• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
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• v.12 no.7
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• pp.303-314
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• 2023

Voice conversion, a technology that allows an individual's speech data to be regenerated with the acoustic properties(tone, cadence, gender) of another, has countless applications in education, communication, and entertainment. This paper proposes an approach based on the StarGAN-VC model that generates realistic-sounding speech without requiring parallel utterances. To overcome the constraints of the existing StarGAN-VC model that utilizes one-hot vectors of original and target speaker information, this paper extracts feature vectors of target speakers using a pre-trained version of Rawnet3. This results in a latent space where voice conversion can be performed without direct speaker-to-speaker mappings, enabling an any-to-any structure. In addition to the loss terms used in the original StarGAN-VC model, Wasserstein distance is used as a loss term to ensure that generated voice segments match the acoustic properties of the target voice. Two Time-Scale Update Rule (TTUR) is also used to facilitate stable training. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms previous methods, including the StarGAN-VC network on which it was based.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.2
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• pp.198-209
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• 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of light intensity, manipulated through different shading levels, on the growth and physiological responses of Thermopsis lupinoides. To assess the effects of shading treatments, we examined leaf mass per area, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence response, and photosynthetic characteristics. T. lupinoidesexhibited adaptive responses under low light conditions (50% shading), showing increased leaf area and decreased leaf mass per area as shading levels increased. These changes indicate morpho-physiological adaptations to reduced light availability. At 50% shading, the physiological and ecological responses were favorable, with optimal photosynthetic functions including chlorophyll content, photosynthesis saturation point, photosynthetic rate, carbon fixation efficiency, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and water use efficiency. However, at 95% shading, the essential light conditions for growth were not met, significantly impairing photosynthetic functions. Consequently, 50% shading was determined to be the most optimal condition for T. lupinoides growth. These findings provide valuable insights for effective ex-situconservation practices and site selection for T. lupinoides, serving as foundational data for habitat restoration efforts.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.203-213
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• 2024

In this study, we investigated the growth and physiological responses of Iris laevigata Fisch. to shading treatments in order to suggest optimal light conditions for ex-situ conservation of the northern lineage plants. For this purpose, a control plant receiving full sunlight and different shading treatments (50%, 75%, 95%) were installed, and leaf mass per area, chlorophyll content and fluorescence response, and photosynthetic characteristics were investigated. I. laevigata developed leaves with higher photosynthetic efficiency to adapt to lower light intensity as shading levels increased. Chlorophyll content increased with increasing shading levels, and leaf mass per area decreased with increasing leaf area. The chlorophyll fluorescence responses Fv/Fm and NPQ did not change with shading, and the activity of the carbon fixation system did not differ between treatments. I. laevigata exhibited a light-saturation point equivalent to that of sun plants and maintained photosynthetic capacity similar to that of controls up to 75% shading. The apparent quantum yield of I. laevigata decreased significantly at 95% shading, indicating adaptation to lower light conditions. It seems that the photosynthetic capacity of I. laevigata decreases when grown under 95% shading level compared to full sunlight, and it is judged that the longer the light is restricted by continuous shading, the more unfavorable the growth will be.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.1580-1588
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• 2023

The desire for clear and clean skin is universal among both men and women. Women, in particular, seek the help of foundation to achieve beautiful and transparent skin. The choice of foundation is not determined by the race of an individual; instead, it varies based on personal skin color and undertone. Therefore, there is a need to surpass the stereotype of using foundation colors based on racial discrimination. The purpose of this study is to randomly select cosmetics brands from Korea, China, Japan, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, considering the impact of each photo, environment, and equipment. The objective is to understand the differences in skin tones in foundation advertisement model images on websites. Analyzing the RGB values of foundation colors for each brand revealed that in Korea, the colors were 8.75R, 1.25YR, 2.5YR, 3.75YR, 5YR, and 6.25YR. Chinese brands showed similar colors with 2.5YR, 3.75YR, 5YR, 6.25YR, and 10YR. Japanese brands displayed colors such as 7.5R, 8.75R, 10R, 5YR, 6.25YR, and 7.5YR. American brands presented colors like 6.25R, 8.75R, 10R, 2.5YR, 3.75YR, 5YR, 6.25YR, 7.5YR, and 10YR. French brands featured 10R, 1.25YR, 3.75YR, 5YR. Lastly, British brands displayed 2.5YR, 3.75YR, 7.5YR. As a follow-up study, in-depth research on the reshaping and color changes of foundation over time is recommended. It is hoped that this research will serve as fundamental data for makeup companies' marketing and contribute to the development of both domestic and international color cosmetics markets.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.39-44
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• 2023

Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT-1) is a metabolic disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) gene, which impairs the function of the FAH enzyme, resulting in the accumulation of tyrosine's toxic metabolites in hepatocytes and renal tubular cells. As a consequence, individuals with HT-1 exhibit symptomatic manifestations. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of HT-1 can prevent short-term death and long-term complications. A 15-day-old boy presented to the outpatient department with elevated levels of tyrosine on his newborn screening tests conducted at the age of 3 and 10 days, respectively. Further blood tests revealed increased levels of alpha-fetoprotein and amino acids including tyrosine and threonine. Urine organic acid tests indicated a significant elevation in tyrosine metabolites, as well as the presence of succinylacetone (SA), which led to the diagnosis of HT-1. Two pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants of FAH compatible with HT-1 were also detected. He began a tyrosine-restricted diet at one month old and received nitisinone (NTBC) at two months old. With continued treatment, the patient's initially elevated AFP level, detection of SA in the urine, and mild hepatomegaly showed improvement. During four years and seven months of treatment, there were no exceptional complications apart from an increase in tyrosine levels and a delay in speech. We report a case of tyrosinemia type 1 detected through newborn screening, treated with dietary restriction and NTBC, with a good prognosis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 1990

The effects of electrolytes, adenosine, ATP, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) and ketanserin on the inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) were investigated to clarify the interactions of these drugs with the neurotransmitters released from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves in the antrum of guinea-pig stomach. Electrical responses of antral circular muscle cells were recorded intracellularly using glass capillary microelectrode filled with 3 M KCI. All experiments were performed in Tris-buffered Tyrode soluition which was aerated with 100% $O_{2}$ and kept at $35^{\circ}C$. The results obtained were as follows: 1) Inhibitory junction potential (IJP) was recorded in antral strip, while excitatory junction potential (EJP) was recorded in fundic strip. 2) IJP recorded in antral strip was not influenced by atropine $(10^{-6}\;M)$ and guanethidine $(5{\times}10^{-6})$. 3) The amplitude of IJP increased in high $Ca^{2+}$ solution, while that of IJP decreased in high $Mg^{2+}$ solution or by $Ca^{2+}$ antagonist (verapamil). Apamin, $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^{+}$ channel blocker blocked IJP completely. 4) ATP and adenosine decreased the amplitude of IJP. 5) 5-HT decreased the amplitude of IJP with no change of the amplitude of slow waves, while ketanserin (5-HT type 2 blocker) decreased the amplitude of slow waves markedly with no change in that of IJP. From the above results, the following conclusions could be made. 1) IJP recorded in antral strip is resulted from neurotransmitters released from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves. 2) An increase in the concentration of external $Ca^{2+}$ enhances the release of neurotransmitters from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves which activate the $Ca^{2+}$-dependent $K^{+}$ channel.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.199-236
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• 2014

This paper analyses from the perspective of distributive justice the legal mechanisms for international allocation of orbital slots, which are of co-owned nature and thereby limited natural resources in outer space. The allocative function is delegated to the International Telecommunication Union. The Radio Regulation, amongst such other legal instruments as the Constitution and Convention, by which the ITU and contracting States thereof abides, dictates how the orbital positions are distributed. Thus, the RR is thoroughly reviewed in the essay. The mechanisms are in a broad sense categorized into two systems: 'a posteriori system' where the 'first come, first served' principle prevails; and 'a priori system' designed to foster the utilisation of the slots by those who lack space resources and are, in especial, likely to be marginalised under the former system. The argument proceeds on the premise that a posteriori system places the under-resourced States in unfavourable positions in the securement of the slots. In contrast with this notion, seven factors were instantiated for an assertion that the degradation of the distributive justice derived from the 'first come, first served' rule, which lays the foundation for the system, could be either mitigated or counterbalanced by the alleged exceptions to the rule. However, the author of this essay argues for counterevidences against the factors and thereby demonstrating that the principle still remains as an overwhelming doctrine, posing a threat to the pursuit of fair allocation. The elements he set forth are as in the following: 1) that the 'first come, first served' principle only applies to assignments capable of causing harmful interferences; 2) the interoperability of the principle with the 'rule of conformity' with the all the ITU instruments; 3) the viability of alternative registrations, as an exception of the application of the principle, on the condition of provisional and informational purposes; 4) another reference that matters in deciding the priority: the types of services in the TFA; 5) the Rule of Procedure H40 proclaiming a ban on taking advantage of coming first to the Register; 6) the technical factors and equity-oriented norms under international and municipal laws along with; 7) the changes of 'basic characteristics' of registered assignments. The second half of this essay illustrates by examining the relevant Annexes to the Regulation that the planned allocation, i.e., a priori system, bear the structured flaws that hinder the fulfillment of the original purpose of the system. The Broadcasting and Fixed Satellite Systems are the reviewed Plans in which the 'first come, first served' principle re-emerges in the end as a determining factor to grant the 'right to international recognition' to administrations including those who has not the allotted portions in the Plan.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.126-138
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• 2012

