• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.243-255
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• 2010

The slope design of an open-pit mine must consider economical efficiency and stability. Thus, the overall slope angle is the principal factor because of limited support or reinforcement options available in such a setting. In this study, slope displacement, as monitored by a GPS system, was analyzed for a coal mine at Pasir, Indonesia. Predictions of failure time by inverse velocity analysis showed good agreement with field observations. Therefore, the failure time of an unstable slope can be roughly estimated prior to failure. A GIS model that combines fuzzy theory and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was developed to assess slope instability in open-pit coal mines. This model simultaneously considers seven factors that influence the instability of open-pit slopes (i.e., overall slope gradient, slope height, surface flows, excavation plan, tension cracks, faults, and water body). Application of the proposed method to an open-pit coal mine revealed an enhanced prediction accuracy of failure time and failure site compared with existing methods.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.55-62
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• 2013

Purpose - This study aims to determine the problems and limitations of the Commercial Area Activation System, which was created by a special law for promoting traditional markets and shopping districts to revitalize and efficiently manage the central commercial area in different regions. We also suggest different options for its improvement. Research design, data, and methodology - We also look into the problems of which is being promoted as a demonstration project, from the aspects of legal text and guidelines. Results - The current commercial area activation system has several problems. First, the establishment of a comprehensive basic plan on the commercial area activation is not a requirement. Second, the benefit principle should be established to prevent the moral laxity of merchants who serve important roles in the main components of the commercial area activation business when they conduct their business. Third, the current special law constrains the commercial management organization, as under the civil law yields a limitation on finding a profitable business model. Fourth, to efficiently, constructing a system that links the other central government businesses and is needed. into a regional development budget or a budget for funding small businesses that the central government can control, which is effective. Further, we offer some suggestions for medium- and long-term policies. First, an integrated coordination mechanism at the central office level should be installed while setting the basic policy to revitalize the Based on this policy, local governments need a system that exclusively based on the after establishing a comprehensive plan for urban regeneration and getting approval from the integration organization. Second, a system that enables an understanding of the problems with business promotion by monitoring the procedure of supporting projects and regularly assessing business achievements is needed. Third, a plan is needed for resolving conflicts between various interested parties that adopts the commercial area activation system for carrying out a total redevelopment of the commercial area where small shops are densely located. A market maintenance project has been conducted as a means to recover our traditional market, which was economically depressed, and to revive the local economy, but it is mostly conducted in the form of reconstruction or redevelopment and represents the interests of landowners and merchants. Thus, it is most likely to lead to a gradual disappearance of traditional markets. Conclusions - This study looks primarily into the problems that appeared in the legal text or the guidelines regarding the direction of improvement of the commercial area activation business that has been going on as a demonstration project since 2011 and suggests some solutions.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.314-320
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• 2014

Regarding the design of the gas sweetening absorber, the gas distribution analysis for the increase of the sour gas removal and reduction of the tower height is very important research topics. Recently, regarding the $CO_2$ capture technology which is a promising option for the reduction of the greenhouse gas (GHG), the need for the gas distribution improvement is increased as the gas treating capacity increases. In this paper, we have investigated the sour gas distribution in the absorber using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) based on 10 MW post-combustion $CO_2$ capture plant installed in Boryeong power station, Korea Midland Power company. For this purpose, we suggested the three possible technology options (splash plate, spiral gas line and U-tube) for the gas distribution enhancement and compared the effect of the each cases. The result showed that the U-tube installed in the absorber increase the gas distribution about 30% compared to the base case, while the delta P increasement was about 10%. From these results, it was found that the U-tube installation is an effective technology option for the gas distribution enhancement in the gas sweetening absorber.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.69-77
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• 2015

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine whether the cash policies of retail firms listed on Korean stock markets are consistent with the evidence provided in the study of Almeida et al. (2004). Liquidity management is an important issue for financially constrained firms relative to financially unconstrained firms. Because there are few sources of external funding, the optimal liquidity policies of financially constrained firms should reflect their own earnings or cash inflows to create opportunities for current and future real investments. According to this simple idea, we estimate the sensitivity of cash to cash flows and simply check whether the estimated sensitivity to cash flows of the cash retained by constrained retail firms is greater than that of the cash retained by unconstrained retail firms. Through this work, we aim to explain why the cash policies of the retail firms listed on the Korean stock markets differ from those of listed manufacturing enterprises. Research design, data, and methodology - To explain a firm's cash holdings, we use only three explanatory variables: earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), Tobin's q, and size. All the variables are defined as the value of the numerator divided by aggregate assets. Thanks to this definition, it is possible to treat all the sample firms as a single large firm. The sample financial data for this study are collected from the retail enterprises listed on the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets from 1991 to 2013. We can obtain these data from WISEfn, the financial information company. This study's methodology has its origin in Keynes's simple idea of precautionary liquidity demand: When a firm faces financial constraints, cash savings from earnings or cash inflows become important from the corporate finance perspective. Following this simple idea, Almeida et al. (2004) developed their theoretical model and found empirical evidence that the sensitivity of cash to cash flows varies systematically according to different types of financing frictions. To find more empirical evidence for this idea, we examined the cash flow sensitivity of the cash held by Korean retail firms. Results - Through several robustness tests, we empirically showed that financially constrained Korean retail firms display significant positive propensity to save cash from earnings before interest and taxes, while the estimated cash flow sensitivity of the cash held by unconstrained retail firms is not significant. Despite the relatively low earnings of retail firms, their sensitivity is three times greater than that of manufacturing enterprises. This implies that Korean retail firms have greater intentions of facilitating future investments rather than current investments. Conclusions - The characteristics of the cash policies of Korean retail firms differ from those of manufacturing firms. This contrast may be attributable to industry-oriented policy planning, regulations, and institutional differences. However, the industrial policymakers should observe signals of the long-term growth options of retail firms based on their high propensity to save from their cash inflows.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2013

