• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea CI
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.171-184
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• 2010

In this work, we develop a novel channel power allocation method for the real-time multimedia over the wireless network environment. Since each frame has different effect on the user perceivable QoS, improving packet loss does not necessarily coincide with perceivable improvements in QoS. A new channel power control scheme is suggested based on the quantified importance of each frame in terms of user perceivable QoS. Dynamic programming formulation is used to obtain optimal transmit power which minimizes power consumption and maximizes user perceivable QoS simultaneously. The experiment is performed by using publicly available video clips. The performance is evaluated using network simulator version 2 (NS 2) and decoding engine is embedded at the client node, and calculated PSNR over the every frame transmitted. Through the semantics aware power allocation (SAPA) scheme, significant improvement on the QoS has been verified, which is the result of unequal protection to more important packets. SAPA scheme reduced the loss of I frame by upto 27% and reduced power consumption by upto 19% without degradation on the user perceivable QoS.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea CI
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.116-126
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• 2011

In this paper, we present a multi-media processor which can decode multiple-format video standards. The designed processor is evaluated with optimized MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and AVS (Audio video standard). There are two approaches for developing of real-time video decoders. First, hardware-based system is much superior to a processor-based one in execution time. However, it takes long time to implement and modify hardware systems. On the contrary, the software-based video codecs can be easily implemented and flexible, however, their performance is not so good for real-time applications. In this paper, in order to exploit benefits related to two approaches, we designed a processor called ASIP(Application specific instruction-set processor) for video decoding. In our work, we extracted eight common modules from various video decoders, and added several multimedia instructions to the processor. The developed processor for video decoders is evaluated with the Synopsys platform simulator and a FPGA board. In our experiment, we can achieve about 37% time saving in total decoding time.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea CI
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.127-132
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• 2011

In this paper, we propose a novel method of adult image classification by combining skin color regions and edges in an input image. The proposed method consists of four steps. In the first step, initial skin color regions are detected by logical AND operation of all skin color regions detected by the existing methods of skin color detection. In the second step, a skin color probability map is created by modeling the distribution of skin color in the initial regions. Then, a binary image is generated by using threshold value from the skin color probability map. In the third step, after using the binary image and edge information, we detect final skin color regions using a region growing method. In the final step, adult image classification is performed by support vector machine(SVM). To this end, a feature vector is extracted by combining the final skin color regions and neighboring edges of them. As experimental results, the proposed method improves performance of the adult image classification by 9.6%, compared to the existing method.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1861-1864
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• 2016

Although early diagnosis of thyroid nodule type is very important, the diagnostic accuracy of standard tests is a challenging issue. We here aimed to find an optimal combination of factors to improve diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid nodules before surgery. In a prospective study from 2008 to 2012, 345 patients referred for thyroidectomy were enrolled. The sample size was split into a training set and testing set as a ratio of 7:3. The former was used for estimation and variable selection and obtaining a linear combination of factors. We utilized smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) logistic regression to achieve the sparse optimal combination of factors. To evaluate the performance of the estimated model in the testing set, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized. The mean age of the examined patients (66 male and 279 female) was $40.9{\pm}13.4years$ (range 15- 90 years). Some 54.8% of the patients (24.3% male and 75.7% female) had benign and 45.2% (14% male and 86% female) malignant thyroid nodules. In addition to maximum diameters of nodules and lobes, their volumes were considered as related factors for malignancy prediction (a total of 16 factors). However, the SCAD method estimated the coefficients of 8 factors to be zero and eliminated them from the model. Hence a sparse model which combined the effects of 8 factors to distinguish malignant from benign thyroid nodules was generated. An optimal cut off point of the ROC curve for our estimated model was obtained (p=0.44) and the area under the curve (AUC) was equal to 77% (95% CI: 68%-85%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values for this model were 70%, 72%, 71% and 76%, respectively. An increase of 10 percent and a greater accuracy rate in early diagnosis of thyroid nodule type by statistical methods (SCAD and ANN methods) compared with the results of FNA testing revealed that the statistical modeling methods are helpful in disease diagnosis. In addition, the factor ranking offered by these methods is valuable in the clinical context.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.819-823
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• 2014

