• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• 제10권10호
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• pp.5129-5152
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• 2016

Multi-view super-resolution (MVSR) aims to estimate a high-resolution (HR) image from a set of low-resolution (LR) images that are captured from different viewpoints (typically by different cameras). MVSR is usually applied in camera array imaging. Given that MVSR is an ill-posed problem and is typically computationally costly, we super-resolve multi-view LR images of the original scene via image fusion (IF) and blind deblurring (BD). First, we reformulate the MVSR problem into two easier problems: an IF problem and a BD problem. We further solve the IF problem on the premise of calculating the depth map of the desired image ahead, and then solve the BD problem, in which the optimization problems with respect to the desired image and with respect to the unknown blur are efficiently addressed by the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Our approach bridges the gap between MVSR and BD, taking advantages of existing BD methods to address MVSR. Thus, this approach is appropriate for camera array imaging because the blur kernel is typically unknown in practice. Corresponding experimental results using real and synthetic images demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제9권5호
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• pp.547-553
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• 2015

BACKGROUNDS/OBJECTIVES: The effects of malnutrition on growth of toddlers and preschoolers by socioeconomic status are not well known. This study aimed to examine the effects of dietary intake on growth outcomes in toddlers and preschoolers by household income level. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study population was a total of 1,687 children aged 1 to 5 years that participated in the KNHANES from 2009 to 2011. Growth of children was assessed by height for age (HFA) and weight for height (WFH). Children were classified into three groups according to children's HFA and WFH compared to the $10^{th}$ and $90^{th}$ percentiles of the 2007 Korean Children and Adolescent Growth Standard. Average monthly household income was divided into quartile groups. Dietary intake data were obtained by using the one day 24-hr recall method. Risks of inadequate intake of nutrients and unfavorable growth were estimated by using a multiple logistic regression model adjusted for sex, age, region, and energy intake. RESULTS: The low HFA group (<$10^{th}$ percentile) had significantly lower intakes of energy, carbohydrate, and thiamin as compared with the high group (${\geq}90^{th}$ percentile). For WFH status, vitamin C intake was lower in the low group than in the high group. Household income level was related to WFH status but not HFA. Children from lower income households were more likely to have high WFH than those from higher income households (P for trend = 0.038). Household income status was also significantly related with risk of inadequate intake of micronutrients such as thiamin (P for trend = 0.032) and vitamin C (P for trend = 0.002), showing higher odds of inadequate intakes in children from lower income households. CONCLUSIONS: Children from lower income households were prone to be overweight and to have inadequate intakes of micronutrients such as thiamin and vitamin C. To reduce nutritional and health disparities, collective action in the public sector is required from early life.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.141-149
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between refined grain consumption by subtype and the incidence of hypertension from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study data. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In total, 5,018 participants (2,439 men and 2,579 women) from 40 to 69 years without hypertension were recruited at the beginning (2001-2002). Blood pressure and antihypertensive medication use were assessed biennially for the incidence of hypertension during the 8-year follow-up period (2009-2010). Hypertension was diagnosed as systolic blood pressure ${\geq}140mmHg$ or diastolic blood pressure ${\geq}90mmHg$ or antihypertensive medication use. Dietary intake including refined grains was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and the follow-up (2005-2006). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident hypertension according to refined-grain consumption. RESULTS: A total of 1,377 cases of hypertension (710 men and 667 women) were newly ascertained. Frequent noodle consumers (${\geq}5servings/week$) among the women had a 2.3-fold higher risk of hypertension than infrequent noodle consumers after adjustment for potential confounders (HR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.33-4.01, P for trend = 0.0001). However, no significant association was found among the men. The intake of other refined grain products such as white rice and breads was not associated with the incidence of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Frequent noodle consumption was positively associated with a risk of incident hypertension in South Korean women.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.357-366
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• 2022

Background: Withania somnifera (Solanaceae), generally known as Indian ginseng, is a medicinal plant that is used in Ayurvedic practice for promoting health and longevity. This study aims to identify the bioactive metabolites from Indian ginseng and elucidate their structures. Methods: Withanolides were purified by chromatographic techniques, including HPLC coupled with LC/MS. Chemical structures of isolated withanolides were clarified by analyzing the spectroscopic data from 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESIMS experiment. Absolute configurations of the withanolides were established by the application of NMR chemical shifts and ECD calculations. Anti-adipogenic activities of isolates were evaluated using 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with Oil Red O staining and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results: Phytochemical examination of the roots of Indian ginseng afforded to the isolation of six withanolides (1-6), including three novel withanolides, withasilolides GeI (1-3). All the six compounds inhibited adipogenesis and suppressed the enlargement of lipid droplets, compared to those of the control. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of Fabp4 and Adipsin, the adipocyte markers decreased noticeably following treatment with 25 µM of 1-6. The active compounds (1-6) also promoted lipid metabolism by upregulating the expression of the lipolytic genes HSL and ATGL and downregulating the expression of the lipogenic gene SREBP1. Conclusion: The results of our experimental studies suggest that the withasilolides identified herein have anti-adipogenic potential and can be considered for the development of therapeutic strategies against adipogenesis in obesity. Our study also provides a mechanistic rationale for using Indian ginseng as a potential therapeutic agent against obesity and related metabolic diseases.

