• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-22
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• 2017

Analysis of future business or investment opportunities, such as business feasibility analysis and company or technology valuation, necessitate objective estimation on the relevant market and expected sales. While there are various ways to classify the estimation methods of these new sales or market size, they can be broadly divided into top-down and bottom-up approaches by benchmark references. Both methods, however, require a lot of resources and time. Therefore, we propose a data-based intelligent demand forecasting system to support evaluation of new business. This study focuses on analogical forecasting, one of the traditional quantitative forecasting methods, to develop sales forecasting intelligence systems for new businesses. Instead of simply estimating sales for a few years, we hereby propose a method of estimating the sales of new businesses by using the initial sales and the sales growth rate of similar companies. To demonstrate the appropriateness of this method, it is examined whether the sales performance of recently established companies in the same industry category in Korea can be utilized as a reference variable for the analogical forecasting. In this study, we examined whether the phenomenon of "mean reversion" was observed in the sales of start-up companies in order to identify errors in estimating sales of new businesses based on industry sales growth rate and whether the differences in business environment resulting from the different timing of business launch affects growth rate. We also conducted analyses of variance (ANOVA) and latent growth model (LGM) to identify differences in sales growth rates by industry category. Based on the results, we proposed industry-specific range and linear forecasting models. This study analyzed the sales of only 150,000 start-up companies in Korea in the last 10 years, and identified that the average growth rate of start-ups in Korea is higher than the industry average in the first few years, but it shortly shows the phenomenon of mean-reversion. In addition, although the start-up founding juncture affects the sales growth rate, it is not high significantly and the sales growth rate can be different according to the industry classification. Utilizing both this phenomenon and the performance of start-up companies in relevant industries, we have proposed two models of new business sales based on the sales growth rate. The method proposed in this study makes it possible to objectively and quickly estimate the sales of new business by industry, and it is expected to provide reference information to judge whether sales estimated by other methods (top-down/bottom-up approach) pass the bounds from ordinary cases in relevant industry. In particular, the results of this study can be practically used as useful reference information for business feasibility analysis or technical valuation for entering new business. When using the existing top-down method, it can be used to set the range of market size or market share. As well, when using the bottom-up method, the estimation period may be set in accordance of the mean reverting period information for the growth rate. The two models proposed in this study will enable rapid and objective sales estimation of new businesses, and are expected to improve the efficiency of business feasibility analysis and technology valuation process by developing intelligent information system. In academic perspectives, it is a very important discovery that the phenomenon of 'mean reversion' is found among start-up companies out of general small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as stable companies such as listed companies. In particular, there exists the significance of this study in that over the large-scale data the mean reverting phenomenon of the start-up firms' sales growth rate is different from that of the listed companies, and that there is a difference in each industry. If a linear model, which is useful for estimating the sales of a specific company, is highly likely to be utilized in practical aspects, it can be explained that the range model, which can be used for the estimation method of the sales of the unspecified firms, is highly likely to be used in political aspects. It implies that when analyzing the business activities and performance of a specific industry group or enterprise group there is political usability in that the range model enables to provide references and compare them by data based start-up sales forecasting system.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.199-205
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate the effective genetic resources preservation system using the frozen boar semen. The porcine oocytes were matured for 44 hours in NCSU-23 medium with or without 10% Porcine Follicle Fluid (PFF), 0.5 ${\mu}g/ml$ porcine FSH, 0.5 ${\mu}g/ml$ equine LH, 1.0 ${\mu}g/ml$ 17 $\beta$-estradiol ($E_2$) and 10 ng/ml Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) under mineral oil at $38.5^{\circ}C$ in humidified atmosphere of 5% $CO_2$ in air. After 44 h of culture, the oocytes were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen and fresh semen prepared with mTBM medium for 6 h. Later, set of 50 presumptive zygotes were transferred into 4-well dish (500 ${\mu}l$) of IVC medium. for embryos freezing, slow-freezing and vitrification methods were used as a cryopreservation. Differences among treatments were analyzed using General Linear Model Procedure by SAS Package (version 6.12) differences were considered significant when p<0.05. Following IVF and IVC, the rates of cleavage and blastocysts formation were significantly higher (p<0.05) in hormone supplemented group than that of hormone-free group (25.7 vs, 12.1). The development rates to cleavage and blastocysts were significantly higher in PZM-5 group than NCSU-23 group (60.3%, 46.6% vs 27.4%, 11.1%). Further improvement was achieved when PZM-5 was supplemented with FBS. Cleavage rates was significantly higher in fresh semen source group than frozen semen (66.7% vs 43.7%). However in blastocysts rates was similar two groups. Post-thaw survival rates of embryos were 1.2% and 2.2% in slow-frezing and vitrification groups, respectively. The results of our study suggest that it is still possible to improve the culture conditions and boar semen cryopreservation for enhance reproductive technology and animal genetic resources conservation.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.833-841
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study was investigation of quality and quantity of nutritional intake related oral health status among Korean elders. Methods : The nutrient intake and the dietary quality was evaluated on the basis of the Dietary Reference Intakes For Koreans(KDRIs). Chi-square test for Complex Samples was used to determine the relationship between oral health and inadequate nutrient intake in Korean elders. The complex samples general linear model was used to test difference of average value difference of nutrient intake percentage compared to dietary reference intake(DRI), energy intake rate from three major nutrients, average mean adequacy ratio(MAR) and index of nutritional quality(INQ) related oral health status. Age, sex and total energy intake was compensated for this analysis. PASW 18 was used for statistical analysis. Results : We could found the difference of the nutrient intake and the dietary quality related oral health status among Korean elders. Especially, Nutrient intake percentage and component ratio of protein among energy intake rate from three major nutrient was lower as oral health status became worse. The percentage of subjects with nutritional intakes under showed highest level in worst oral health status. As oral health status became worse, average mean adequacy ratio(MAR) was lower and the number of nutrient of which index of nutritional quality(INQ) was under 1 was more. Conclusions : From the result above, this study clearly shows the level of oral health affecting the inequalities of eating and the food for the people. And the various propose of oral health policies is needed for vulnerable groups who needs solution to solve the problem of inequality of food distribution where intensive distribution of nutrition problem occurred. Sufficient, safe, and a variety of healthy food intake is a fundamental right of our people. And also, to apply this policy in reality, institutional arrangements and organizations, and specific performing system will be needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4373-4378
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• 2012