Objective: The aim was to evaluate roles of vitamin D3 (VD3) and beta-carotene (BC) in the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in a high-risk area, Huai'an District, Huai'an City, China. Methods: 100 new ESCC diagnosed cases from 2007 to 2008 and 200 residency- age-, and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Data were collected from questionnaires, including a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to calculate the BC intake, and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to measure the serum concentrations of BC and VD3. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in conditional logistic regression models. Results: The average dietary intake of BC was $3322.9{\mu}g$ (2032.4-5734.3) in the case group and $3626.8{\mu}g$ (1961.9-5827.9) in control group per capita per day with no significant difference by Wilcoxon test (p>0.05). However, the levels of VD3 and BC in the case group were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.05). The OR values of the highest quartile and the lowest quartile of VD3 and BC in serum samples were both 0.13. Conclusion: Our results add to the evidence that high circulating levels of VD3 and BC are associated with a reduced risk of ESCC in this Chinese population.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.3337-3343
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• 2013

This systematic review was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates for prevention and treatment of osteopenia or osteoporosis in men with non-metastatic prostate cancer receiving androgendeprivation therapy. We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of bisphosphonates compared with placebo from Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ISI - Science Citation Index. Meta-analyses of prespecified outcomes (bone mineral density, fractures, and adverse events) were performed using Review Manager. Ten RCTs with a total patient population of 1,017 were identified. There was generally more improvement in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine for patients who received bisphosphonate treatment than placebo or other medical treatment at 12 months (WMD 6.02,95%CI 5.39 to 6.65). Similar effects were also observed for total hip, trochanter or femoral neck bone mineral density. However, there was no significant reduction in fractures. Fever and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common adverse events (10.4% vs. 1.2%; 0.10% vs. 0.03%). Currently, our meta-analysis suggested that oral and intravenous bisphosphonates caused a rapid increase in spine and hip or femoral BMD in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients receiving androgen-deprivation therapy. Fever and gastrointestinal symptoms were common with the use of bisphosphonates. These short-term trials (maximum of 12 months) did not show fracture reduction. In future, more efficient performance of higher quality, more rigorous, large sample, long-term randomised controlled trials (>12 months) are needed where outcomes are detailed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5721-5727
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• 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of clustering methods used in the prognostic assessment of categorical clinical data for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in China, and establish a predictable prognostic nomogram for clinical decisions. Materials and Methods: A total of 332 newly diagnosed HCC patients treated with hepatic resection during 2006-2009 were enrolled. Patients were regularly followed up at outpatient clinics. Clustering methods including the Average linkage, k-modes, fuzzy k-modes, PAM, CLARA, protocluster, and ROCK were compared by Monte Carlo simulation, and the optimal method was applied to investigate the clustering pattern of the indices including platelet count, platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and serum aspartate aminotransferase activity/platelet count ratio index (APRI). Then the clustering variable, age group, tumor size, number of tumor and vascular invasion were studied in a multivariable Cox regression model. A prognostic nomogram was constructed for clinical decisions. Results: The ROCK was best in both the overlapping and non-overlapping cases performed to assess the prognostic value of platelet-based indices. Patients with categorical platelet-based indices significantly split across two clusters, and those with high values, had a high risk of HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% CI 1.09-1.86; p<0.01). Tumor size, number of tumor and blood vessel invasion were also associated with high risk of HCC recurrence (all p< 0.01). The nomogram well predicted HCC patient survival at 3 and 5 years. Conclusions: A cluster of platelet-based indices combined with other clinical covariates could be used for prognosis evaluation in HCC.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.641-650
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• 2010