• 한국프랜차이즈경영연구
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.27-35
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• 2016

Purpose - The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of employee characteristics on employees' preference towards corporate pension products. This study can provide a guidance for maximization of benefits for employees and their affiliated corporation. Employee characteristics include average length of labour, wage system of annual salary, age, types of interest rates and size of corporation. Existing research generally concentrate on vitalizations of corporate pension product raising an imperfection, improvements, tax benefit analysis and legal consideration. Thus, this study intensively analyses the effect of employee attributes on firms' decision for corporate pension products, such as DB(defined benefit) and DC(defined contribution) type. Research design, data, and methodology - The data were collected using self-administrated questionnaire survey on corporate pension products from CEOs or HR directors 250 foreign-invested companies', purchasing pension plans in practice with domestic financial trustees (insurance companies, banks and security companies). Hypotheses testing was conducted using Logistic Regression analysis with SPSS/PC+ 21.0. Results - The findings of the study are as follows. Employees with the long length of labour are more likely to have DB plan; more likely to prefer DC plan with the dividend distribution product regarding the types of interest rate. SMEs(less than 100 employees) are more likely to select DC plan whereas high fluctuation in wage with annual salary has no impacts. In addition, the ages has no significant effect on the preference. Conclusions - This study has examined with the empirical testing that employees' variable attributes and qualities are one of the vital factors for corporation pension plan selection. Currently, majority employees are highly likely to join DB plan and Defined interest types. Corporation with less than 10 employees prefer IRP scheme while most of corporation are intended to join DC plan. In a very near future, corporation more than 300 employees will be required to purchase mandatory plan under national regulation. For maximization of employees' contentment to corporation pension insurance and for complementing the flaws of existing plans, the future studies shall also research in a perspective of employee benefit.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제20권3호
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• pp.147-155
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• 2010

This study was conducted to investigate the benzene exposure levels in coal chemical and petrochemical refining industries during BTX turnaround (TA) processes where benzene was being produced. Three companies producing benzene were selected, one coal chemical and two petrochemical industries. TA processes were classified into three stages: shut down, maintenance, and start up. Data was analyzed by classifying the refining method into 2 groups (Petrochemistry, Coal chemistry) for 823 workers. Comparing the data from petrochemical industries with data from a coal chemical refining industry, while benzene concentration levels of long-term samples during TA were not statistically different (p> 0.05), those levels of short-term samples were significantly different (p< 0.001). About 4.79 % of data in petrochemical industries exceed the occupational exposure limits (OELs) of benzene, 1 ppm. In a coal refining methods, about 15.7% exceeded the benzene OELs. The benzene concentrations in maintenance and start up stage of TA for petrochemical refineries were higher than those in a coal chemical refinery (p <0.01). These findings suggest that the coal chemical refining site requires more stringent work practice controls compare to petrochemical refining sites during TA processes. Personal protective equipments including organic respirators should be used by TA workers to protect them from benzene overexposure.

• 대한한의진단학회지
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.82-104
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• 2007

Purpose: We performed this study to examine the effect of controlled respiration on cardiovascular system in healthy adult subjects using impedance cardiography and photoplethysmography. Materials and Methods: This study had performed on 74 subjects, which were healthy men and women without a experience of respiration practice. Using the instruments for impedance cardiography and photoplethysmography, parameters of each subject had been measured after each controlled respirations which were natural respiration, controlled natural respiration (I:E=1.1.6), longer inspiration(I:E=3:3), and longer expiration(I:E=2:4). The measured parameters of impedance cardiography and photoplethysmography were processed statistically by one-way repeated ANOVA. Results: 1. HR and CI of impedance cardiography were decreased significantly during controlled respiration comparing with the result of basal state(the state of enough break). There was no significant difference among the results of controlled respiration. 2. PEP of impedance cardiography had no significant difference among the result of basal state and the results of controlled respiration(p=0.059). 3. VI of impedance cardiography had significant differences among the result of basal state and the results of controlled respiration, and decreased continuously through the controlled respiration. 4. b/a of photoplethysmography had no significant difference among the result of basal state and the results of controlled respiration(p=0.554). 5. c/a of photoplethysmography were decreased significantly during controlled respiration comparing with the result of basal state. There was no significant difference among the results of controlled respiration. 6. d/a of photoplethysmography had significant differences among the results of the controlled respiration decreasing continuously through the controlled respiration and had no significant difference between the result of basal state and the result of natural respiration. 7. AGI of photoplethysmography had significant differences among the result of basal state and the results of the controlled respiration increasing continuously through the controlled respiration. Conclusion: We had examined the effects of controlled respirations on cardiovascular system in multiple points of view. The effects of controlled respirations on cardiovascular system can't be explained in a simple way, as the cardiovascular system is controlled by many factors. Therefore, more physiological parameters must be measured in the future study on the effect of the controlled respiration on human cardiovascular system.

