• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.209-220
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• 2014

In this paper, we analyze the discriminability of features for the classification of transient signals with an ambient noise in a shallow water. For the classification of the transient signals, robust features for the variance of a noise are required due to a low SNR under a marine environment. In the modelling the ambient noise in shallow water, theoretical noise model, Wenz's observation data from the shallow water, and Yule-walker filter are used. Discrimination of each feature of the transient signals with an additive ambient noise is analyzed by utilizing a Fisher score. As the analysis of a classification accuracy about the transient signals of 24 classes using the selected features with a high discriminability, the features selected in the environment without a noise relatively have a good classification accuracy. From the analyzed results, we finally select a total 16 features out of 28 features. The recognition using the selected features results in the classification accuracy of 92% in SNR 20dB using Multi-class SVM.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.31-37
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• 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sealer placement in simulated root canal extensions. Forty resin blocks were attained from the Endo-training Bloc. In each block. The simulated root canal was made with $\#20$, 80taper GT file. After each block was longitudinally split into two halves, a standardized groove was prepared on one canal wall of two halves to simulate the canal extensions with various irregularities. The two halves of each block were assembled and all simulated root canals were obturated by single cone method with AH26 sealer. Four different methods of sealer placement were used: group A, $\#20$ K-file; group B, ultrasonic file; group C, lentulo spiral; group D, EZ-Fill bi-directional spiral. All obturated blocks were stored in $100\%$ humidity at $37^{\circ}C$ for 1 week, Using a low speed saw, each block was sectioned horizontally. Images of the sections were taken using a stereomicroscope at $\times$ 30 magnification and a digital camera. The amount of the sealer in the groove was evaluated using a scoring system, a higher score indicated better sealing effectiveness. The data was statistically analysed by Fisher's Exact Test. The sealing score was the lowest, specially at the middle area of canal extensions in group A, and that was statistically significant difference from other groups. In conclusion, the ultrasonic file, lentulo spiral and EZ-Fill bi-directional spiral were effective methods of sealer placement in simulated canal extensions. The K file was the least effective method, specially at the middle area of canal extensions.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.600-610
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• 2004

Background : The plasma B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP) concentration increases with the degree of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic respiratory disease. The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic role of BNP in the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). Method : We selected 67 patients who were admitted our hospital because of an acute exacerbation of COPD. Their BNP levels were checked on admission at the Emergency Department. Their medical records were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups according to their in-hospital mortality. The patients' medical history, comobidity, exacerbation type, blood gas analysis, pulmonary function, APACHE II severity score and plasma BNP level were compared. Results : Multiple logistic regression analysis identified three independent predictors of mortality: $FEV_1$, APACHE II score and plasma BNP level. The decedents group showed a lower $FEV_1$($28{\pm}7$ vs. $37{\pm}15%$, p=0.005), a higher APACHE II score($22.4{\pm}6.1$ vs. $15.8{\pm}4.7$, p=0.000) and a higher BNP level ($201{\pm}116$ vs. $77{\pm}80pg/mL$, p=0.000) than the sSurvivors group. When the BNP cut-off level was set to 88pg/mL using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the sensitivity was 90% and the specificity was 75% in differentiating between the survivors and decedents. On Fisher's exact test, the odds ratio for mortality was 21.2 (95% CI 2.49 to 180.4) in the patients with a BNP level > 88pg/mL. Conclusion : The plasma BNP level might be a predictor of mortality in an acute exacerbation of COPD as well as the $FEV_1$ and APACHE II score.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.78-87
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• 2021

