• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.502-512
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• 2021

Objective: To objectively and subjectively assess and compare the characteristics of monoenergetic images [MEI (+)] and polyenergetic images (PEI) acquired by dual-energy CT (DECT) of patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the images and data of 42 patients with breast cancer who had undergone dual-phase contrast-enhanced DECT from June to September 2019. One standard PEI, five MEI (+) in 10-kiloelectron volt (keV) intervals (range, 40-80 keV), iodine density (ID) maps, iodine overlay images, and Z effective (Z_eff) maps were reconstructed. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were calculated. Multiple quantitative parameters of the malignant breast lesions were compared between the arterial and the venous phase images. Two readers independently assessed lesion conspicuity and performed a morphology analysis. Results: Low keV MEI (+) at 40-50 keV showed increased CNR and SNR_{breast lesion} compared with PEI, especially in the venous phase ([CNR: 40 keV, 20.10; 50 keV, 14.45; vs. PEI, 7.27; p < 0.001], [SNR_{breast lesion}: 40 keV, 21.01; 50 keV, 16.28; vs. PEI, 10.77; p < 0.001]). Multiple quantitative DECT parameters of malignant breast lesions were higher in the venous phase images than in the arterial phase images (p < 0.001). MEI (+) at 40 keV, ID, and Z_eff reconstructions yielded the highest Likert scores for lesion conspicuity. The conspicuity of the mass margin and the visual enhancement were significantly better in 40-keV MEI (+) than in the PEI (p = 0.022, p = 0.033, respectively). Conclusion: Compared with PEI, MEI (+) reconstructions at low keV in the venous phase acquired by DECT improved the objective and subjective assessment of lesion conspicuity in patients with malignant breast lesions. MEI (+) reconstruction acquired by DECT may be helpful for the preoperative evaluation of breast cancer.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.15-25
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• 2024

In this study, the regeneration effect of pressurized water and ultrasonic cleaning was investigated for contaminated filter cloth from the sewage sludge filter press process. For this purpose, contaminated filter cloth was collected from a 3-ton sewage sludge hydrothermal carbon treatment filter press. First, the contamination characteristics were analyzed. According to the location of the filter cloth, air permeability and unit mass were measured, and compared with the values of a new filter cloth. Next, the results were mapped over the entire area to evaluate the contamination characteristics. Finally, pressure cleaning at 3 bar and ultrasound at frequencies of 34, 76, 120, and 168 kHz were performed on the contaminated filter cloth. In addition, the cleaning efficiency was evaluated by 3 levels of contamination degree. As a result, pore contamination occurred mainly at the bottom and both sides of the filter cloth, where the filter material was continuously injected and compressed. Surface contamination appeared evenly over the entire area. As a result of washing, air permeability increased by 1.3-3.1%p and contaminant removal was by 2.7-4.4% under pressure. In ultrasonic cleaning, air permeability increased by 12.5-61.5%p and contaminants were removed by 2.7-29.2%. In ultrasonic cleaning the lower the frequency, the higher air permeability and contaminant removal rate. Also, The higher pore contamination level, the better the air permeability improvement and contaminant removal.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.156-162
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• 2024

Nerve conduction study (NCS) is an essential test for the diagnosis and follow-up of peripheral neuropathy. NCS can objectively quantify peripheral nerve function. NCS is affected by physiological factors such as height, age, body mass index, etc. Hence, the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnosis Medicine (AANEM) is currently forming a Normal Data Task Force (NDTF) to present the normal value, but the number is significantly less. Currently, no research has been carried out on the correlation between nerve conduction speed and height and lower limb length in Koreans. Hence, this study sought to compare the nerve conduction velocity of the lower limbs according to the height and lower limb length. A total of 49 subjects were recruited. When the motor nerve conduction velocity and sensory nerve conduction velocity were compared according to the height and leg length, there was a statistically significant negative correlation of the peroneal and left tibial motor nerves with the height. Also, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed with the superficial peroneal sensory nerve and the sural nerve and the leg length. However, in this study, all the subject are in twentys age, whereas the NDTF is divided by age. Hence, additional studies involving subjects of various age groups are needed.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.249-259
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• 2023

