• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.119-132
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• 2014

This study analyzed the failure prediction model of the firms listed on the KOSDAQ by considering whether there are embezzlement, malpractice and the largest shareholder changes or not. This study composed a total of 166 firms by using two-paired sampling method. For sample of failed firm, 83 manufacturing firms which delisted on KOSDAQ market for 4 years from 2009 to 2012 are selected. For sample of normal firm, 83 firms (with same item or same business as failed firm) that are listed on KOSDAQ market and perform normal business activities during the same period (from 2009 to 2012) are selected. This study selected 80 financial ratios for 5 years immediately preceding from delisting of sample firm above and conducted T-test to derive 19 of them which emerged for five consecutive years among significant variables and used forward selection to estimate logistic regression model. While the precedent studies only analyzed the data of three years immediately preceding the delisting, this study analyzes data of five years immediately preceding the delisting. This study is distinct from existing previous studies that it researches which significant financial characteristic influences the insolvency from the initial phase of insolvent firm with time lag and it also empirically analyzes the usefulness of data by building a firm's fail prediction model which considered embezzlement/malpractice and the largest shareholder changes as dummy variable(non-financial characteristics). The accuracy of classification of the prediction model with dummy variable appeared 95.2% in year T-1, 88.0% in year T-2, 81.3% in year T-3, 79.5% in year T-4, and 74.7% in year T-5. It increased as year of delisting approaches and showed generally higher the accuracy of classification than the results of existing previous studies. This study expects to reduce the damage of not only the firm but also investors, financial institutions and other stakeholders by finding the firm with high potential to fail in advance.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.554-563
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• 2006

Background: PM is known to induce various pulmonary diseases, including asthma, cancer, fibrosis and chronic bronchitis. Despite the epidemiological evidence the pathogenesis of PM-related pulmonary diseases is unclear. Methods: This study examined the effects of PM exposure on the secretion of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$ in the cultured alveolar macrophages. The cultured primary alveolar macrophages were treated with the medium, PM ($5{\sim}20{\mu}g/cm^2$), LPS (5ng/ml), and PM with LPS for 24h and 48h respectively. ELISA was used to assay the secreted $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-{\beta}$ in the culture medium. Western blotting was used to identify and determine the level of proteins isolated from the culture cells. The cells cultured in the $Lab-Tek^{(R)}$ chamber slides were stained with immunocytochemical stains. Results: PM induced $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$ secretion in the culturing alveolar macrophages, collected from the SPF and inflammatory rats. However, the effects were only dose-dependent in the inflammatory macrophages. When the cells were co-treated with PM and LPS, there was a significant synergistic effect compared with the LPS in the both cell types. Conclusion: PM might be play an important role in the induction and/or potentiation of various lung diseases by oversecretion of $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.269-276
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• 2010

Total mercury and methylmercury concentrations were determined in 15 commonly consumed aquatic food species using total mercury analyzer and gas chromatography with electron capture detector. The mean total mercury and methylmercury concentrations (mg/kg) were 0.088 and 0.034 in mackerel, 0.061 and 0.016 in hair tail, 0.030 and 0.005 in yellow croaker, 0.032 and 0.008 in Alaska pollock, 0.059 and 0.023 in eastern catfish, 0.110 and 0.045 in snakehead, 0.030 and 0.011 in Japanese common squid, 0.026 and 0.009 in common octopus, 0.035 and 0.008 in swimming crab, 0.009 and not detected (ND) in oyster, 0.011 and ND in shortneck clam, 0.008 and ND in mussel, 0.018 and ND in sea mustard, 0.007 and ND in nori, and 0.019 and ND in sea tangle, respectively. The total weekly dietary intakes of total mercury and methylmercury were estimated, respectively, using food consumption data from diet surveys and the concentrations of total mercury and methylmercury from this study. They were $0.178\;{\mu}g/kg$ body weight (b.w.)/week (3.57% of provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI)) and $0.052\;{\mu}g/kg$ b.w./week (3.34% of PTWI) respectively, and all were within their respective PTWI set by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Therefore, considering that the main contributor to mercury intake in the diet is aquatic foods and that the 15 aquatic food species examined in this study are highly consumed, it is concluded that the mercury levels in the foods measured in this study do not present a concern for consumer health.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.268-276
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• 2010

Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Law was activated into force on March 2009. By the law, the obligation to monitor the effect of earthquake on the facilities was extended to many organizations such as gas company and local governments. Based on the estimation of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the number of free-surface acceleration stations would be expanded to more than 400. The advent of internet protocol and the more simplified operation have allowed the quick and easy installation of seismic stations. In addition, the dynamic range of seismic instruments has been continuously improved enough to evaluate damage intensity and to alert alarm directly for earthquake hazard mitigation. For direct visualization of damage intensity and area, Real Time Intensity COlor Mapping (RTICOM) is explained in detail. RTICOM would be used to retrieve the essential information for damage evaluation, Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA). Destructive earthquake damage is usually due to surface waves which just follow S wave. The peak amplitude of surface wave would be pre-estimated from the amplitude and frequency content of first arrival P wave. Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system is conventionally defined to estimate local magnitude from P wave. The status of EEW is reviewed and the application of EEW to Odesan earthquake is exampled with ShakeMap in order to make clear its appearance. In the sense of rapidity, the earthquake announcement of Korea Meteorological Agency (KMA) might be dramatically improved by the adaption of EEW. In order to realize hazard mitigation, EEW should be applied to the local crucial facilities such as nuclear power plants and fragile semi-conduct plant. The distributed EEW is introduced with the application example of Uljin earthquake. Not only Nation-wide but also locally distributed EEW applications, all relevant information is needed to be shared in real time. The plan of extension of Korea Integrated Seismic System (KISS) is briefly explained in order to future cooperation of data sharing and utilization.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.920-926
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• 1997

Remarkable effect of pain relief and prevention of the postoperative Complications after thoracotomy has been achieved by continuous intravenous analgesia. This study was carried out with thirty patients who underwent posterolateral thoraco tony. The patients were divided into three groups: Group I(n= 10), the patients with intermittent intramuscular analgesia(piroxicam 20 mg), Group II(n=10), the patients with continuous epidural analgesia(0.5% bupivacaine 30m1 + normal saline 30 ml + morphine 10 mg), and Group III(n= 10) the patients with controlled intravenous infusion of analgesics(fentanyl 2500 mfg +normal saline 10 ml). The results w re as follows; 1) There were no significant changes of vital signs, between groups. 2) Tidal volume and FVC were significantly improved in the group II and III compared with the group I during the first postoperative day. 3) A significant reduction of immediate post-thoracotomy pain was achieved in the group II and III compared with the group I. 4) The limitation of motion in the operative side was less in the group II and III compared with the group I. 5) A signi(icant reduction of the postoperative analgegics consumption was noticed in group II and III. 6) Significant complications were not occured during follow-up period in all groups.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.277-283
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• 2005

A plasticizer is a substance which is added to a material to improve its processability, flexibility and stratchability. Phthalates and adipates are the most frequently used plasticizers of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). However, they can migtate into food from PVC food packaging, and some of them are especially suspected as endocrine disruptors. In this study, Simultaneous analysis of 13 phthalates and 9 adipates were carried out by dual-column gas chromatography system equipped wi two FID detectors for rapid confirmation and quantification. The Proposed method was validated with > 0.993 of linearity in the ranges of 10-500 mg/l, < $3.5\%$ RSD of reproducability in 10 inter-days sample preparations, and > $98.1\%$ of recoveries for all the plasticizers. DEHA was detected in all the 3 PVC wraps at levels of 176.9-198.5mg/g. Among the 51 samples of PVC gaskets, the targeted plasticizers were detected in 41 samples. Of these plasticizer detected samples,40 contained DIDP at the levels of 157.3-374.7 mg/g and one contained DMP at the levels of 165.6 mg/g. Also, some plasticizers were detected in other packaging materials such as PET, PP, PE, Pulp. But it might be attributed to contamination in manufacturing.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.81-93
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• 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate total sugar intake and sugar intake-related dietary habit and nutrient intake of elementary school students. Methods: Subjects included 701 elementary school students (351 boys and 350 girls) residing in Jeju. The research analyzed a sample and was carried out using the 24 hour recall method and one day consumption of total sugar. Results: The average daily total sugar intake was 55.3 g (male 53.1 g, female 57.6 g). Total sugar intake per meal was 6.3 g (11.4%) from breakfast, 6.9 g (12.5%) from lunch, and 7.2 g (13.0%) from dinner, 34.9 g (63.1%). Major food groups of total sugar were milks (17.04 g), grains and their products (12.79 g), fruits and their products (9.40 g), and sugars and sweets (7.30 g). In analysis of the amount of total sugar consumption from several recipes, much was taken in from dessert and snacks such as dairy products (15.08 g), bread and snacks (6.4 g), beverages (5.5 g), fruits (5.1 g), and ice cakes (4.8 g). Total sugar consumption was high for rices and side dishes such as noodles (5.1 g), stir-fried foods (2.3 g), fried foods (1.4 g), cooked rice with seasoning (1.4 g), and hard-boiled foods (1.1 g). In comparison of total sugar consumption for sugar sources, daily intake of natural sugar, added sugar, and natural and added sugar were 25.8 g, 23.3 g, and 6.2 g, respectively. High sugar intake group, which was over 20% of the energy from total sugar intakes, consumed significantly less Fe, Zn, and niacin than the low sugar intake group, which was below 20%. Conclusion: Total sugar intake of fifth graders of elementary schools on Jeju Island was 55.4 g/day, and it was usually intake from snacks. Therefore, elementary school students need nutritional education for proper selection of better snacks and for reduction of dietary sugar intake.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2005