Objective : Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has been widely used during spine surgery to reduce or prevent neurologic deficits, however, its application to the surgical management for cervical myelopathy remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the success rate of IONM in patients with cervical myelopathy and to investigate the factors associated with successful baseline monitoring and the effect of increasing the stimulation intensity by focusing on motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Methods : The data of 88 patients who underwent surgery for cervical myelopathy with IONM between January 2016 and June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The success rate of baseline MEP monitoring at the initial stimulation of 400 V was investigated. In unmonitorable cases, the stimulation intensity was increased to 999 V, and the success rate final MEP monitoring was reinvestigated. In addition, factors related to the success rate of baseline MEP monitoring were investigated using independent t-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact probability test for statistical analysis. The factors included age, sex, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, smoking history, symptom duration, Torg-Pavlov ratio, space available for the cord (SAC), cord compression ratio (CCR), intramedullary increased signal intensity (SI) on magnetic resonance imaging, SI length, SI ratio, the Medical Research Council (MRC) grade, the preoperative modified Nurick grade and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. Results : The overall success rate for reliable MEP response was 52.3% after increasing the stimulation intensity. No complications were observed to be associated with increased intensity. The factors related to the success rate of final MEP monitoring were found to be SAC (p<0.001), CCR (p<0.001), MRC grade (p<0.001), preoperative modified Nurick grade (p<0.001), and JOA score (p<0.001). The cut-off score for successful MEP monitoring was 5.67 mm for SAC, 47.33% for the CCR, 3 points for MRC grade, 2 points for the modified Nurick grade, and 12 points for the JOA score. Conclusion : Increasing the stimulation intensity could significantly improve the success rate of baseline MEP monitoring for unmonitorable cases at the initial stimulation in cervical myelopathy. In particular, the SAC, CCR, MRC grade, preoperative Nurick grade and JOA score may be considered as the more important related factors associated with the success rate of MEP monitoring. Therefore, the degree of preoperative neurological functional deficits and the presence of spinal cord compression on imaging could be used as new detailed criteria for the application of IONM in patients with cervical myelopathy.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.348-356
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to identify correlations between the status of the umbilical cord and neonatal health status. Methods: In total, 172 newborns were enrolled who were admitted to the newborn nursery with a gestational age of 35 weeks or older and a body weight of 2 kg or above. Data were collected on the basic personal information of the newborns, the diameter and soft tissue status of the umbilical cord, and neonatal health status after birth. Analyses were performed using t-test, analysis of variance, χ² test, and Fisher exact test. Results: Umbilical cord diameter exhibited a statistically significant difference by sex (t=2.71, p=.007). A thin umbilical cord diameter was associated with a 1-minute Apgar score less than 8 points (t=2.47, p=.015) and with being transferred to the intensive care unit (t=2.45, p=.015). Poor soft tissue status of the umbilical cord was associated with a 1-minute Apgar score of less than 8 points (χ²=16.68, p<.001) and with oxygen being supplied (χ²=4.81, p=.028). Conclusion: Assessing the umbilical cord diameter and status in newborns is an important tool for evaluating neonatal health status after birth, and this point also underscores the importance of professionals' careful observations in the newborn nursery.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.25-39
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the sex education program on the elementary school students' sex-related knowledge and attitude. The research method used in this study is an equivalent control group pre-test and post-test and post-test design in a quasi-experimental research format. The subjects of this study were the 5th-grade elementary school students(63 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group) in O and O elementary school in G city. The data was collected from April 4th to July 3th, 2003. The experimental group received a sex education program while the control group did not receive any treatment. The sex education program was implemented for 40 minutes every 2-3 days which total twelve sessions over 4 weeks. Using the SPSS 10.0 program, the data was analyzed by $X^2$ - test, Fisher exact test, t-test, and a repeated measures ANOVA., Rrsults : The experimental group who received the sex education program showed a significantly higher sex-related knowledge score than the control group (F=140.52, p=.001). The experimental group showed a significantly higher sex relatied attitudes score than the control group (F=40.80, p=.001). This study concluded that the sex education program was effective in both sex-related knowledge and attitudes for elementary school students. Therefore, it appears to be effective for 5th-grade students to receive intensive sex education. It es recommended that the schools and government develop education media and a sex education program for parents, have a sex education teacher and a place where students can be counseled, and a professional consultant who can effectively counsel the students regarding sex-related issues.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.74-89
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• 2002

