• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.57 no.2
• /
• pp.168-179
• /
• 2004

Background : The statistical analysis is an essential procedure ensuring that the results of researches are based on evidences rather than opinion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate which statistical techniques are used and whether these statistical methods are used appropriately or not in the journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. Materials and Methods : We reviewed 185 articles reported in the journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases in 1999. We evaluated the validity of used statistical methods based upon the checklist that was developed on the basis of the guideline for statistical reporting in articles for medical journals by International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Results : Among 185 articles, original articles and case reports were 110 (59.5%) and 61 (33.0%) respectively. In 112 articles excluding case reports and reviews, statistical techniques were used in 107 articles (95.5%). In 94 articles (83.9%) descriptive and inferential methods were used, while in 13 (11.6%) articles only descriptive methods were used. With the types of inferential statistical techniques, comparison of means was most commonly used (64/94, 68.1%), followed by contingency table (43/94, 45.7%) and correlation or regression (18/94, 19.1%). Among the articles in which descriptive methods were used, 83.2% (89/107) showed inappropriate central tendency and dispersion. In the articles in which inferential methods were used, improper methods were applied in 88.8% (79/89) and the most frequent misuse of statistical methods was inappropriate use of parametric methods (35/89, 39.3%). Only 14 articles (13.1%) were satisfactory in utilization of statistical methodology. Conclusion : Most of the statistical errors found in the journal were misuses of statistical methods related to basic statistics. This study suggests that researchers should be more careful when they describe and apply statistical methods and more extensive statistical refereeing system would be needed.

• The Korean Journal of Elementary Counseling
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.33-50
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study was to develop a PBL-based career education program and to examine its effectiveness on school children's career maturity. It's specifically meant to prepare a career education program to assist students to get an accurate grip on their aptitude, interest and personality and explore various sorts of occupations in the course of solving authentic and contextual career-related problems. After children's developmental characteristics and needs were analyzed, task analysis was implemented, and the objectives were defined. And then the core of the program, PBL problems were developed, and the validity of the problems were verified Evaluation plans and tools were prepared to assess children's problem-solving process and presentation, and an online learning space was designed. The program that consisted of 10-minute 21 sessions was provided to fifth-grade elementary schoolers for eight weeks. The findings of the study were as follows: The experimental group that participated in the PBL-based career education program showed a more significant improvement than the control group that didn't in career attitude and three career attitude subfactors involving planness, disposition and compromise. And the former made a more significant progress than the latter in career ability and its subfactors including vocational comprehension, self-understanding and decision-making skills as well. As a result of making a content analysis to make up for the survey, the students reported that they were able to get an objective understanding of themselves and acquire diverse and profound knowledge on work and the business world in the middle of solving the given PBL problems related to different areas in group and giving a presentation. In conclusion, a PBL based career education program developed by this researcher encouraged the students to have an objective self-understanding, to have a dynamic interactive discussion with their group members. Therefore the program had a positive impact on boosting the career attitude and career ability of the elementary schoolers. The findings suggested that in the field of elementary career education, autonomous learning attitude and subjecthood are the crucial factors to stimulate school children to explore and create their own future.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.53-63
• /
• 2011

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is a result of both mechanical and biological events that destabilize the normal coupling of degradation and synthesis of articular cartilage chondrocytes and extracelluar matrix, and subchondral bone. Although it is likely that the molecular basis of pathogenesis is similar to that of other joints, additional study of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is required due to its unique structure and function. This study was carried out to evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics of TMJ osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of TMJ OA in Patients with temporomandibular disorders (1405 men and 2922 women whose mean age was $30.2\; {\pm}\; 15.4$ and $33.1\;{\pm}\;15.2$ years, respectively) who had visited the TMJ and Orofacial Pain Clinic of Seoul National University Dental Hospital in 2007. Orthopantomograms, TMJ tomograms and transcranial radiographs were used to evaluate degenerative change of the mandibular condyle. The obtained results were as follows: 1. Degenerative change of the mandibular condyle was observed in 883 (20.4%) of 4327 subjects. The prevalence was significantly higher in women (706 patients, 24.1%) than in men (177 patients, 12.6%), and this significant difference between genders was observed in all age groups. 2. The prevalence of degenerative change of the mandibular condyle in TMD patients showed a gentle increase along with age. Such increase was statistically significant in women (P < 0.001), but not in men. 3. Sclerosis was observed the most frequently in all age groups and the mean age of the patients with osteophyte was the highest among four types of degenerative change. 4. Although men showed degenerative change in the left side more often and women showed degenerative change more frequently in both sides, the difference of distribution in sides between genders was not significant. In conclusion, the prevalence of degenerative change of the mandibular condyle in TMD patients is higher in women than in men, and increases steadily with aging, but not as dramatically as in other joints that show a steep increase in prevalence around the age of 45 years. It can be suggested that the epidemiologic characteristic of OA of the TMJ differs from those of other joints, and that a more extensive study based on the general population is necessary.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.44-48
• /
• 2008