Color image sensors (CIS) output color images through image sensors and image signal processing. Image sensors that convert light to electrical signal are divided into CMOS image sensor and CCD image sensor according to transferring method of signal charge. In general, a CIS has RGB output signals from tri-stimulus XYZ of the scene through image signal processing. This paper presents an adaptive colorimetric analysis method to obtain chromaticity and luminance using CIS under various environments. An image sensor for the use of colorimeter is characterized based on the CIE standard colorimetric observer. We use the method of least squares to derive a colorimetric characterization matrix between camera RGB output signals and CIE XYZ tristimulus values. We first survey the camera characterization in the standard environment then derive a SGL(shutter-gain-level) function which is relationship between luminance and auto exposure (AE) characteristic of CIS, and read the status of an AWB(auto white balance) function. Then we can apply CIS to measure luminance and chromaticity from camera outputs and AE resister values without any preprocessing. Camera RGB outputs, register values, and camera photoelectric characteristic are used to analyze the colorimetric results for real scenes such as chromaticity and luminance. Experimental results show that the proposed method is valid in the measuring performance. The proposed method can apply to various fields like surveillant systems of the display or security systems.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.29 no.1 s.97
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• pp.91-96
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• 2005

The National Marine Electronics Association(NMEA) is nonprofit-making cooperation composed with manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and educational institutions. We use the basic port of equipment in order to process the signal from NMEA signal using equipment. When we don't have enough one, we use the multi-port for processing. However, we need to have module development simulation which could multiplex and provide NMEA related signal that we could solve the problems in multi-port application and exclusive equipment generation for a number of signal. For now, we don't have any case or product using NMEA multiplexer so that we import expensive foreign equipment or embody NMEA signal transmission program like software, using multi-port. These have problems since we have to pay lots ci money and build separate processing part for every application programs. Besides, every equipment generating NMEA signal are from different manufactures and have different platform so that it could cause double waste and loss of recourse. For making up for it, I suggest the NMEA multiplexer embodiment, which could independently move by reliable process and high performance single hardware module, improve the memory efficiency of module by designing the optimized Queue, and keep having reliability for realtime communication among the equipment such as main input sensor equipment Gyrocompass, Echo-sound, and GPS.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.37-46
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• 2017

PURPOSES : A composite pavement utilizes both an asphalt surface and a concrete base. Typically, a concrete base layer provides structural capacity, while an asphalt surface layer provides smoothness and riding quality. This pavement type can be used in conjunction with rollercompacted concrete (RCC) pavement as a base layer due to its fast construction, economic efficiency, and structural performance. However, the service life and functionality of composite pavement may be reduced due to interfacial bond failure. Therefore, adequate interfacial bonding between the asphalt surface and the concrete base is essential to achieving monolithic behavior. The purpose of this study is to investigate the bond characteristics at the interface between asphalt (HMA; hot-mixed asphalt) and the RCC base. METHODS : This study was performed to determine the optimal type and application rate of tack coat material for RCC-base composite pavement. In addition, the core size effect, temperature condition, and bonding failure shape were analyzed to investigate the bonding characteristics at the interface between the RCC base and HMA surface. To evaluate the bond strength, a pull-off test was performed using different diameters of specimens such as 50 mm and 100 mm. Tack coat materials such as RSC-4 and BD-Coat were applied in amounts of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and $1.1l/m^2$ to determine the optimal application rate. In order to evaluate the bond strength characteristics with temperature changes, a pull-off test was carried out at -15, 0, 20, and $40^{\circ}C$. In addition, the bond failure shapes were analyzed using an image analysis program after the pull-off tests were completed. RESULTS : The test results indicated that the optimal application rate of RSC-4 and BD-Coat were $0.8l/m^2$, $0.9l/m^2$, respectively. The core size effect was determined to be negligible because the bond strengths were similar in specimens with diameters of 50 mm and 100 mm. The bond strengths of RSC-4 and BD-Coat were found to decrease significantly when the temperature increased. As a result of the bonding failure shape in low-temperature conditions such as -15, 0, and $20^{\circ}C$, it was found that most of the debonding occurred at the interface between the tack coat and RCC surface. On the other hand, the interface between the HMA and tack coat was weaker than that between the tack coat and RCC at a high temperature of $40^{\circ}C$. CONCLUSIONS : This study suggested an optimal application rate of tack coat materials to apply to RCC-base composite pavement. The bond strengths at high temperatures were significantly lower than the required bond (tensile) strength of 0.4 MPa. It was known that the temperature was a critical factor affecting the bond strength at the interface of the RCC-base composite pavement.