• Interdisciplinary Bio Central
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.8.1-8.5
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• 2010

Introduction: Recently identified human homologues of ALKB protein have shown the activity of DNA damaging drugs, used for cancer therapy. Bioinformatics study of hABH2 and hABH3 had led to the discovery of a novel DNA repair mechanism. Very little is known about structure and function of hABH4, one of the members of this superfamily. Therefore, in present study we are intended to predict its structure and function through various bioinformatics tools. Materials and Methods: Modeling was done with modeler 9v7 to predict the 3D structure of the hABH4 protein. This model was validated with the program Procheck using Ramachandran plot statistics and was submitted to PMDB with ID PM0076284. The 3d2GO server was used to predict the functions. Residues at protein ligand and protein RNA binding sites were predicted with 3dLigandSite and KYG programs respectively. Results and Discussion: 3-D model of hABH4, ALKBH4.B99990003.pdb was predicted and evaluated. Validation result showed that 96.4 % residues lies in favored and additional allowed region of Ramachandran plot. Ligand binding residues prediction showed four Ligand clusters, having 24 ligands in cluster 1. Importantly, conserved pattern of Glu196-X-Pro198- Xn-His254 in the functional domain was detected. DNA and RNA binding sites were also predicted in the model. Conclusion and Prospects: The predicted and validated model of human homologue hABH4 resulted from this study may unveil the mechanism of DNA damage repair in human and accelerate the research on designing of appropriate inhibitors aiding in chemotherapy and cancer related diseases.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.33-43
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• 2018

Objectives: To observe the mitigating effects of a Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM) treatment program especially including pharmacopuncture, with Cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin chemotherapy on a both sides breast cancer patient. Methods: AA 74 year-old female patient diagnosed with both sides breast cancer (Right) pT1bpN0M0, (Left) pT1cpN1Mx was admitted to hospital of Dong-eui university in May of 2017. She received Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin from May $31^{st}$ to August $2^{nd}$, 2017 followed by TKM treatment consisting of herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion and pharmacopuncture (Trionycis Carapax, Non-toxic Bee Venom, and Cultivated Wild Ginseng Extract) for a period of almost 4 months, from May $13^{th}$ to August $19^{th}$, 2017. Symptoms were evaluated by the grade of chief complaints refer to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). Results: TKM including pharmacopuncture alleviated chemotherapy-induced nausea, fatigue, joint pain, diarrhea, insomnia. Conclusions: This case study potentiates TKM with pharmacopuncture's significant efficacy in aiding breast cancer patients suffering from Cyclophosphamide plus Doxorubicin induced adverse effects. Further research should take place for clear understanding of the exact amount of dosage and safety. Moreover it must be accompanied by long-term follow up researches.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.126-132
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• 2012

Objective : The purpose of this study was to present the MRI and CT findings of solitary spinal bone lesions (SSBLs) with the aims of aiding the differential diagnoses of malignant tumors and benign lesions, and proposing a diagnostic strategy for obscure SSBLs. Methods : The authors retrospectively reviewed the imaging findings of 19 patients with an obscure SSBL on MRI at our hospital from January 1994 to April 2011. The 19 patients were divided to benign groups and malignant groups according to final diagnosis. MRI and CT findings were evaluated and the results of additional work-up studies were conducted to achieve a differential diagnosis. Results : At final diagnoses, 10 (52.6%) of the 19 SSBLs were malignant tumors and 9 (47.4%) were benign lesions. The malignant tumors included 6 metastatic cancers, 3 multiple myelomas, and 1 chordoma, and the benign lesions included 4 osteomyelitis, 2 hemangiomas, 2 nonspecific chronic inflammations, and 1 giant cell tumor. No MRI characteristics examined was found to be significantly different in the benign and malignant groups. Reactive sclerotic change was observed by CT in 1 (10.0%) of the 10 malignant lesions and in 7 (77.8%) of the 9 benign lesions (p=0.005). Conclusion : Approximately half of the obscure SSBLs were malignant tumors. CT and MRI findings in combination may aid the differential diagnosis of obscure SSBLs. In particular, sclerotic change on CT images was an important finding implying benign lesion. Finally, we suggest a possible diagnostic strategy for obscure SSBLs on MRI.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.59-68
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• 2013