Purpose - As the members of the baby boomer generation have retired in earnest, the start-up market has received more attention than ever before. According to recent statistical data, an increasing number of entrepreneurs are in their fifties. There has been a continuous increase in promotional materials on small business issues published by start-ups. This means that senior start-ups have increased in number. A number of support systems have been established for youth start-ups, but there are few government support policies in place for the senior start-up market. Thus, this study suggests a number of constructive alternatives from the perspective of government policy and marketing strategy for entrepreneurs, in order to generate competitiveness in the start-up process, through examining the current state of the senior start-up and by diagnosing extant problems. Research design, data, methodology - This study gives a number of options regarding the government's support policies and the securing of competitiveness in order to vitalize senior business start-ups. As for the government's support policies, funding support policy, publicizing business start-up policies, and operating systematic mentoring policies before retirement have all been covered. In particular, in order for senior business start-ups to become competitive, development through mutual relations with diverse policies is urgently needed. The aging population is becoming an issue in Korea, so businesses for the aged, and the creation of jobs for these people, will become a social issue. Senior business start-ups are playing an important role in expanding enterprise productivity, in addition to enhancing national competitiveness. Expanding senior business start-ups is important, because they also serve to expand the national infrastructure. Productivity increase through continuous expansion is thus recommended. Results - In order to expand the competitiveness of business start-ups, marketing-related observations and learning in regard to customers are necessary for the baby boomer generation, and competitiveness for seniors is urgently needed. Conclusions - Studies on the business start-up policies for the domestic baby boomer generation are almost non-existent, and systematic studies on small businesses are necessary. Only the government is providing statistical studies for small businesses, and such research remains at a general level for entrepreneurs. Therefore, a support system that can actually assist entrepreneurs is essential. Continuous business start-up studies with respect to the baby boomers should be vitalized, to invigorate studies on competition. In order to supplement and strengthen foundational support, senior business start-ups must develop various competitive capabilities with a focus on the customer. The government and the various stakeholder agencies and organizations involved with start-up businesses must find ways to offer support to founders. Such support should include access to knowledge and legal and consultancy services in order to incubate the rapid increase in start-ups founded by seniors. Government support projects should be expanded to meet this end.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.146-156
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• 2013

Recently, to reflect the various needs of customers in the apartment field, the customized apartment has emerged. From the point of the customer, customized apartments have the definite advantage of being able to guarantee more customer options. On the other hand, from the point of the project manager, there are significant risk factors, with increase of management factors, construction delays, etc. The reasons for this are, to date, the insufficient systematic analysis of the project, and the lack of experience of similar projects. This study provides the waste factors of each phase in a customized apartment project. A survey and interview are conducted to achieve the waste factors using MUDA methodology; a process of the project was analyzed; and a factor of each process was identified. Also, AHP(Analytic Hierarchy Process) are used, to evaluate the waste factors in project stages. The AHP results show that "Design change" and "Inappropriate intervention in construction process" ranked highly in the waste factors. The results of our research will provide a countermeasure that addresses waste factors in similar projects, and contributes to reducing the extra cost and time in new projects.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.191-196
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• 2007

Purpose: Gluteal perforator is easily identified in the gluteal region and gluteal perforator flap is a very versatile flap in sacral sore reconstruction. We obtained satisfying results using the gluteal perforator flap, so we report this clinical experiences with a review of the literature. Methods: Between November of 2003 and April 2006, the authors used 16 gluteal perforator flaps in 16 consecutive patients for coverage of sacral pressure sores. The mean age of the patients was 47.4 years (range, 14 to 78 years), and there were 9 male and 7 female patients. All flaps in the series were supplied by musculocutaneous arteries and its venae comitantes penetrating the gluteus maximus muscle and reaching the intrafascial and suprafascial planes, and the overlying skin forming a rich vascular plexus arising from gluteal muscles. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 11.5 months. Results: All flaps survived except one that had undergone total necrosis by patient's negligence. Wound dehiscence was observed in three patients and treated by secondary closure. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Gluteal perforator flaps allow safe and reliable options for coverage of sacral pressure sores with minimal donor site morbidity, and do not sacrifice the gluteus maximus muscle and rarely lead to post-operative complications. Freedom in flap design and easy-to perform make gluteal perforator flap an excellent choice for selected patients.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.397-407
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• 2017

