• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.179-185
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare vertical ground reaction forces during sit to stand (STS) and gait between female elderly and young individuals using the Wii Balance Board (WBB). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-one female elderly people (age: $75.18{\pm}4.60years$), and 13 young people (age: $29.85{\pm}3.69years$) performed the five times STS test and gait respectively on the WBB. We analyzed time (s), vertical peak (%), integral summation (Int_SUM, %), and counter variables (%) in STS and 1st peak (body weight, BW%), 2nd peak (BW%), peak minimum (BW%), time (second), center of pressure (COP) path length (mm), and Int_SUM (BW%) in gait. The independent t-test was used to assess for differences in STS, gait ability, and general characteristics between the female elderly group and young adults group. With the first and last trials excluded, the mean value was obtained from the middle three of the five trials. Results: During STS, Int_SUM and time of young adults were significantly less than of the female elderly subjects. There were no significant differences in peak and counter variables. In gait, all variables (1st peak, 2nd peak, min, time, COP_path, and Int_SUM) showed significant differences between groups (p<0.05). This study demonstrated that the validity of vertical ground reaction forces occurring during STS and gait was significant in female elderly and young adults. Conclusions: Based on the measurement of vertical ground reaction forces in STS and gait using the WBB, it is possible to clinically improve the quality of geriatric physical therapy. Further studies are necessary to examine concurrent validity of elderly patients who have undergone total hip or knee replacement.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.117-125
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• 2015

In case that they do not have counterstrategies ready for patent disputes in advance, they would not be able to survive competitions or would fall behind in the market. Most of domestic companies are not equipped with appropriate counterstrategies, and there are only few studies on the countermeasures for patent disputes. Thus, this study examined counterstrategies for patent disputes drawn from cases of smartphone patent disputes and preceding researches, and conducted interviews and surveys with patent experts and company executives to grasp their opinions about the effectiveness of countermeasures for patent disputes related to the smartphone field. As for analysis tool, the Delphi method is selected that is usually used for analyzing relatively a small number of expert opinions. As a result of interviewing patent experts, effective countermeasures turned out to be cross licensing, counter-suit, and patent invalidation suit, in order, and as a result of surveys with company executives, they turned out to be patent invalidation suit, counter-suit, cross licensing, suit through solidarity, and loyalty agreement, in order. It is anticipated that the study results could be used for smartphone manufacturing companies and ICT companies to establish counterstrategies for patent disputes.

• Cross-Cultural Studies
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• v.51
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• pp.161-191
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• 2018

In the beginning of the 20th century, post-colonialism has directly raised questions about western-centered universalism. One of its main achievements is that the political liberation of a colonial society does not guarantee the social, economic and cultural liberation of a society. Therefore, the discourse of liberation in the Western society, in particular, Marxism, nationalism, feminism and postmodernism, cannot be directly applied to the non-Western society. As a result, Western and non-Western societies are unfortunately dreaming of different futures and liberation; therefore, a'geopolitical dialogue' is needed between them. However, the theorists' efforts for postcolonial liberation failed to distinguish themselves from the western-centric traditions. It is also true that they have, in conjunction with these traditions, established their own power. As we know, many of the postcolonial criticisms somehow had relations with the West. This study will re-read the postcolonial thought of $Aim{\acute{e}}$ $C{\acute{e}}saire$, the father of the so-called $N{\acute{e}}gritude$, as a 'non-western resistance discourse'. Through this process, we have a chance to reflect on $C{\acute{e}}saire$ and his postcolonial thoughts.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.172-178
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• 2018

Objectives : This study aimed to describe the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and to identify predictors for their use in the elderly living alone. Methods : This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled 1,099 subjects. Data regarding socio-demographic status, medical condition, cognition, mood disorder and use of OTC drugs were collected using self-administered questionnaire and from a specific semi-structured interview by a trained nurse. Data regarding use of OTC drugs were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analysis was applied to examine factors associated with the use of OTC drugs. Results : The use of OTC drugs were reported by 35.4% of the subjects. Analgesics (13.6%) was the most frequent drugs. Depression (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.10-1.87) and comorbidities measured by cumulative illness rating scale (CIRS) (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.03-1.12) were significantly associated with the use of OTC drugs in the elderly living alone. Conclusions : Depression and severity of underlying medical conditions could be a predictor of the use of OTC drugs in the elderly living alone. The clinicians should be vigilant regarding the potential use of nonprescription medications in the elderly.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.405-410
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• 2010

