees is a difficult burden that should be shared, not carried by the hospital alone. Also, a new or improved fee schedule system should include revised standards between items listed and the appropriateness of the fee schedule should constantly be ensured. This study focused on one university hospital in Seoul and is therefore limited in general applicability. But it is valuable for considering current issues and problems, such as the influence of CT coverage on hospital management. Future studies will hopefully expand the scope of the issues considered here.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.90-96
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• 2019

Natural gas has been regarded as one of major alternative fuels, because of the increment of mining shale gas and supplying PNG(Pipeline Natural Gas) from Russia. Thus, it needs to broaden the usage of natural gas as the increasing its supplement. In this situation, application of natural gas on the transport area is a good suggestion to reduce exhaust emissions such as CO₂(carbon dioxides) and soot from vehicles. For this reason, natural gas can be applied to SI(spark ignition) engines due to its anti-knocking and low auto-ignitibility characteristics. Recently, since turbocharged SI engine has been widely used, it needs to apply natural gas on the turbocharged SI engine. However, there is a major challenge for using natural gas on turbocharged SI engine, because it is hard to make natural gas direct injection in the cylinder, while gasoline is possible. As a result, there is a loss of fresh air when natural gas is injected by MPI (multi-point injection) method under the same intake pressure with gasoline-fueled condition. It brings the power reduction. Therefore, in this research, intake pressure was increased by controling the turbocharger system under natural gas-fueled condition to improve power output. The goal of improved power is the same level with that of gasoline-fueled condition under the maximum torque condition of each engine speed. As a result, the maximum power levels, which are the same with those of gasoline-fueled conditions, with improved brake thermal efficiency could be achieved for each engine speed (from 2,000 to 6,000 rpm) by increasing intake pressure 5-27 % compared to those of gasoline-fueled conditions.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.309-317
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• 2000

Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption in vivo and in vitro. Currently proposed mechanism of action of bisphosphonates involves both direct effect on osteoclasts and indirect effect through the mediation of osteoblasts. Recent understanding of molecular mechanism of osteoclastogenesis indicates that osteoclast differentiation is quite tightly regulated by signaling molecules from differentiating osteoblasts. Therefore this investigation was designed to elucidate the effect of bisphosphonate on osteoblast differentation. For this purpose, in vitro effects of etidronate and alendronate on the expression of Cbfa1 a master control gene of osteoblast differentiation, several bone marker genes, and formation of calcified nodules were evaluated. To evaluate the effect of bisphosphonate on calcified nodule formation, osteoblasts isolated from rat calvaria were cultured in a-MEM containing $10^{-4},\;10^{-5},\;10^{-6}M$ of etidronate or $10^{-6},\;10^{-7},\;10^{-8}M$ of alendronate for 15 days, and then stained by alizarin red to determine mineralization. To evaluate the effect of bisphosphonate on osteoblast differentiation, osteoblast cells were cultured in a-MEM containing $10^{-4},\;10^{-5},\;10^{-6}M$ of etidronate or $10^{-6}$ M of alendronate for 8 days. And then total RNA was extracted and northern blot analysis was done to examine the expression of Cbfa1, type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin and osteocalcin. The results were as follows: 1. Etidronate suppressed the calcification of bone nodule in dose dependent manner, while alendronate didn't. 2. The expression of Cbfa1 was decreased dose dependently by etidronate, but increased by alendronate. 3. Etidronate suppressed the expression of type I collagen, osteopontin and osteocalcin in dose dependent manner however alendronate promote the expression of osteoblast marker gene. 4. The expression of alkaline phosphatase was not affected either etidronate nor alendronate. These results suggest that etidronate suppressed the expression of Cbfa1 in dose dependent manner, and consequently the expression of osteoblast marker genes, such as type I collagen, osteopontin and osteocalcin were also suppressed in similar manner. And finally this decreased expression of osteoblastic marker gene prevent calcined bone nodule formation.

• 대한공업교육학회지
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.87-112
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• 2009

The aim of this research is to suggest the model of reconstruction and remodelling of S high school of broadcast for converting into a specialized one in the section of broadcast industry. The method of reconstruction of the laboratories by each department is as follows. First, the names of laboratories, ground plans, and perspective drawings are designed according to the principle of constructionism. Second, each department is recommended to install 7 laboratories. For the department of broadcasting facilities, a laboratory of processing broadcasting machines, a laboratory of broadcasting machines, and a laboratory of screen picture machines are needed. For the department of broadcasting, electricity, and communication, a laboratory of image and sound edition, a laboratory of broadcasting and communication, a laboratory of broadcasting system, and a laboratory of stage illumination. For the department of broadcasting stage construction, a laboratory of broadcasting stage building, a laboratory of broadcasting stage design, a laboratory of broadcasting stage decoration and etc. Third, an office room is designed by department in the form of seminar room and places for practice is formed by department to be a laboratory. Fourth, a room for industrial-educational cooperation is installed by department, by which education of industrial-educational cooperation is carried out harmoniously. And one example of a remodeled laboratory by one department is shown with laboratory name, ground plan, perspective drawing, and running method. Especially employment of teachers working both school and business, professional club which is concerned with broadcasting technique, and attraction of enterprise in school is suggested as important elements to manage broadcasting laboratories efficiently. Finally, it is desirable for us to attract private capital, that is, Build-Transfer-Lease(BTL) because much budget is required for purchasing the broadcasting equipments and remodelling the laboratories to succeed as specialized high school on broadcasting section.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.146-153
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• 2013