Introduction: Hypercalcemia is mainly caused by bone resorption due to either secretion of cytokines including parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) or bone metastases. However, hypercalcemia may occur in patients with or without bone metastases. The present study aimed to describe the effect of chemotherapy treatment, regimens and doses on calcium levels among breast and lung cancer patients with hypercalcemia. Methods: We carried a review of medical records of breast and lung cancer patients hospitalized in years 2003 and 2009 at Penang General Hospital, a public tertiary care center in Penang Island, north of Malaysia. Patients with hypercalcemia (defined as a calcium level above 10.5 mg/dl) at the time of cancer diagnosis or during cancer treatment had their medical history abstracted, including presence of metastasis, chemotherapy types and doses, calcium levels throughout cancer treatment, and other co-morbidity. The mean calcium levels at first hospitalization before chemotherapy were compared with calcium levels at the end of or at the latest chemotherapy treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test for categorical data, logistic regression test for categorical variables, and Spearman correlation test, linear regression and the paired sample t tests for continuous data. Results: Of a total 1,023 of breast cancer and 814 lung cancer patients identified, 292 had hypercalcemia at first hospitalization or during cancer treatment (174 breast and 118 lung cancer patients). About a quarter of these patients had advanced stage cancers: 26.4% had mild hypercalcemia (10.5-11.9 mg/dl), 55.5% had moderate (12-12.9 mg/dl), and 18.2% severe hypercalcemia (13-13.9; 14-16 mg/dl). Chemotherapy lowered calcium levels significantly both in breast and lung cancer patients with hypercalcemia; in particular with chemotherapy type 5-flurouracil+epirubicin+cyclophosphamide (FEC) for breast cancer, and gemcitabine+cisplatin in lung cancer. Conclusion: Chemotherapy decreases calcium levels in breast and lung cancer cases with hypercalcemia at cancer diagnosis, probably by reducing PTHrP levels.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1234-1238
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• 2017