Purpose: Since patients on hemodialysis (HD) are known to be vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many studies were conducted regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in HD patients in Western countries. Here, we assessed antibody response of HD patients for 6 months post-vaccination to identify the duration and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Asian population. Materials and Methods: We compared antibody response of the COVID-19 vaccine in HD patients with healthy volunteers. Patient and control groups had two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and mRNA-1273, respectively. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) was measured before vaccination, 2 weeks after the first dose, 2 and 4 weeks, 3 and 6 months after the second dose. Neutralizing antibody was measured before vaccination and at 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months after second dose. Since the third dose was started in the middle of the study, we analyzed the effect of the third dose as well. Results: Although antibody production was weaker than the control group (n=22), the patient group (n=39) showed an increase in IgG and neutralizing antibody after two doses. And, 21/39 patients and 14/22 participants had a third dose (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 in the patient group, mRNA-1273 in the control group), and it did not affect antibody response in both group. Trend analysis showed IgG and neutralizing antibody did not decrease over time. Age, sex, and HD vintage did not affect antibody production in HD patients. Patients with higher body mass index displayed better seroresponse, while those on immunosuppressants showed poor seroresponse. Conclusion: Two doses of vaccination led to significant antibody response in HD patients, and the antibody did not wane until 6 months.

• Smart Media Journal
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• v.12 no.11
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• pp.57-66
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• 2023

In this paper, we present a study on an AI-based system utilizing the CCTV system within city buses to predict the intentions of boarding and alighting passengers, with the aim of preventing accidents. The proposed system employs the YOLOv7 Pose model to detect passengers, while utilizing an LSTM model to predict intentions of tracked passengers. The system can be installed on the bus's CCTV terminals, allowing for real-time visual confirmation of passengers' intentions throughout driving. It also provides alerts to the driver, mitigating potential accidents during passenger transitions. Test results show accuracy rates of 0.81 for analyzing boarding intentions and 0.79 for predicting alighting intentions onboard. To ensure real-time performance, we verified that a minimum of 5 frames per second analysis is achievable in a GPU environment. his algorithm enhance the safety of passenger transitions during bus operations. In the future, with improved hardware specifications and abundant data collection, the system's expansion into various safety-related metrics is promising. This algorithm is anticipated to play a pivotal role in ensuring safety when autonomous driving becomes commercialized. Additionally, its applicability could extend to other modes of public transportation, such as subways and all forms of mass transit, contributing to the overall safety of public transportation systems.

• Industry Promotion Research
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 2024

In the rapidly advancing information society, electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets, are increasingly digitized and equipped with high-performance features such as flexible displays. This study focused on optimizing the manufacturing process for Transparent Conductive Films (TCF) by using the cost-effective conductive polymer PEDOT and transparent substrate PET as alternatives to expensive materials in flexible display technology. The variables considered are production speed (m/min), coating maximum temperature (℃), and PEDOT supply speed (rpm), with surface resistivity (Ω/□) as the response parameter, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Optimization results indicate the ideal conditions for production: a speed of 22.16 m/min, coating temperature of 125.28℃, and PEDOT supply at 522.79 rpm. Statistical analysis validates the reliability of the results (F value: 18.37, P-value: < 0.0001, R²: 0.9430). Under optimal conditions, the predicted surface resistivity is 145.75 Ω/□, closely aligned with the experimental value of 142.97 Ω/□. Applying these findings to mass production processes is expected to enhance production yields and decrease defect rates compared to current practices. This research provides valuable insights for the advancement of flexible display manufacturing.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.277-288
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• 2024