Purpose : S. pneumoniae is one of major pathogens of community-acquired respiratory infections. The rate of antibiotic resistance to this organism has increased, and resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents in a single strain of S. pneumoniae may compromise the efficacy of empiric antimicrobial treatment commonly used for respiratory infections. We did this study to find out the penicillin resistant distributions and oral antibiotics susceptibility patterns against S. pneumoniae, isolated from pediatric patients with community-acquired respiratory infections in Korea. Methods : One hundred fifty six pneumococcal isolates obtained from pediatric patients with community-acquired respiratory infections such as acute otitis media(AOM), sinusitis and pneumonia between May 2000 to June 2003. And MICs of penicillin and oral antibiotics(amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefaclor) were performed by broth microdilution methods according to the NCCLS(2003a). Results : Seventy eight percent of the isolates were resistant to penicillin. The isolates, collected from AOM patients showed the highest penicillin resistance(92.7%). The resistant rates of amoxicillin (16.7%) and amoxicillin-clavulanate(9.6%), based on susceptibility breakpoints established by the NCCLS, were markedly lower than these of penicillin. But, the resistant rate of cefaclor was very high, above 95%. Conclusion : We concluded that pneumococci isolated from study cases may be one of the world's highest penicillin resistant rates. But, amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate can be used as a first-line antibiotics. Finally, we hope that a continuous surveillance study to monitor resistant patterns of pneumococcal respiratory infections will be needed for the standard guidelines of empiric antibiotic treatment.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.248-257
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• 2009

The inhibitors against Vibrio harveyi quorum sensing (QS) signaling were developed by modifying the molecular structure of the major signal, N-3-hydroxybutanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3-OH-$C_4$-HSL). A series of structural derivatives, N-(3-hydroxysulfonyl)-L-homoserine lactones (HSHLs) were synthesized by the solid-phase organic synthesis method. The in vivo QS inhibition by these compounds was measured by a bioassay system using the V. harveyi bioluminescence, and all showed significant inhibitory effects. To analyze the interaction between these compounds and LuxN, a 3-OH-$C_4$-HSL receptor protein of V. harveyi, we tentatively determined the putative signal binding domain of LuxN based on the sequence homology with other acyl-HSL binding proteins, and predicted the partial 3-D structure of the putative signal binding domain of LuxN by using ORCHESTRA program, and further estimated the binding poses and energies (docking scores) of 3-OH-$C_4$-HSL and HSHLs within the domain. In comparison of the result from this modeling study with that of in vivo bioassay, we suggest that the in silica interpretation of the interaction between ligands and their receptor proteins can be a valuable way to develop better competitive inhibitors, especially in the case that the structural information of the protein is limited.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.160-168
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• 2012

This study generated regression models to estimate the carbon storage and uptake from the urban deciduous landscape trees through a direct harvesting method, and established essential information to quantify carbon reduction from urban greenspace. Tree species for the study included Acer palmatum, Zelkova serrata, Prunus yedoensis, and Ginkgo biloba, which are usually planted as urban landscape trees. Tree individuals for each species were sampled reflecting various diameter sizes at a given interval. The study measured biomass for each part including the roots of sample trees to compute the total carbon storage per tree. Annual carbon uptake per tree was quantified by analyzing radial growth rates of stem samples at breast height. The study then derived a regression model easily applicable in estimating carbon storage and uptake per tree for the 4 species by using diameter at breast height(dbh) as an independent variable. All the regression models showed high fitness with $r^2$ values of 0.94~0.99. Carbon storage and uptake per tree and their differences between diameter classes increased as the diameter sizes got larger. The carbon storage and uptake tended to be greatest with Zelkova serrata in the same diameter sizes, followed by Prunus yedoensis and Ginkgo biloba in order. A Zelkova serrata tree with 15cm in dbh stored about 54kg of carbon and annually sequestered 7 kg, based on a regression model for the species. The study has broken new grounds to overcome limitations of the past studies which substituted, due to a difficulty in direct cutting and root digging of urban landscape trees, coefficients from the forest trees such as biomass expansion factors, ratios of below ground/above ground biomass, and diameter growth rates. Study results can be useful as a tool or skill to evaluate carbon reduction by landscape trees in urban greenspace projects of the government.