The photovoltaic performance of DSSCs fabricated with different electrode thickness and different annealing temperature with the P25 $TiO_2$ and the Dyesol $TiO_2$ was measured. Thickness change of $TiO_2$ electrodes was measured using cross-sectional FE-SEM before and after annealing. Photovoltaic efficiencies of DSSCs were also measured by changing annealing temperature of platinum (Pt) paste on the counter electrode. Photovoltaic performances of DSSCs made with one layer of P25 (${\sim}20.4\;{\mu}m$) and one layer of Dyesol $TiO_2$ (${\sim}9.1\;{\mu}m$) annealed at $500^{\circ}C$ for 30 min. showed highest efficiencies of 3.8% and 5.8%, respectively.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2014.02a
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• pp.484.2-484.2
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• 2014

There are many efforts to improving the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Although DSCs have a low production cost, their low PCE and low thermal stability have limited commercial applications. This study describes the preparation of a novel multifunctional polymer gel electrolyte in which a cross-linking polymerization reaction is used to encapsulate $TiO_2$ nanoparticles toward improving the power conversion efficiency and long-term stability of a quasi-solid state DSC. A series of liquid junction dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) was fabricated based on polymer membrane encapsulated dye-sensitized $TiO_2$ nanoparticles, prepared using a surface-induced cross-linking polymerization reaction, to investigate the dependence of the solar cell performance on the encapsulating membrane layer thickness. The ion conductivity decreased as the membrane thickness increased; however, the long term-stability of the devices improved with increasing membrane thickness. Nanoparticles encapsulated in a thick membrane (ca. 37 nm), obtained using a 90 min polymerization time, exhibited excellent pore filling among $TiO_2$ particles. This nanoparticle layer was used to fabricate a thin-layered, quasi-solid state DSC. The thick membrane prevented short-circuit paths from forming between the counter and the $TiO_2$ electrode, thereby reducing the minimum necessary electrode separation distance. The quasi-solid state DSC yielded a high power conversion efficiency (7.6/8.1%) and excellent stability during heating at $65^{\circ}C$ over 30 days. These performance characteristics were superior to those obtained from a conventional DSC (7.5/3.5%) prepared using a $TiO_2$ active layer with the same thickness. The reduced electrode separation distance shortened the charge transport pathways, which compensated for the reduced ion conductivity in the polymer gel electrolyte. Excellent pore filling on the $TiO_2$ particles minimized the exposure of the dye to the liquid and reduced dye detachment.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.103-108
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• 2011

Measurement of estrogen concentration in bio-samples are very important for differential diagnosis of various disease or evaluation of health status. However, it is difficult to collect immediate data of estrogen concentration because they are measured by radioimmunoassay or chromatography which need time- and cost-consuming sample pre-treatment. This study was performed for development of new estrogen biosensor employing taste principles, and for evaluation of cross reactivity between various steroid hormones. Gene sequence of ligand binding domain of ${\alpha}$-human estrogen receptor (amino acid 302-553; hER-LBD) was cloned from human breast cancer cell line. The proteins of hER-LBD were produced by T7-E.coli expression system, and isolated by chromatography. hER-LBD were coated on the gold plated quartz crystal (AT-cut 9MHz), and resonance frequencies were measured by universal frequency counter. Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and aldosterone were used for cross reactivity of the hER-LBD. We also monitored influences of pH change in resonance frequency. The resonance frequencies of hER-LBD coated quartz crystal were decreased during increase of estrogen concentration from $15 \;{\mu}g/mL$ to $50\;{\mu}g/mL$. However, similar steroid hormones, progesterone and aldosterone, did not elicit the change in resonance frequency. Testosterone evoke weak change in resonance frequency. The new estrogen biosensor was more sensitive in pH 7.2 than in pH 7.6. These results suggest that hER-LBD coated quartz crystal biosensor is a probable estrogen biosensor.