Purpose: In FDG-PET/CT of breast cancer, a sensitivity was 80~96% and a specificity was 75~95% commonly. It was valuable to identify a cancer in early stage been difficult in Mammography. Most of the PET/CT scans have been examined on supine position, so, the image of breast has been acquired by reconstructed whole body scan image. However, using prone position with a compensator, a shape of breast was reassembly shown to be real by gravity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate diagnostic value of prone position in FDG PET-CT of breast cancer. Materials and Methods: 30 female patients with doubtful or positive breast cancer were examined. The PET-CT whole body scan was acquired at 60 minutes after $^{18}F$-FDG injection on Supine position. Then, regional breast spot scan was progressed on prone position using a compensator. Each image was evaluated by physicians blinded to patient's data, and statistical analysis did through SUVs measured in PET-CT images. Results: In 27 of 30 patients, prone position was shown accurate discrimination and diagnostic value, but in another 3 patients had a lesion 1cm below, PET-CT couldn't detect it, unlike MRI. Consequently, prone position distinguished a lesion better than Supine position, because of low degree of metamorphosis by gravity. The SUVs analysis of each position was significant (p value=0.004). Conclusion: In PET-CT of breast cancer, prone position could detect micrometastasis as well as primary lesion, better than supine position. Therefore, this study proposes that any technical change considered morphological feature like prone position can offer adequate and useful diagnostic information, together with complementary quantitative analysis.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.33-39
• /
• 1999

In order to understand the importance of tidal action and $NH_4{^+}$ -nitrification in the removal of dissolved oxygen (DO) and $NH_4{^+}$, concentrations of DO, $NH_4{^+}$, $NO_2{^-}$ and $NO_3{^-}$ were measured with time for water samples collected at different tidal state in the eutrophic macrotidal Han River estuary. Field measurements indicated that most environmental parameters, except for the water temperature and DO concentration, were tightly controlled by the eutrophic freshwater runoff and large-scale tidal action. Dark incubation of the water sample at $25^{\circ}C$ showed that the removal rates of DO and $NH_4{^+}$ in high tide sample were 2.76 ${\mu}M\;O_2\;d^{-1}$ and 1.76 ${\mu}M\;N\;d^{-1}$ respectively, and increased to 5.66 ${\mu}M\;O_2\;d^{-1}$ and 3.36 ${\mu}M\;N\;d^{-1}$ respectively, in low tide sample. These changes indicated that microbial degradation and uptake of organic matter and inorganic nutrients were more active during low tide. $NH_4{^+}$-nitrification responsible for total DO removal in low tide (23.81%) and $NH_4{^+}$ turnover rates due to $NH_4{^+}$-nitrification in low tide (0.18 $d^{-1}$) were approximately 3.7 times and 3 times, respectively, higher than those in high tide. These results indicated that $NH_4{^+}$ -nitrifying bacteria introduced into the Han River estuary during low tide played a significant role in the removal of DO and $NH_4{^+}$. The decreasing removal rates in DO and $NH_4{^+}$ with the increasing tidal level seemed to be associated with the salinity impact on the halophobic freshwater $NH_4{^+}$-nitrifying bacteria. The results implied that anthropogenic $NH_4{^+}$ sources should be treated prior to the freshwater runoff into the estuary for the effective control of $NH_4{^+}$ in the Han River estuary. These results also suggest that parallel ecological studies on the chemoautotrophic nitrifying bacteria are essential for the elucidation of nitrogen cycles in the eutrophic Han River estuary.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2007