Objective: The vertebral number is associated with body length and carcass traits, which represents an economically important trait in farm animals. The variation of vertebral number has been observed in a few mammalian species. However, the variation of vertebral number and quantitative trait loci in sheep breeds have not been well addressed. Methods: In our investigation, the information including gender, age, carcass weight, carcass length and the number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae from 624 China Kazakh sheep was collected. The effect of vertebral number variation on carcass weight and carcass length was estimated by general linear model. Further, the polymorphic sites of Vertnin (VRTN) gene were identified by sequencing, and the association of the genotype and vertebral number variation was analyzed by the one-way analysis of variance model. Results: The variation of thoracolumbar vertebrae number in Kazakh sheep (18 to 20) was smaller than that in Texel sheep (17 to 21). The individuals with 19 thoracolumbar vertebrae (T13L6) were dominant in Kazakh sheep (79.2%). The association study showed that the numbers of thoracolumbar vertebrae were positively correlated with the carcass length and carcass weight, statistically significant with carcass length. To investigate the association of thoracolumbar vertebrae number with VRTN gene, we genotyped the VRTN gene. A total of 9 polymorphic sites were detected and only a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs426367238) was suggested to associate with thoracic vertebral number statistically. Conclusion: The variation of thoracolumbar vertebrae number positively associated with the carcass length and carcass weight, especially with the carcass length. VRTN gene polymorphism of the SNP (rs426367238) with significant effect on thoracic vertebral number could be as a candidate marker to further evaluate its role in influence of thoracolumbar vertebral number.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.351-361
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• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between diabetic dietary compliance and dietary intake, physical activity and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Seventy five subjects diagnosed with type 2 diabetes visiting the D hospital in Dongducheon from May 2014 to Dec 2014 were included in this study. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their diabetic dietary compliance score (median 39); low diabetic dietary compliance (LDDC) group (n=44) and high diabetic dietary compliance (HDDC) group (n=31). Survey data collection was carried out by direct interview method. The nutrient intake, food intake and KDDS (Korean's dietary diversity score), DVS (dietary variety score) and GMVDF (grain, meat, vegetable, dairy and fruit) were analyzed using data from the 24-recall method. Metabolic parameters were obtained from the hospital records. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test and general linear model adjusted for sex. Results: The prevalence of MS was 59.7% in the participating diabetic patients. The prevalence of MS of the HDDC (39.3%) was significantly lower than that of the LDDC (72.7%). The distribution of physical activity showed a significant difference between the groups (p=0.006). The intakes of seeds and nuts of the HDDC were significantly lower than those of the LDDC. Fat and vegetable fat intakes and % fat of energy in the HDDC were significantly lower than those in the LDDC. But, carbohydrate (CHO) and potassium intake and %CHO of energy in the HDDC were significantly higher than those in the LDDC. KDDS and GMVDF showed significant differences between groups (p=0.033; p=0.012). Conclusions: Continuous intervention by specialized nutritionists for long-term self-regulation is needed for diabetic patients, and the high compliance to diabetic diet and increasing physical activity may be effective in the prevention of metabolic syndrome.