Objective: We previously found that the incidence of sarcopenia increased with declining glucose metabolism of muscle in patients with treatment-naïve diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and muscle glucometabolism using ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT at baseline and end-of-treatment, analyze the changes in these parameters through treatment, and assess their prognostic values. Materials and Methods: The records of 103 patients with DLBCL (median 54 years [range, 21-76]; male:female, 50:53) were retrospectively reviewed. Skeletal muscle area at the third lumbar vertebral (L3) level was measured, and skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated to determine sarcopenia, defined as SMI < 44.77 cm²/m² and < 32.50 cm²/m² for male and female, respectively. Glucometabolic parameters of the psoas major muscle, including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), were measured at L3 as well. Their changes across treatment were also calculated as ΔSMI, ΔSUVmax, and ΔSUVmean; Δbody mass index was also calculated. Associations between SMI and the metabolic parameters were analyzed, and their associations with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were identified. Results: The incidence of sarcopenia was 29.1% and 36.9% before and after treatment, respectively. SMI (P = 0.004) was lower, and sarcopenia was more frequent (P = 0.011) at end-of-treatment than at baseline. The SUVmax and SUVmean of muscle were lower (P < 0.001) in sarcopenia than in non-sarcopenia at both baseline and end-of-treatment. ΔSMI was positively correlated with ΔSUVmax of muscle (P = 0.022). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that sarcopenia at end-of-treatment was independently negatively associated with PFS (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.469 [1.022-5.965]), while sarcopenia at baseline was independently negatively associated with OS (5.051 [1.453-17.562]). Conclusion: Sarcopenic patients had lower muscle glucometabolism, and the muscular and metabolic changes across treatment were positively correlated. Sarcopenia at baseline and end-of-treatment was negatively associated with the prognosis of DLBCL.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.6
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• pp.1613-1618
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• 2021

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare form of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and primary T-cell lymphoma of the cauda equina is extremely rare. We describe a case involving a 56-year-old female who presented with low back pain and radiating leg pain for 4 months. MRI of the lumbar spine revealed an elongated, multinodular intradural lesion of approximately 10 cm from the L4 body to the S2 body level with iso-signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging, heterogeneous iso- and high-signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging, and a heterogeneous intense enhancement on gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. A peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the cauda equina was diagnosed on the basis of immunohistochemical and T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement analysis after intradural biopsy of the mass.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.111-121
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• 2024

With strength training comes the risk of injury and the benefits of exercise. Lack of knowledge and experience or repetitions at excessive intensity can lead to injury. Adequate feedback on an exercise's progress can increase the exercise's effectiveness and reduce injuries by providing scientific data and psychological motivation. This study aimed to validate EMG equipment and examine the effects of 8 weeks of biofeedback training with wireless electromyography. A correlation analysis between the Noraxon device and Fitsig^®(EMG Prototype), a well-known instrument in the field of research, showed a moderate correlation. Statistically significant differences in humeral circumference, humeral muscle mass, and biceps and triceps strength were found between the left and right sides of the body over time, with no differences in the type of exercise. Feedback training with real-time EMG was found to be favorable for hypertrophic growth and strength improvement. Future studies should be conducted to investigate its application in sports activities further.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.30.1-30.13
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• 2023

Background: Dysmenorrhea and menstrual cycle changes occur in women working shifts. Circadian rhythm disruption and sleep disturbances associated with shift work leads to health problems. We identified chronotypes and the occurrence of insomnia among newly employed university hospital nurses and investigated the association of these factors with menstrual problems. Methods: We conducted pre-placement health examinations for shift workers using self-reported questionnaires between 2018 and 2020. A total of 463 nurses were included in the study. Sociodemographic data, shift work experience, and information on insomnia were collected from health examination data. In addition, details regarding chronotype, dysmenorrhea, irregular and abnormal menstrual cycles, amenorrhea, and contraceptive use were obtained from the questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between chronotype, insomnia, and menstrual problems after controlling for age, body mass index, contraceptive use, amenorrhea, and prior shift work. Results: The prevalence rates of dysmenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles, and longer menstrual cycles were 23.8%, 14.9%, and 4.1%, respectively. The risk of dysmenorrhea increased in the evening-type (odds ratio [OR]: 3.209; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.685-6.113) and those with insomnia (OR: 1.871; 95% CI: 1.074-3.261). Additionally, the risk of an irregular menstrual cycle (OR: 2.698; 95% CI: 1.167-6.237) increased in the evening-type, and the risk of a longer menstrual cycle (OR: 4.008; 95% CI: 1.354-11.864) increased in individuals with insomnia. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dysmenorrhea is promoted in the evening-type and insomnia individuals. There may be an increased risk of irregular menstrual cycles among evening-type nurses and an increased risk of longer menstrual cycles among those with insomnia. Therefore, factors such as evening-type and insomnia should be considered for the prevention of menstrual problems in women performing shift work.