Ultrasonic method is widely used for the evaluation of weathering index and of degree of deterioration because it is easily applicable $in$ $situ$. The basic idea of the method is that the ultrasonic velocity decreases as a rock is being weathered. Thus, the difference of ultrasonic velocities between fresh rock and weathered rock indicates the degree of weathering. In this method, the ultrasonic velocity of fresh rock is assumed to be 5,000 m/s. However, this assumption can cause significant errors in estimating weathering index, especially in case that those rocks of the same type have a wide range of ultrasonic velocities such as in Korea. Therefore, we obtained twenty rock specimens and sixty core samples commonly used for stone cultural heritages in Korea, and measured ultrasonic velocities. From the results, we found that the ultrasonic velocities of the same rock type, granite samples range from 3,118 to 5,380 m/s, and that the estimated weathering index can be highly biased if we use the fixed value of 5,000 m/s. We created a database (DB) by combining the measurement data and reported it. We also measured ultrasonic velocities by direct and indirect methods to quantify the calibration coefficient for each sampling site. We found that the calibration coefficients vary widely from site to site (1.31-1.76). Other factors, such as operator bias and temperature did not show any significant effect on errors in ultrasonic velocity measurements. Lastly, we applied our ultrasonic velocity DB and calibration coefficients to a stone cultural heritage, Bonghwang-ri Buddha statue. Our estimation of the weathering index was 0.3, 0.1 smaller than that by conventional method. The degree of deterioration was also different, "moderately weathered", while conventional method gave "highly weathered". Since other independent studies reported that the degree of deterioration of the Buddha statue was "moderately weathered", our estimation seems to be more accurate. Thus our method can help accurately evaluate the weathering index and the conservation planning for a stone cultural heritage.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.6-12
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• 2011

Purpose: We wanted to analyze and report on the radiologic and clinical results of prospective Hook plate fixation for unstable distal clavicle fractures after a minimum of 2 years follow up. Materials and Methods: We followed up 17 out of 20 cases that underwent prospective Hook plate fixation from 2008 to 2009. We performed radiologic follow up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 18 months and 24 months postoperatively. The clinical results were evaluated at 12 months and 24 months postoperatively. Results: The mean period for bony fusion was 14.5 weeks and the plate was removed after an average of 20.2 weeks. The VAS pain scores were 0.7 and 0.8, the UCLA scores were 33.5 and 33.3, the ASES scores were 92.8 and 92.5, the Constant-Murley scores were 81.5 and 77.0, the KSS scores were 92.5 and 94.3 and the ranges of motion were $173.3^{\circ}$ and $173.7^{\circ}$ of flexion, $56.0^{\circ}$ and $54.5^{\circ}$ of external rotation, $62.3^{\circ}$ and $63.5^{\circ}$ of the internal rotation, $172.0^{\circ}$ and $172.6^{\circ}$ of abduction and $43.3^{\circ}$, and $42.9^{\circ}$ of extension at 1 and 2 years follow-up, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of clinical outcomes and the range of motion at 1 year and 2 year postoperatively (p>0.05). There was no other complication except 1 case of delayed union. Conclusion: For Hook plate fixation at 2 years postoperatively, the complications will be decreased and excellent clinical results should occur.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.167-175
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• 1998

Purpose : It is not a simple task to achieve the ideal isodose curve with a standard vaginal applicator or sing1e plane needle impant in the paravaginal tissue when primary or recurrent gynecological neoplasms(cervical cancers, vaginal cancers and vulvar cancers) are treated as a boost following external beam radiotherapy. The authors introduce the development and construction of a simple, inexpensive, customized applicator for volume implant to maximize the radiation dose to the tumor while minimizing the dose to the rectum and the bladder. Materials and Methods : Nine patients underwent Ir-192 transperineal interstitial implantation for either recurrent(5 cases) or primary(3 cases) cervical cancers or primary vaginal cancer(1 case) between August 1994 and February 1998 at Ajou university hospital. First 3 cases were performed with a sing1e plane implant guided by digital palpation. Because of inadequate isodose coverage in the tumor volume in first 3 cases, we designed and constructed interstitial vaginal applicator for volume implant to improve tumor dose distribution and homogeneity while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. Our applicators consist of vaginal obturator and perineal template that made of the clear acrylamide and dental mold material$(Provil^{(R)})$. The applicators were customized individually according to the tumor size and its location Both HDR and LDR irradiation were given with these applicators accomodating 6 Fr needles(Microselectron Nucletron). The pretreatment planning prior to actual implant was performed whenever possible. Results : Needles can be inserted easily and evenly into the tumor volume through the holes of templates, requiring less efforts and time for the implant procedure. Our applicators made of materials available from commercial vendors. These have an advantage that require easy procedure, and spend relatively short time to construct. Also it was possible to fabricate applicators to individualize according to the tumor size and its location and to achieve the ideal isodose coverage. We found an accurate needle arrangement and ideal dose distribution through the CT scan that was obtained in 3 cases after needle implant. Three patients with primary cervical and vaginal cancers were controlled locally at final follow up. But all recurrent cases failed to do so. Conclusion : The authors introduce inexpensive, simple interstitial vaginal templates which were self-designed and constructed using materials available from commercial vendors such as acrylanide and dental mold material $(Provil^{(R)})$.