This study was conducted to enhance graft-take ratio and quality of grafted tomato seedlings by controlling temperature and humidity during the healing and acclimatization processes. Three temperature levels ($20^{\circ}C$, $23^{\circ}C$, and $26^{\circ}C$) were carried out to determine optimum temperature on four rootstocks. In addition, twelve combinations of three relative humidity levels (70%, 80%, and 90%) and four temperature levels ($17^{\circ}C$, $20^{\circ}C$, $23^{\circ}C$, and $26^{\circ}C$) were set up to evaluate the effect of relative humidity and temperature on the graft-take ratio of grafted seedlings. In the other hand, five relative humidity periods (H0, H1, H2, H3, and H4: 90% relative humidity for first 0, 1, 2, 3 and 10 days and afterwards relative humidity was reduced to 70%, respectively) were examined effect of relative humidity periods on the graft-take and quality of grafted seedlings. The higher graft-take ratios (84.0~87.4%) were showed at $23^{\circ}C$ compared to $20^{\circ}C$ and $26^{\circ}C$ in all rootstocks. Graft-take ratios decreased and number of diseased plants increased at high temperature. The graft-take ratios increased with increasing relative humidity in all temperature levels on the $3^{rd}$ and $7^{th}$ day after grafting. However, increasing relative humidity significantly increased percent of diseased plants. The graft-take ratio reduced at ($26^{\circ}C$) and ($17^{\circ}C$) temperature under all relative humidity conditions. The graft-take ratio increased with increasing period of 90% relative humidity. Maximum graft-take ratios were observed in H2 and H3 treatments. Graft-take ratio decreased with increasing 90% relative humidity for 10 days (H4). Diseased plants had not been found in H0, H1, H2, and H3 treatments. Seedling quality was improved through increasing fresh and dry weight of root, compactness, and root morphology of tomato seedlings in H2 and H3 treatments. Therefore, high relative humidity (90%) for first 2 or 3 days and afterwards reduced low relative humidity (70%) at $23^{\circ}C$ condition during healing and acclimatization promoted the graft-take and quality of grafted tomato seedlings.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.214-219
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• 2005

As part of Korean retinal prosthesis project, we have provided preliminary experimental results regarding voltage parameters for the stimulation of chemically degenerated rabbit retina. Since our APB-treated chemically degenerated retina is only ON-pathway blocked, now we switch our experiments to more appropriate retinal degeneration model, genetically degenerated retina model (RD mouse: rd/rd (C3H/HeJ)). Before studying with RD mouse, we started control experiments with normal SD rat to understand characteristics of retinal ganglion ceil activity with postnatal maturation in rodents. Ganglion cell activities were recorded with 8${\times}$8 multi-electrode array. Moving spontaneous bursts appeared until postnatal day of 15. During pre-eye opening period, no light evoked response appeared. After postnatal day of 2 weeks (post-eye opening period), ON-, OFF- and ON/OFF response appeared. The fractional distributions of ON, OFF, and ON/OFF ganglion cell is about $40\%,\;50\%$, and $5\%$. The percentage ($\%$) of light evoked response in each dorso-temporal, ventral, and dorso-nasal area of eye is about $50\%,\;37.5\%$ and $12.5\%$, respectively. We concluded that the optimal period for experiment in rodent is about postnatal day of 2${\~}$3 weeks.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.148-156
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• 2015

In this study the differences in the sample size and sample input changes as characteristics of bio-oil oak(Quercus variabilis), the oak 0.5~2.0 mm of the oak weighing 300~900g was processed into bio-oil via fast pyrolysis for 1.64 seconds. In this study, the physico-chemical properties of biooil using oak were investigated. Fast pyrolysis was adopted to increase the bio-oil yield from raw material. Although the differences in sample size and sample input changes in the yield of pyrolysis products were not significantly noticeable, increases in the yield of bio-oil accounted for approximately 60.3 to 62.1%, in the order of non-condensed gas, and biochar. When the primary bio-oil obtained by the condensation of the cooling tube and the seconary bio-oil obtained from the electric dust collector were measured separately, the yield of primary bio-oil was twice as higher than that of the secondary bio-oil. However, HHV (Higher Heating Value) of the secondary bio-oil was approximately twice as higher than that of the primary bio-oil by up to 5,602 kcal/kg. The water content of the primary bio-oil was more than 20% of the moisture content of the secondary bio-oil, which was 10% or less. In addition, the result of the elemental analysis regarding the secondary bio-oil, its primary carbon content was higher than that of the primary bio-oil, and since the oxygen content is low, the water content as well as elemental composition are believed to have an effect on the calorific value. The higher the storage temperature or the longer the storage period, the degree of the viscosity of the secondary bio-oil was higher than that of the primary bio-oil. This can be the attributed to the chemical bond between the polymeric bio-oil that forms during the storage period.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.12
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• pp.1342-1347
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• 2005