Background : The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of unplanned endotracheal extubation and to identify the influencing factor of unplanned extubation in ICUs for providing baseline data in developing prevention strategies and administrative standards. the medical records and hospital information system. In order to analyze factors related to unplanned extubation, the subjects of this study were divided by unplanned extubation group and planned extubation group and were matched by its sex, age, and disease groups in a ratio of one to two. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$- test, t-test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analysis with SPSSWIN 10.0 program. Result : 1) Forty-seven(4.99%) of 942 intubated patients experienced unplanned extubation 65 times during the twelve-month period. Thirtyfour( 72.34%) of 47 unplanned extubated patients required reintubation, whereas thirteen patients(27.66%) did not. 2) About half of unplanned extubation(46.8%) occurred during the night shift. 3) As for the nursing activity, respiratory nursing activity score(P=.0.06) and total nursing activity score(P=.011) showed statistically significant differences between unplanned extubation group and planned extubation group. 4) As for the patient status, unplanned extubation group showed more lower consciousness level(P=.000), more irritable or agitated behavior(P=.000), and had more applied physical restraints(P=.000) than planned extubation group. 5) As for the intubation related variables, unplanned extubation group revealed more intubated with respiratory failure(P=.000), more dependent on mechanical ventilation(P=.015) than planned extubation group. 6) Factors affecting unplanned extubations in intensive care unit patients were irritable or agitated behavior(odds ratio=13.757), night shift(odds ratio=7.166), and mechanical ventilation(odds ratio=6.257) from conditional logistic regression analysis. Conclusion : The most affecting factor of unplanned extubation was agitated or irritable behavior. Therefore the results of this study could be helpful to ICU nurses for meticulous care, decision making, timely intervention, and development of intervention strategies for preventing unplanned extubation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.800-809
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• 2008

Objective : Although chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrcme(CP/CPPS) is a common disease, there is no consensus on the etiology or pathology and treatment. This was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, investigating the therapeutic effects of the traditional Korean medicine, Bosingunyang-tang(BSGYT). Method : Participants who met US National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria for CP/CPPS were entered after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria. They were randomized to the BSGYT or placebo group. and treated three times a day for 6 weeks. NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) was used to estimate the clinical symptoms of CP/CPPS. Prostaglandin E2 and ${\beta}$-endorphin in prostatic fluid, collected by 2-glass pre-massage and post-massage test, were analyzed as factors associated with pain and inflammation. Result : The mean decrease in NIH-CPSI total score of the BSGYT group was 11.0 points, which is 5.7 points more than the placebo group. (Mann Whitney test P=0.038) Also the BSGYT group showed three times higher response rate than the placebo group in NIH-CPSI pain subscale score. (Fisher's exact test P=0.027) In those responders, prostaglandin E2 decreased significantly. (Wilcoxon's signed-ranks test P=0.037). No specific side effects were observed. Conclusion : After a 6-week treatment period, BSGYT improved clinical symptoms of CP/CPPS patients by decreasing PGE2 level in prostatic fluid.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.44-55
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• 2005

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of recreational therapy (60 minutes * 3times/week * 6weeks) on dementia behavior & affection, and activity of daily living of senile people with dementia. Methods: The subjects were 27 senile people with dementia, 16 experimental group, 11 control group, admitted at K hospital in Chungnam province in quasi-experimental study. The recreational therapy program was developed, based on the recreational program for senile welfare made by athletics science research institute in Chungnam National University(1997). It consisted of rhythm game, ball play, and beanbag game. The data were collected through questionnaires from May 1st to June 10th 2003 and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$-test, Fisher' exact test, and Man Whitney U test. Result: The dementia behavior and affection score was significantly different between the two groups (U=32.5, p=.005). The ADL score was significantly different between the two groups (U=12.0, p=.000). There were significant decrease in dementia behavior & affection, and improvement in ADL in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Recreational therapy intervention was proved effect in decreasing dementia behavior & affection and promoting ADL of senile people with dementia. We recommended re-test in containing a communicating variable.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.2853-2856
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• 2016

Background: Many studies have pointed to strategies to cope with patient anxiety in colposcopy. Evidence shows that patients experienced considerable distress with the large loop excision of transformation zone (LLETZ) procedure and suitable interventions should be introduced to reduce anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the effects of music therapy in patients undergoing LLETZ. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with patients undergoing LLETZ performed under local anesthesia in an out patient setting at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, from February 2015 to January 2016. After informed consent and demographic data were obtained, we assessed the anxiety level using State Anxiety Inventory pre and post procedures. Music group patients listened to classical songs through headphones, while the control group received the standard care. Pain score was evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson Chi-square, Fisher's Exact test and T-Test and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 73 patients were enrolled and randomized, resulting in 36 women in the music group and 37 women in the non-music control group. The preoperative mean anxiety score was higher in the music group (46.8 VS 45.8 points). The postoperative mean anxiety scores in the music and the non-music groups were 38.7 and 41.3 points, respectively. VAS was lower in music group (2.55 VS 3.33). The percent change of anxiety was greater in the music group, although there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusions: Music therapy did not significantly reduce anxiety in patients undergoing the LLETZ procedure. However, different interventions should be developed to ease the patients' apprehension during this procedure.