• Proceedings of the Microbiological Society of Korea Conference
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• 2000.10a
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• pp.78-82
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• 2000

The AIDS epidemic continues unabated in many part of the world. After near two decades, no vaccine is available to combat the spread of this deadly disease. Much of the HIV -1 vaccine effort during the past decade has focused on the viral envelope glycoprotein, largely because it is the only protein that can elicit neutralizing antibodies (Nabs). Eliciting broadly cross-reactive Nabs has been a primary goal. The intrinsic genetic diversity of the viral envelope, however, has been one of the major impediments in vaccine development. We have recently completed a comprehensive study examining whether it is possible to elicit broadly acting Nabs by immunizing monkeys with mixtures of envelope proteins from multiple HIV -1 isolates. We compared the humoral immune responses elicited by vaccination with either single or multiple envelope proteins and evaluated the importance of humoral and non-humoral immune response in protection against a challenge virus with a homologous or heterologous envelope protein. Our results show that (1) Nab is the correlate of sterilizing immunity, (2) Nabs against primary HIV -1 isolates can be elicited by the live vector-prime/protein boost approach, and (3) polyvalent envelope vaccines elicit broader Nab response than monovalent vaccines. Nonetheless, our findings clearly indicate that the increased breadth of Nab response is by and large limited to strains included in the vaccine mixture and does not extend to heterologous non-vaccine strains. Our study strongly demonstrates how difficult it may be to elicit broadly reactive Nabs using envelope proteins and sadly predicts a similar fate for many of the vaccine candidates currently being evaluated in clinical trials. We have started to evaluate other vaccine candidates (e.g. genetically modified envelope proteins) that might elicit broadly reactive Nabs. We are also exploring other vaccine strategies to elicit potent cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. Preliminary results from some of these experiments will be discussed.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.7-22
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• 2023

The development of rural areas is expected to be holistic covering all essential infrastructure. Community information centres (CICs) are agen- cies that should be part of the infrastructures for rural development. Unfortunately, these centres are hardly seen in rural communities in Nigeria, including Afikpo in Ebonyi State. Thus, this study was conceived to explore the perceptions of citizens towards the establishment of CICs in the locality. It adopted survey research method with questionnaire as instrument for data collection, which was self-developed and validated by experts with a pre-texted reliability index of 0.72. A total of 399 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, out of which 267 copies were properly completed, representing 67% and were used for analysis. Findings revealed that the citizens have overall positive perception to- wards establishing the CICs; they are also knowledgeable of the benefits of such centres. Furthermore, there are workable suggestions on ways of establishing, funding and managing CICs in Afikpo. In addition, about 65% of the respondents indicated interest to assist and support the funding and management of the CICs when established. However, the challenges of inadequate funding and support as well as the possible politics of where to site/locate the CICs in Afikpo, are likely impediments to the project. The study concluded that citizens have strong and positive disposition towards establishing CICs in Afikpo. The implications of such CICs for technological innovations were analysed. The study recom- mends, among others, that government should see the establishment of CICs as priority projects that would significantly contribute to the growth and development of rural communities in Nigeria; communities in Afikpo should explore self-help approach to development; and political representatives from Afikpo should take advantage of establishing CICs as constituency projects for the citizens.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.161-169
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• 2009

Republic of Korea is actively adopting IT fusion technologies to achieve the goal of 'Advanced National Defense'. This study is aiming to directly contribute to the ongoing DHRMIS project by analyzing its any discovered and substantial problems as well as suggesting improvements. Current difficulties include the efficient estimation on project cost, the lack of statistics for cross-referencing, the inefficient development methodology, compliance with global quality control standard, and the separated command centers. This study suggests the budget appraisal process prior to the actual execution, the introduce of regulatory business registration system, applying an efficient development methodologies as well as ISO9126 standard for quality control, and a centralized command department. We expect this study would contribute to following researches in advancing our national defense.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.385-390
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• 2009

This study was conducted to develop the unique native local foods of Namwon and to provide basic data needed to reinvigoratethe tourist industry and local economy. Perception and satisfaction with native local foods of Namwon were surveyed in 483 tourists (246 men and 237 women 53% visiting Namwon for the first time). Of the participants, 41.2% did not stay or eat in Namwon. Most tourists visited with other family members and spent approximately 20,000 won per capita on food. Of the foods sampled for the first time, preferred foods were (in order of preference and intention to order again) Chueo-tang, Hanjeongsik, wild edible greens-jeongsik, and black pork. The degree of food satisfaction was relatively favorable (3.54${\pm}$0.08 points on a 5-point satisfaction scale), with taste being the most important factor affecting the degree of satisfaction for 92.9% of the subjects. However, willingness to revisit Namwon on the basis of the local foods was not as high as the degree of satisfaction with the foods. Insufficient information and publicity concerning Namwon local foods were cited as impediments, and suggested improvements included taste, sanitation and food-based tourism. The degree of satisfaction was higher in men than in women. Age, residence, and occupation were not related to the degree of satisfaction. But, the willingness to revisit Namwon to sample local foods was related with gender (men more willing) and occupation (public service personnel, business owners, salaried employees, professionals, and housewives more willing, in order). Women in general and housewives in particular were most critical in food assessment.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.265-271
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• 2023