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to introduce a task complexity model combining task design aspects and complexity dimensions and to explain an approach to identifying and organizing task complexity factors based on the model. Background: Task complexity is a critical concept in describing and predicting human performance in complex systems such as nuclear power plants(NPPs). In order to understand the nature of task complexity, task complexity factors need to be identified and organized in a systematic manner. Although several methods have been suggested for identifying and organizing task complexity factors, it is rare to find an analytical approach based on a theoretically sound model. Method: This study regarded a task as a system to be designed. Three levels of design ion, which are functional, behavioral, and structural level of a task, characterize the design aspects of a task. The behavioral aspect is further classified into five cognitive processing activity types(information collection, information analysis, decision and action selection, action implementation, and action feedback). The complexity dimensions describe a task complexity from different perspectives that are size, variety, and order/organization. Combining the design aspects and complexity dimensions of a task, we developed a model from which meaningful task complexity factors can be identified and organized in an analytic way. Results: A model consisting of two facets, each of which is respectively concerned with design aspects and complexity dimensions, were proposed. Additionally, twenty-one task complexity factors were identified and organized based on the model. Conclusion: The model and approach introduced in this paper can be effectively used for examining human performance and human-system interface design issues in NPPs. Application: The model and approach introduced in this paper could be used for several human factors problems, including task allocation and design of information aiding, in NPPs and extended to other types of complex systems such as air traffic control systems as well.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.249-273
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• 2004

Finding an optimal solution in MADN[(Multi-Attribute Decision-Making) problems is difficult, when the number of alternatives, or that of attributes is relatively large Most of the existing mathematical approaches arrive at a final solution on the basis of many unrealistic assumptions, without reflecting the decision-maker's preference structure exactly. In this paper we suggest a model that helps us find a group consensus without assessing these parameters in specific cardinal values. Therefore, This research provides a comprehensive Decision Making of the theory and methods applicable to the analysis of decisions that involve risk and multiple criteria attributes. after, The emphasis of the procedure will be on developments from the fields of decisions analysis and utility theory of Taguchi Method. This theoretical development will be illustrated through the discussion of several real-world application and a case study. When the multiple number of decision makers are involved in the decision making procedure, the problem of uncertainties invariably occurs, because of the different views between them. In this paper, New decision making model using Taguchi Method is applied to effectively model the multi-attribute-decision making(MADM) procedure in the uncertainties dominated two area(quantitative and qualitative factors), Quantitative factors evaluation is used Loss Function of Taguchi, qualitative factors evaluation is used 50 ratio by each specialist. thus it can be used for aiding of preferable alternative. as a result, We will be proved efficiency about New decision making model of applied Taguchi Method with Analytical presentation of all the expecting outcomes when a specific strategy or an alternative plan is selected under expecting future environment.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.51-59
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• 2018

Background: Despite muscle latency times and patterns were used as broad examination tools to diagnose disease and recovery, previous studies have not compared the dominant arm to the non-dominant arm in muscle latency time and muscle recruitment patterns during reaching and reach-to-grasp movements. Objects: The present study aimed to investigate dominant and non-dominant hand differences in muscle latency time and recruitment pattern during reaching and reach-to-grasp movements. In addition, by manipulating the speed of movement, we examined the effect of movement speed on neuromuscular control of both right and left hands. Methods: A total of 28 right-handed (measured by Edinburgh Handedness Inventory) healthy subjects were recruited. We recorded surface electromyography muscle latency time and muscle recruitment patterns of four upper extremity muscles (i.e., anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, flexor digitorum superficialis, and extensor digitorum) from each left and right arm. Mixed-effect linear regression was used to detect differences between hands, reaching and reach-to-grasp, and the fast and preferred speed conditions. Results: There were no significant differences in muscle latency time between dominant and non-dominant hands or reaching and reach-to-grasp tasks (p>.05). However, there was a significantly longer muscle latency time in the preferred speed condition than the fast speed condition on both reaching and reach-to-grasp tasks (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings showed similar muscle latency time and muscle activation patterns with respect to movement speeds and tasks. Our findings hope to provide normative muscle physiology data for both right and left hands, thus aiding the understanding of the abnormal movements from patients and to develop appropriate rehabilitation strategies specific to dominant and non-dominant hands.

• Clinical and Molecular Hepatology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.402-408
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• 2018

Background/Aims: With improvements in the survival of liver transplantation (LT) recipients, the focus is shifting to patient quality of life (QOL), and employment is an important factor in aiding the social reintegration of LT patients. This study aims to evaluate the current employment status of liver graft recipients and various factors that may hinder reemployment. Methods: Fifty patients above age 18 who underwent either living or deceased donor LT at a single center from March 2009 to July 2016 were interviewed during their visit to the outpatient clinic. The internally developed questionnaire consisted of 10 items. The Karnofsky Performance Scale and EQ-5D were used to evaluate patient function and QOL. Results: A total of 25 (50%) patients returned to work after transplantation (the working group), and 21 (84%) patients in the working group returned to work within the first year after transplantation. In the non-working group (n=25), 17 (68%) answered that their health was the reason for unemployment. Fatigue and weakness were the most frequent symptoms. Conclusions: The data shows that as many as 50% of total patients returned to work after receiving LT. Fatigue and weakness were the most common complaints of the unemployed group, and resolving the causes of these symptoms may help to increase the employment rate.