Purpose : Among perinatal risk factors, neonatal seizures are one of the strongest independent discriminators of adverse outcome, representing high risks of mortality and neurologic morbidity. This study was undertaken to evaluate the neurologic outcome of neonatal status epilepticus according to underlying etiology, seizure pattern, onset time, and duration. Methods : We reviewed retrospectively 36 neonates(19 males, 17 females) with status epilepticus who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, Inha Hospital between July, 1988 and June, 2003. They were evaluated with neurologic examination, laboratory data, EEG findings, and neuroimaging studies etc. Results : The mean gestational period of the patients was $37.0{\pm}3.6$ weeks and birth weight was $2.70{\pm}0.82$ kilogram. Fifty two point eight percent of the neonates were male and 66.7 percent were born at term. The most common cause of neonatal status epilepticus was hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. In preterm babies, intracranial hemorrhages showed an especially high frequency(P=0.034). Gestational age and birth weight did not show a correlation with neurologic complications. The incidence of neurological sequelae were significantly related to prolonged seizures lasting more than 1 hour(P=0.002). Neonates with seizures within the first 72 hours tended to be more frequent among those who developed adverse outcomes(P=0.016). Generalized tonic seizures had the worst prognosis, whereas those children who had subtle seizures had better outcomes than any other type(P<0.05). Generalized tonic seizures were primarily represented on EEG by abnormal background, whereas subtle seizure showed a significantly more normal EEG than any other seizures(P<0.05). Conclusion : Our results indicate that neonatal status epilepticus with early onsets, prolonged durations. And generalized tonic types can predict an increased risk for neurologic sequelae. So, those seizures must be perceived as medical emergencies and treated aggressively with antiepileptic drugs.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.129-135
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• 1981

Low phenylalanine diet(0.05%) was given to the Sprague Dawley pregnant rats at the 14 days of gestation and continued until the pups were lactated for 11 days. Body weight, plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine, brain weight, and brain phenylalanine and tyrosine were determined on pups randomly sacrificed at several intervals. Body weight of pups on normal diet (0. 36% phenylalanine) gained rapidly while the pups on the phenylalanine deficient diet decreased and did not survive during the period of 11 days. Brain weight of the pups on the phenylalanine deficient diet was significantly lower(P < 0.05) than the normal pups. Phenylalanine deficient diet did not affect the level of plasma phenylalanine of pups, but it seems that there was a positive correlation between the level of phenylalanine in the diet and the plasma tyrosine level. The plasma tyrosine level of pups on the deficient diet was decreased significantly during the Period while the pups on the normal diet increased steadily. Phenylalanine and tyrosine level in the brain was lower in Pups on the deficient diet than the pups on normal diet but the plasma phenylalanine level was not significantly different in both diets. However, plasma tyrosine level was significantly lower in the pups on the deficient diet than the normal diet at the end of the period.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 1982

Megagametophyte and embryo tissue of Pinus densiflora were subjected to study the inheritance of glutamate-oxalate transaminase(GOT) and leucine aminopeptidase(LAP), and linkage relationship among isozyme loci coding both enzymes by starch gel zone-electrophoresis. Four zones of activity were observed for GOT. No variation was found in the fastest migrating zone (GOT-A). Electrophoretic phenotypes of the other two zones (GOT-B and GOT-C) showed 1:1 segregation ration, suggesting that each zone is controlled by a single locus. Foru and three alleles were identified at both loci respectively. The isozyme pattern of the fourth zone(GOT-D), migrated cathodally, coincided precisely with that of GOT-C. Whether the two zones are controlled by the same locus or by two tightly linked loci remained unknown. In all three variant GOT zones, heterozygoes embryos produced triple band patterns, indicating that GOT isozyme in Pinus densiflora is a dimer. Two zones of activity stained for LAP were found. The segregation of the two zones (LAP-A and LAP-B) suggested that tow loci control each of both isozymes. Two and three alleles were identified at both loci. GOT-B and LAP-B were found to be tightly linked, showing an average recombination frequency of 12.5 percent. Slight deviation from independent assortment was observed between GOT-B and GOT-C, with recombination frequency of 41 percent.