• 한국지역사회생활과학회지
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.159-174
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to provide information searching for health promotion, nutrition improvement, and health care of the impaired elderly by ADL(Activity of Daily Living) and IADL(Instrumental Activity of Daily Living). The subjects were divided into the Assistant Needed Group and No Assistant Needed Group for living in line with the responses of ADL(10 items like dressing, washing, move etc.) and IADL(10 items like housekeeping, using transportation, shopping, Phone call etc.). Survey was made for health behavior, health risk habit, dietary management status and diet intake by 24 hr-recall and questionnaire method. 242 subjects were collected in 12 cities or Gun districts in Gyeonggi Province, S. Korea. Survey was carried out by regional home extension workers using interview method. Statistical analyses were made using SAS (Version 8.1). Chi-Square Tests and General Linear Models. The subjects of impaired ADL elderly was 26.5% and it composed 30% of the total male and 22.2% of the total female. The demographic status of the impaired ADL elderly showed no difference from that of the normal elders, elementary school educated (73.4%), with spouse (43.8%) or with adult children(37.5%), using monthly living cost of 500-1,000 thousand won(35.9%). Mean age was 74.05 years compared to 72.25 years of normal elders. However, there was no significant difference from the normal and impaired ADL group, regular exercise(60.0%), with walking (90.0%), no-smoke(54.7%) and no-drink(48.4%). Kind of disease was not different from the one in impaired and normal group, with cardiovascular disease(32.3%), with diabetes mellitus(8.1%), joint lumbago neuralgia(32.3%) and osteoporosis(9.7%). Gastrointestinal complaints of the impaired ADL group were nausea(57.8%), chronic indigestion (23.4%), constipation (14,0%) and vomiting(3.7%). Sleeping time required for the impaired was longer than that for the normal group by 10hours(4.7%) or 8-10hours(20.3%), which consisted 1.7% and 16.6% respectively. Nutrient intake of the impaired ADL group was low compared to normal range elders: Energy(1260kca1), Protein(52.75g). There was gender difference in nutrient intake; the male impaired group showed no significant difference from the normal group but it was significantly lower in female impaired group. These results suggest that low quality of life and low economic status of the impaired ADL elderly require congregate meal in village hall to cover the lack of side dishe variety. And nutrition education program including community assistance would be required for the impaired ADL elderly together with the sufficient food and exercise practice. By operating nutrition education program, the impaired ADL elderly would maintain more enhanced quality of life and ameliorate the ADL capability.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권14호
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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.

• 한국지역사회생활과학회지
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.141-154
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to provide the information of the aged olds for which basic data are almost no available. The subjects were divided on the base of age 75. The elderly under 75 were named 'the young olds' and over 75 were 'the aged olds'. The aim of this research is to promote health and to improve nutrition, and the survey was made for health promotion behaviors, habits against health risk, dietary management status and diet intake. And it was conducted by 24 hr-recall method and analyzed by nutrients intake. 242 subjects were collected in 12 cities or counties in Gyeonggi Province and 20 elderly people (10 male and 10 female) were selected out of 1 village in each district. Questionnaire about health behavior and dietary management was carried out by interview method through regional home extension workers. Statistical analyses were made by SAS (version 8.1) and Chi-square tests and General Linear Models were used. Out of the subjects the aged olds over 75 was 31.9%, elementary school educated (93.5%), with spouse (40.3%), with adult children(28.6%), monthly living cost of 500-1,000 thousand won(40.3%). Mean age was 78.82 years compared with 69.75 years of the young olds. 46.8% of the aged olds used monthly pocket money over 1000 won and it was lower than 63.3% of the young olds. Only half of the aged olds had regular exercise of walking (77.8%) or with athletic equipment (17.8%). However, the young olds did more frequent walking (82.1 %) and less exercise with athletic equipment (4.8 %), which was significantly different. Kinds of disease were different with the young or the aged olds, as more proportion of cardiovascular disease(37.9%) for the young olds and joint lumbago neuralgia(41.6%) for the aged olds. Dietary management was good (3 meals per day: 93.4%, fixed mealtime: 72.4%, and regular amount: 79.9%). But there was significant difference in side dish varieties and kinds of snacks; for the aged olds only 8% had over 5 sorts (compared with 18.8% of the young olds) and the kinds of snacks were cookie, candy, juice, carbonated beverage for the aged olds (compared with noodle, milk, soybean-milk for young olds). The ratio of nutrients intake (energy, riboflavin and niacin) with RDA was significantly higher for the aged olds than that of the young olds. The surveyed subjects had no difficulties in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), but some of the aged olds had difficulties in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) like housekeeping, using transportation, going shopping and making phone calls. These results suggest that low quality of life is linked with low economic status of the rural elderly and congregate meal at village hall would be required because of the lack of side dishes variety for the aged olds. And nutrition education program about good snacks and exercise practice would be needed for the aged olds. By operating nutrition education program the aged olds would enjoy better quality life maintaining or ameliorating IADL abilities.