Purpose: There has been increased the number of early gastric cancer and laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG), due to early detection through mass screening program. We started the LAG in April 2004 and performed 119 cases of gastric cancer in 2005, so we report a surgical outcome compared with that of open gastrectomy (OG). Materials and Methods: 119 patients underwent LAG in 2005, and for open group, 126 patiens of early gastric cancer were selected sequentially from January 2005 to March 2005. We compared clinicopathologic characteristics, postoperative courses and complications between two groups. Results: There was no significant difference between age, a length of hospital stay, distal resection margin and a number of retrived lymph nodes. The operation time was longer in LAG group (239.2 vs 123.3 mins, P<0.001) and a diet progression was faster in LAG group (first flatus: 3.05 vs 3.70 days, SOW: 2.86 vs 3.22 days, liquid diet: 3.87 vs 4.19 days, soft diet: 4.84 vs 5.26 days, P<0.001). But there was no difference statistically in postoperative discharge date (7.73 vs 8.25 days, P=0.229). The additional requirement of analgesic injection was less frequent in LAG group (2.97 vs 4.92 times, P<0.001). The harvested lymph nodes were similar in both groups (23.9 vs 23.1, P=0.563). A complication rate was lower in LAG group (4.9% vs 9.5%), but there was no statistical significance (P=0.179). There was no mortality in both groups and no conversion to open gastrectomy in the LAG group. Conclusion: LAG can be performed safely and accepted in view of curative procedure in treatment of early gastric cancer. But we need the follow up of long-term period to evaluate the survival rate and recurrence, and a prospective randomized controlled study should be done to establish that LAG will be a standard operation for early gastric cancer.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.94 no.6
• /
• pp.446-452
• /
• 2005

In order to examine the natural distribution variations between groups of the Stewartia koreana, the leaf form characteristics of the investigation sites were analyzed by each group. As a result, the Mt. Kumsan group showed a smaller value in leaf length, width, area, and the number of veins, but not in the petiole length and serration number. Among each character, the coefficient of variation(CV) of the characters excluding petiole length and leaf area was in a comparatively narrow range, from 11.6~17.4%. On the other hand, the CV of petiole length and leaf area between the groups was 34.9% and 28.4% respectively. The CV of these characters within the group was also extraordinary- petiole length showed 29.5~42% and leaf area showed 27.7~40.7%. Also, the simple correlation analysis between 12 leaf characteristics showed that the correlation between leaf width and leaf area was high (r=0.975). The correlations between leaf length and leaf area, between leaf length and leaf width were 0.971 and 0.969, respectively. A negative correlation between angle of leaf base and ratio of leaf length to leaf width was discovered (r= -0.843), meaning that the ratio of leaf length to leaf width decreases as angle of leaf base increases. A cluster analysis was enforced among leaf characteristics of the selected group as a standard on the similarity of quantitative, qualitative measurements. The results showed that at a 0.4 distance level, the subjects could be classified into 4 groups. Group 1 was the Mt. Jogyesan and Mt. Kayasan group, group 2 was Mt. Paegunsan, group 3 was Mt. Unmunsan and Mt. Mudungsan, and group 4 was Mt. Kumsan. At a distance level of 0.6, the subjects were classified into two groups. Group 1 was the Mt. Ktimsan group and group 2 was Mt. Mudungsan, Unmunsan, Paegunsan, Kayasan, and Cogyesan. Especially the Mt. Kumsan group had the smallest value in the leaf characteristics of leaf length, width, area, and the number of veins, showing an obvious difference from the other five groups. There were five principal components that had a meaningful eigenvalue over 1.0 among the 12 extracted components. The explanatory power of the top two main components (leaf length and width) on the total variation was 52.7%. The explanatory power was 91.3% when all 5 main components were included.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.254-264
• /
• 2004