Background: Anxiety and fear in children's dental care are major impediments to successful dental care. High-quality dental treatment can be achieved using various behavioral control methods; however, conscious sedation using drugs can be used if behavioral control is difficult, owing to excessive fear and anxiety. This study aimed to examine the trends in conscious sedation implemented in pediatric dentistry at the Dankook University Dental Hospital over the past 11 years. Methods: This study included 6,438 cases of dental treatment under conscious sedation conducted over 11 years between January 2011 and December 2021 in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Dankook University Dental Hospital. Results: Over the past 11 years, the number of dental treatments under sedation has increased. In the case of inhalation sedation using nitrous oxide, the rate of increase was approximately twice every year, and the use of midazolam gradually decreased. The average age of children who underwent sedation was 5.11 years, and the rate of sedation treatment in children aged <4 years tended to decrease, while that of children aged >5 years tended to increase. This is related to the trend of changes in drugs used. In a sex-based survey, sedation treatment rate was higher in males than that in females. Conclusion: Appropriate selection of sedatives can reduce the frequency of general anesthesia and minimize complications through efficient and safe dental treatments. Trend analysis of sedation by year will help provide guidelines for the appropriate selection of sedation for dental treatment of children and patients with disability.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.19-31
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• 2024

In order to support the mission of the institution in which they are attached, academic libraries provide services in both manual and digital but COVID -19 pandemic that spanned between March and September, 2020 has changed the scenario. With particular reference to Nigeria, about 249,606 cases were confirmed and in order to curb the scourge of this deadly disease, physical academic activities were prevented by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). With this development, innovative tools became indispensable tools for successful delivery of library services in Nigerian academic libraries. Whether or not these tools are still in use for reformation of library service during post- Covid era remains unclear, hence, need for this study. This study examined librarians' use of innovative tools for information dissemination in Nigerian academic libraries during the post-Covid era using a descriptive survey design. Data were obtained both in quantitative and qualitative formats from one hundred and forty-four librarians as respondents. A total enumeration sampling technique was adopted because the population was minimal. Findings of the study revealed that innovative tools such as videoconferencing, WhatsApp, teleconferencing, Facebook, LinkedIn, and web-based learning applications are still in use by librarians for the dissemination of information during the post-Covid era. These tools are useful and beneficial to librarians during the post-COVID era, as they facilitate easy participation and engagement of library users in various discussions. Inadequate funding and lack of advanced technology skills were also identified as major impediments to the successful use of innovative tools for information dissemination. As a result, it was suggested that academic libraries throughout Nigeria prioritize staff training on the necessary digital skills needed to cope in this advanced technology era.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.87-95
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• 2024

This research explores the utilization of Unmanned Aircraft Systems(UAS), or drones, within the construction industry, aiming to assess their current use and forecast their potential impacts. The study endeavors to present a comprehensive overview of approaches to overcome existing barriers to drone implementation. Through the analysis of survey responses and focus group discussions with 21 industry experts, the study reveals a significant recognition among participants of the need for drone adoption and the potential for technological advancement, despite the current limited deployment on construction sites. Participants predict that drones will substantially enhance construction safety and efficiency. The study identifies three primary obstacles to drone integration: 1) the expense associated with setting up a UAS monitoring framework; 2) challenges related to data exchange and management; 3) the necessity for professional training in drone operation. This research contributes valuable insights into the present usage of drones at construction sites, elucidating the anticipated advantages, current impediments, and prospective solutions for drone utilization.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.278-285
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• 2016