• The Korean Journal of Franchise Management
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.39-48
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• 2022

Purpose: COVID-19 has negatively influenced the financial performance of restaurant firms. Previous literature suggests that the franchising strategy effectively helps restaurant firms recover from difficult business conditions through various methods for expanding business size and enhancing business efficiency. According to risk-sharing theory, restaurant franchisors may minimize operational risks by sharing the risks with their franchisees. For instance, restaurant franchisors could generate more stable cash flow using franchise fees from their franchisees. However, research on the effect of franchise's risk reduction factor on business performance during pandemic is scarce. Thus, this study aims to examine the positive moderating effect of franchising between COVID-19 and restaurants' financial performance. Research design, data, and methodology: Panel data including financial information and franchising status of restaurant firms were collected for analysis. In order to control for unobserved firm-specific factors, generalized least squared estimation in fixed effects model was conducted. Huber-White robust standard errors were used to deal with heteroscedasticity issues. Results: It was found that COVID-19 pandemic has a negative effect on the restaurants' financial performance such as ROA (return on assets), ROE (return on equity), and PM (profit margins), which confirms the findings from existing literature. More importantly, results show that the degree of franchising has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between COVID-19 and financial performance of restaurant firms. This suggests that more active engagement in franchising may decrease negative impacts of COVID-19 on the restaurants' financial performance. Conclusions: The study supports existing literature related to risk-sharing theory, by confirming that pandemics, such as COVID-19, negatively affect financial performance of the restaurants. Furthermore, it was found that franchising strategy can help lessen negative impacts of pandemics on the firm performance. These findings can contribute to the franchise and restaurant management literature by suggesting the role of franchising in reducing business risks, thereby positively affecting financial performance. Moreover, this study offers business managers of franchisors and franchisees insights for utilizing franchising in restaurant risk management. Policymakers may also gain information on aiding restaurant firms during global crisis, such as COVID-19.

• Journal of Convergence Korean Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical validity of the system by conducting a clinical study to assess the diagnostic agreement between the system and Korean medical doctors. Methods: This study was conducted from September 7, 2023, to December 7, 2023, across five Korean medicine institutions, involving 100 adult participants aged 20-64 who consented to participate. Participants first entered their symptoms into a web-based program, which utilized an AI-based algorithm to diagnose 36 types of pattern differentiation. Subsequently, Korean medical doctors conducted face-to-face diagnoses using the same 36 types. The diagnostic agreement between the system and the doctors' diagnoses was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis, and the results were expressed as a percentage agreement. Results: Analysis of the diagnostic data from 100 participants revealed that the web-based diagnosis support system identified an average of 7.76±0.79 patterns per patient, while Korean medical doctors identified an average of 7.99±0.10 patterns per patient. The diagnostic agreement between the system and the doctors showed an average of 7.08±1.08 patterns per patient, with an overall diagnostic agreement rate of 88.57±13.31%. Conclusion: This study developed a web-based diagnosis support system for traditional Korean medicine and evaluated its clinical validity by assessing diagnostic agreement. Comparing the diagnoses of the system with those of Korean medical doctors for 100 patients, the system showed an approximately 89% agreement rate with the clinical diagnoses. The system holds potential for aiding Korean medical doctors in pattern differentiation diagnosis in clinical practice.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.393-405
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Semantic Network Program (SNP) instruction on learning achievement and motivation in high school biology classes. For this study, a SNP was designed by applying the recommendations in regard to student attention and satisfaction factors in Keller's ARCS theory. SNP instruction was conducted with an experimental group and a control group, each consisting of 62 high school biology class student. A pretest-posttest control group design was employed. The pre-test was used to analyze the learning achievement test, learning motivation test, and semantic forming test. For 4 weeks the experiment group was instructed using the developed SNP which centered on Keller's attention and satisfaction factors, and the control group was instructed via teacher-centered lectures based on the textbook. It was found that SNP instruction efficiently increased students' biology learning achievement (p<.001). It was also discovered that SNP instruction was effective in increasing Keller's motivation strategies on attention and satisfaction factors (p<.001). In addition, SNP instruction positively affected students' semantic formation (p<.001) and learning content retention (p>.05) in the heredity unit by aiding students in the area of active multimedia learning. An in depth interview with students in the class using SNP instruction showed that material learned via this method in biology had longer retention of problem-solving methods. Consequently, SNP instruction according to motivation strategies may high school biology teachers with meaningful teaching-learning methods strategies for the unit on heredity.