Purpose: This study was carried out to confirm clinical values and limitations of postoperative radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal carcinoma, to evaluate various prognostic factors which may affect to the treatment results and to use these results as fundamental data for making a new treatment strategy. Methods and Materials:. A retrospective analysis was peformed on 64 previously untreated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx, seen between 1988 and 1999 at Pusan National University Hospital. Most of patients were treated by laryngopharyngectomy and neck dissection followed by conventional fractionated postoperative radiotherapy on surgical bed and cervical nodal areas. Results: The five-year overall survival rate and cause-specific survival rate were 42.2 percent and 51.6 percent, respectively. Univariate analysis of various clinical and pathologic factors confirmed the overall stage, TN-stage, secondary primary cancers, surgical positive margin, nodal extracapsular extension, total radiation doses as significant prognostic factors of hypopharyngeal carcinomas. But in multivariate analysis, TN-stage, surgical positive margin and extracapsular extesion were only statistically significant. Conclusion: In resectable cases of hypopharyngeal carcinoma, combined surgery and postoperative radio-therapy obtained good treatement results, even though sacrificing the function of larynx and pharynx. But in advanced and unresectable cases, with respect to survivals and qualify of life issues, we were able to confirm some limitations of combined therapy. So we recommend that comparative studies of recent various chemo-radiotherapy methods and advanced radiotherapy techniques with these data should be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.112-124
• /
• 2021

This study was conducted to examine and analyze local governments, park status, project characteristics, and the implementation in detail for private park special projects across the country as a means of responding to the sunsetting of urban parks. As a result of the analysis, first, the private park special project, was found to be mainly implemented in cities with a population of more than 100,000, so there was a limit to the application on military installations or in local small cities. Therefore, rather than applying the special system collectively, it was judged that institutional flexibility, considering the characteristics and size of local government, was needed. Second, the current special projects by the park creation donation collection method shows monotonous development centered on apartment houses, so it is necessary to diversify the development by introducing a park preservation method that purchases and donates park sites. Third, it was found that the area standard needs to be eased to less than 50,000m² to include parks with high utilization and good accessibility in urban areas of large cities, as the type and area of parks are limited. Fourth, most special projects are mountain parks, which are feared to damage the natural terrain and skyline, so separate ordinances should be established and applied, and development approaches should be made to allow nature and parks to coexist with the setting of detailed building guidelines for each type of facility. The guidelines should include, first, after the nationwide private park special projects are completed, standards for appropriate returns for similar projects should be established, institutional standards such as the recovery of excess profits should be established, and environmental reviews should be conducted. Second, it was found that local governments should institutionalize the composition of private consultations to promote the efficient management of projects through a cooperative system, and third, a roadmap for maintenance after the donation of special parks should be established.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.31 no.11
• /
• pp.1049-1055
• /
• 1998

Background: Coronary artery bypass surgery is an important treatment for ischemic heart disease. Recently operative mortality and morbidity has decreased, however further improvement is necessary. Materials and methods: This study was designed to evaluate the risk of operative mortality and morbidity by retrospective method. From 1992 to 1997, eighty six patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. There were 61 males and 25 females aged 36~74 years(mean, 58.6). Fourteen patients(16%) had previous PTCA or stent insertion, 41 patients(48%) had unstable angina, and 45 patients(52%) had three vessel disease. Patients with low LV ejection fraction(<35%) were 7 cases and urgent or emergent operation were 10 cases. There were 6 cases of combined surgery which were mitral valve replacement(2 cases), aortic valve replacement(2 cases), ASD repair(1 case), and VSD repair(1 case). Average number of distal anastomosis was 3.5 per patient and average aortic cross clamp time was 115±38.3min. Preoperative risk factors were defined as follows: female, old age(>70 years), low body surface area(<1.5M2), PTCA or stent insertion history, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, hypertension, DM, COPD, urgent or emergent operation, left main disease, low LV ejection fraction(<35%), and combined surgery. Results: Operative mortality was 7cases(8%). As a postoperative morbidity, perioperative myocardial infarction was 6 cases, cerebrovascular accident 6 cases, reoperation for bleeding 5 cases, acute renal failure 4 cases, gastrointestinal complication 3 cases, and mediastinitis 3 cases. In the evaluation of operative risk factors, low body surface area, DM and low LV ejection fraction were found to be predictive risk factors of postoperative morbidity(p<0.05), and low ejection fraction was especially a risk factor of hospital mortality(p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, low body surface area, DM and low LV ejection fraction were risk factors of postoperative morbidity and low ejection fraction was a risk factor of hospital mortality.