The key features of maritime accidents are the change of their attributes by new risks from time to time. To prevent maritime accidents in Korea, the impacts by new risks on domestic safety environments should be identified or predicted. The purpose of this paper is to find the hazard factors by new risks on maritime safety in Korea. The meaning of new risks is the elements of accident hazard which is compiled from new or rare or unprecedented events in the worldwide maritime transportations. The problems of new risks are the lacks of optimum countermeasures to mitigate accident risks. Using the questionnaires with 152 event scenarios classified by 20 accident causes, the hazard identification and risk analysis of new risks was performed based on the Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) by IMO. A total of 22 Influence Diagrams, which is to depict the transit flows between accident causes to consequences, is used in the construction of 152 event scenarios. A total of 20 accidents causes is the same contents as the causation factors represented in Statistical Year Book for Maritime Accidents of Korean Maritime Safety Tribunals. After defining the evaluation equations to the response results of questionnaires by 46 experts, the work for risk analysis is carried out. As results from the analysis of 152 scenarios, it is known that the root cause to affect on maritime safety in Korea is the pressure of business competition and it led to the lacks of well experienced crews, the overload of vessel operations and crew's fatigue. In addition, as results from the analysis of 20 accident causes, the three accident causes are to be candidate as main issues in Korea such as the inadequate preparedness of departure, the neglecting of watch keeping in bridge and the inadequate management of ship operations. All of the results are thought to be as basic hazard factors to safety impediments. It is thus found that the optimum Risk Control Options to remove the hazard factors and to mitigate consequences required are the following two factors: business competition and crewing problems.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2014

Purpose - This research undertakes to understand the trade structures of both China and Japan to strengthen Sino-Japan economic cooperation and examines impediments to trade between the 2 countries to analyze causes which affect trade and to examine improvements in these areas to find out ways of trade expansion. Through this survey of a defined period of time, we can identify the structural factors of trade dependence in the relationship between China and Japan. Research design, data, methodology - The data were collected from Korea Traders Association, Korea Customs Office and UN Comtrade, from which whole table indexes are calculated by author. This research methodology uses trade related indexes to focus on analyzing comparative advantages based on time-series analysis statistics data (2000~2012), by using the analysis index of Trade Intensity Index (TII), Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (RCA) and Trade Specialization Index (TSI). Results - The export ratio for China against Japan was a little higher in 2000 at 2.867 and the export ratio for China against Japan was sustained in 2005. However, it diminished gradually and reached 1.263 in 2012. During the whole period of 2000~2012, the indexes were maintained without any significant change. However, they are still moving closer to -1. Especially, in 2012 it is the closest it has been to -1. Therefore, Japan has a comparative advantage toward export specialization. On the other hand, China has a comparative advantage toward import specialization. For the whole research period, all indexes were much smaller than 1, which means that China has comprehensively had a comparative disadvantage against Japan for the past 10 years when compared to other industries, even though it had improved in 2000. Conclusions - The summary of conclusions based on empirical analysis research are as follows: First, per the Trade Intensity Index of industries between the 2 countries, we can conclude that export ratio index is 2.867, based on the formula, in 2000, which means the export ratio of China against Japan is a little bit higher. Furthermore, the ratios of 2.259 and 1.263 are indicated in 2005 and 2012 respectively which mean the export ratio of China against Japan was maintained in 2005 but was diminishing gradually as the index is 1.263 in 2012. Second, per the Trade Specialization Index of the shipping industry between China and Japan, -0.379 is indicated in 2000, -0.368 in 2005 and -0.568 in 2012. Looking at the whole period of 2000~2012, the indexes were maintained without any significant change. However, they are still moving closer to -1. Especially, in 2012 it is the closest it has been to -1. Third, per the Revealed Comparative Advantage Index of the automobile industry between China and Japan, the RCA indexes in 2005 and 2012 are 0.246 and 0.306 respectively which are still far from 1 even though the index is improved compared to 2000's value of 0.0001. Therefore, the Chinese automobile industry is very much at a comparative disadvantage to that of the Japanese automobile industry.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.47 no.10
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• pp.867-878
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• 2014

Due to the nature of weather radar, blank areas occur due to impediments to observation, such as the ground clutter. Radar beam blockages have resulted in the underestimation rainfall amounts. To overcome these limitations, this study developed the Hybrid Scan Reflectivity (HSR) technique and compared the HSR results with existing methods. As a result, the HSR technique was able to estimate rainfalls in areas from which no reflectivity information was observable using existing methods. In case of estimating rainfalls depending on reflectivity scan techniques and beam-blockage/non beam-blockage, the HSR accuracy is superior. Furthermore, rainfall amounts derived from each method was inputted to the HEC-HMS to examine the accuracy of the flood simulations. The accuracy of the results using the HSR technique in contrast to the RAR calculation system and M-P relation was improved by 7% and 10%(based on correlation coefficients), and 18% and 34%(based on Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency), on average, respectively. Therefore, it is advised that the HSR technique be utilized in the hydrology field to estimate flood discharge more accurately.