• The Korean Journal of Financial Management
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.73-94
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• 2003

In general, the interest rate is forecasted by the parametric method which assumes the interest rate follows a certain distribution. However the method has a shortcoming that forecasting ability would decline when the interest rate does not follow the assumed distribution for the stochastic behavior of interest rate. Therefore, the nonparametric method which assumes no particular distribution is regarded as a superior one. This paper compares the interest rate forecasting ability between the two method for the Monetary Stabilization Bond (MSB) market in Korea. The daily and weekly data of the MSB are used during the period of August 9th 1999 to February 7th 2003. In the parametric method, the drift term of the interest rate process shows the linearity while the diffusion term presents non-linear decline. Meanwhile in the nonparametric method, both drift and diffusion terms show the radical change with nonlinearity. The parametric and nonparametric methods present a significant difference in the market price of interest rate risk. This means in forecasting the interest rate and the market price of interest rate risk, the nonparametric method is more appropriate than the parametric method.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.232-239
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Increased consumption of instant noodles has recently been reported to be positively associated with obesity and cardiometabolic syndrome in South Korea, which has the highest per capita instant noodle consumption worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the association between instant noodle consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors among college students in Seoul. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study subjects consisted of 3,397 college students (1,782 male; 1,615 female) aged 18-29 years who participated in a health checkup. Information on instant noodle consumption was obtained from the participants' answers to a question about their average frequency of instant noodle intake over the 1 year period prior to the survey. RESULTS: Statistical analysis using a general linear model that adjusted for age, body mass index, gender, family income, health-related behaviors, and other dietary factors important for cardiometabolic risk, showed a positive association between the frequency of instant noodle consumption and plasma triglyceride levels, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels in all subjects. Compared to the group with the lowest frequency of instant noodle intake (${\leq}1/month$), the odds ratio for hypertriglyceridemia in the group with an intake of ${\geq}3/week$ was 2.639 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.393-5.000] for all subjects, while it was 2.149 (95% CI, 1.045-4.419) and 5.992 (95% CI, 1.859-21.824) for male and female students, respectively. In female students, diastolic blood pressure was also higher among more frequent consumers of instant noodles. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that frequent consumption of instant noodles may be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors among apparently healthy college students aged 18-29 years.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 1995

The T1 mapping of an human anatomy may give a characteristic contrast among the various tissues and the normal/abnormal tissues. Here, the methodology of constructing T1 map out of several images with different TRs, will be described using non-linear curve fitting. The general curve fitting algorithm requires the initial trial values T1t and Mot for the variables to be fitted. Three different methods of suppling the trial T1t and Mot are suggested and compared for the efficiency and the accuracy. The curve-fitting routine was written in ANSI C and excuted on a SUN workstation. Several distilled-water phantoms with various concentrations of Gd-DTPA were prepared to examine the accuracy of the curve-fitting program. An MR image was used as the true proton density image without any random noise, and several images with different TRs were generated with the theoretical T1 relaxation times 250, 500, and 1000msec. The random noise of 1, 5, and 10％ were embedded into the simulated images. These images were used to generate the T1 map, and the resultant T1 maps for each T1 were analyzed to study the effect of the random noise on the T1 map.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.271-281
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• 2013

Objectives: Emerging evidence indicates that sleep duration is associated with health outcomes. However, the relationship of sleep duration with long-term health is unclear. This study was designed to determine the relationship of sleep duration with mortality as a parameter for long-term health in a large prospective cohort study in Korea. Methods: The study population included 13 164 participants aged over 20 years from the Korean Multi-center Cancer Cohort study. Information on sleep duration was obtained through a structured questionnaire interview. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality were estimated using a Cox regression model. The non-linear relationship between sleep duration and mortality was examined non-parametrically using restricted cubic splines. Results: The HRs for all-cause mortality showed a U-shape, with the lowest point at sleep duration of 7 to 8 hours. There was an increased risk of death among persons with sleep duration of ${\leq}5$ hours (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.41) and of ${\geq}10$ hours (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.72). In stratified analysis, this relationship of HR was seen in women and in participants aged ${\geq}60$ years. Risk of cardiovascular disease-specific mortality was associated with a sleep duration of ${\leq}5$ hours (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.93). Risk of death from respiratory disease was associated with sleep duration at both extremes (${\leq}5$ and ${\geq}10$ hours). Conclusions: Sleep durations of 7 to 8 hours may be recommended to the public for a general healthy lifestyle in Korea.