• Cross-Cultural Studies
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• v.35
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• pp.97-122
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• 2014

Since the arrival of Chinese immigrants in the 1850s, many Euro-American writers tended to project their fears, contempt, desires and fantasy onto the Other race and perceived Chinese Americans in stereotypes-dangerous villains, unassimilated aliens, quiet and passive servants, sexually submissive women, or seductive prostitutes. However in the 1970s and the 1980s Euro-American novels expressed varying attitudes towards Chinese Americans. Many earlier EuroAmerican writers began portraying positive characterizations of Chinese Americans. The purpose of this study is to examine the ways one of the Euro-American writers, Howard Fast characterized Chinese Americans in The Immigrants. Part of the novel concerns a Chinese American family. Fast gave a favorable portrayal of Chinese Americans. Unlike many Euro-American novelists who dealt only with Chinese American villains and prostitutes and view Chinese Americans as the lowest class of American society, Fast, on the other hand, portrayed Chinese Americans as law-abiding and useful citizens. Thus, I will discuss how Howard Fast subverted the familiar negative characterization of Chinese Americans and placed Chinese American experiences in the context of American immigration history. Many white Americans tended to notice only the lurid and sensational aspects in the Chinese American community. They seldom regarded Chinese Americans as people with homes and families and seldom saw Chinese Americans as individuals, as human beings with feelings, pain, and joy. To counter this racist view, Fast described the family life of Chinese Americans and depicted Chinese Americans as individuals with a full range of human emotions and with strong family and cultural ties. Though Fast debunked some myths about Chinese Americans, he also reinforces other stereotypes or some stereotypical illusions about them. In conclusion, I'll demonstrate Fast's work remains an incomplete representation of Chinese Americans.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.84-92
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• 2022

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCs) are available both as over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines at pharmacies. Although they are generally safe drugs, inappropriate and excessive use could result in potential side effects. Thus, it is important to have appropriate knowledge regarding the use of TCs. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess public knowledge and the potential misuse or overuse of TCs. Methods: A cross-sectional and nationwide online survey was conducted among participants who were aware of TCs. The survey items included sources of information, indications, potential side effects, and methods of application of TCs. A comparative analysis was conducted between those with (TC users) and without (TC non-users) an experience of using TCs. Results: Among 3,000 participants, 74.4% were TC users. The mass media was the most common information source of TCs, and only one-third of the surveyed people relied on pharmacists or doctors for information. Regarding indications and application methods, incorrect answer rate was high in some items, but respondents showed adequate knowledge. However, awareness of the safety of TCs was low. Overall, the TC users showed a higher knowledge of TCs than TC non-users. Conclusions: Public knowledge of the use of TCs appears to be appropriate. However, we found potential misuse or overuse of some items and a lack of awareness of the side effects concerning TCs. Thus, healthcare professionals' significant role is required.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.35 no.12B
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• pp.1749-1757
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• 2010

This paper considers the cost minimization problem to satisfy QoS (Quality of Service) requirements for a given network, in particular when communication resources to each link can be additionally assigned. For the purpose of quantifying QoS requirements such as data transfer delay and packet loss, we introduce the cost function considering both the link utilization factor and the additionally assigned resource. To minimize this cost function, we firstly formulate a Basic Capacity Planning (BCP) problem, a special case of Network Utility Maximization (NUM). We show that the solution of this BCP problem cannot be optimal via a counter example. In this paper, we suggest the cross-layer design of both additionally assigned resource and routing path, whose initial values are set to the result of BCP problem. This cross-layer design is based on a heuristic approach which presents an effective way to plan how much communication resources should be added to support the QoS requirements in future. By simulation study, we investigate the convergence of the cost function in a more general network topology as well as in a given simple topology.