To estimate the structural seismic demand, some methods are based on an equivalent linear system such as the Capacity Spectrum Method, the N2 method and the Equivalent Linearization method. Another category, widely investigated, is based on displacement correction such as the Displacement Coefficient Method and the Coefficient Method. Its basic concept consists in converting the elastic linear displacement of an equivalent Single Degree of Freedom system (SDOF) into a corresponding inelastic displacement. It relies on adequate modifying or reduction coefficient such as the inelastic deformation ratio which is usually developed for systems with known ductility factors ($C_{\mu}$) and ($C_R$) for known yield-strength reduction factor. The present paper proposes a rational approach which estimates this inelastic deformation ratio for SDOF bilinear systems by rigorous nonlinear analysis. It proposes a new inelastic deformation ratio which unifies and combines both $C_{\mu}$ and $C_R$ effects. It is defined by the ratio between the inelastic and elastic maximum lateral displacement demands. Three options are investigated in order to express the inelastic response spectra in terms of: ductility demand, yield strength reduction factor, and inelastic deformation ratio which depends on the period, the post-to-preyield stiffness ratio, the yield strength and the peak ground acceleration. This new inelastic deformation ratio ($C_{\eta}$) is describes the response spectra and is related to the capacity curve (pushover curve): normalized yield strength coefficient (${\eta}$), post-to-preyield stiffness ratio (${\alpha}$), natural period (T), peak ductility factor (${\mu}$), and the yield strength reduction factor ($R_y$). For illustrative purposes, instantaneous ductility demand and yield strength reduction factor for a SDOF system subject to various recorded motions (El-Centro 1940 (N/S), Boumerdes: Algeria 2003). The method accuracy is investigated and compared to classical formulations, for various hysteretic models and values of the normalized yield strength coefficient (${\eta}$), post-to-preyield stiffness ratio (${\alpha}$), and natural period (T). Though the ductility demand and yield strength reduction factor differ greatly for some given T and ${\eta}$ ranges, they remain take close when ${\eta}>1$, whereas they are equal to 1 for periods $T{\geq}1s$.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.973-980
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• 2018

Study Design: Retrospective review. Purpose: To identify the trends in stimulator use, pair those trends with various grafting materials, and determine the influence of stimulators on the risk of revision surgery. Overview of Literature: A large number of studies has reported beneficial effects of electromagnetic energy in healing long bone fractures. However, there are few clinical studies regarding the use of electrical stimulators in spinal fusion. Methods: We used insurance billing codes to identify patients with lumbar disc degeneration who underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). Comparisons between patients who did and did not receive electrical stimulators following surgery were performed using logistic regression analysis, chi-square test, and odds ratio (OR) analysis. Results: Approximately 19% of the patients (495/2,613) received external stimulators following ALIF surgery. There was a slight increase in stimulator use from 2008 to 2014 (multi-level $R^2=0.08$, single-level $R^2=0.05$). Patients who underwent multi-level procedures were more likely to receive stimulators than patients who underwent single-level procedures (p<0.05; OR, 3.72; 95% confidence interval, 3.02-4.57). Grafting options associated with most frequent stimulator use were bone marrow aspirates (BMA) plus autograft or allograft for single-level and allograft alone for multi-level procedures. In both cohorts, patients treated with bone morphogenetic proteins were least likely to receive electrical stimulators (p<0.05). Patients who received stimulation generally had higher reimbursements. Concurrent posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) (ALIF+PLF) increased the likelihood of receiving stimulators (p<0.05). Patients who received electrical stimulators had similar revision rates as those who did not receive stimulation (p>0.05), except those in the multilevel ALIF+PLF cohort, wherein the patients who underwent stimulation had higher rates of revision surgery. Conclusions: Concurrent PLF or multi-level procedures increased patients' likelihood of receiving stimulators, however, the presence of comorbidities did not. Patients who received BMA plus autograft or allograft were more likely to receive stimulation. Patients with and without bone stimulators had similar rates of revision surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.466-477
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• 2018

Orthopaedics is an area where 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology is most likely to be utilized because it has been used to treat a range of diseases of the whole body. For arthritis, spinal diseases, trauma, deformities, and tumors, 3D printing can be used in the form of anatomical models, surgical guides, metal implants, bio-ceramic body reconstruction, and orthosis. In particular, in orthopaedic oncology, patients have a wide variety of tumor locations, but limited options for the limb salvage surgery have resulted in many complications. Currently, 3D printing personalized implants can be fabricated easily in a short time, and it is anticipated that all bone tumors in various surgical sites will be reconstructed properly. An improvement of 3D printing technology in the healthcare field requires close cooperation with many professionals in the design, printing, and validation processes. The government, which has determined that it can promote the development of 3D printing-related industries in other fields by leading the use of 3D printing in the medical field, is also actively supporting with an emphasis on promotion rather than regulation. In this review, the experience of using 3D printing technology for bone tumor surgery was shared, expecting orthopaedic surgeons to lead 3D printing in the medical field.