• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.213-218
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• 1998

A novel in situ-gelling and mucoadhesive acetaminophen liquid suppository was developed to improve the patient compliance of conventional solid suppository. In this study, acetaminophen liquid suppository, Likipe $n_{R}$, ［aminophen/Poloxamer 407/Poloxamer 188/so4ium alginate (5/15/19/0.6%)] with relation temperature at 30-36 "C and suitable gel strength and bioadhesive force, dissolution pattern similar to conventional solid type suppository, Suspe $n_{R}$, was developed. Furthermore, the bioequivalence of two acetaminophen products was evaluated in 16 normal male volunteers (age 22-27 yr, body weight 56-72 kg) following sidle rectal administration. Test product was Likipe $n_{R}$ suppository (Dong-Wha Pharm. Corp., Korea)and reference product was Suspe $n_{R}$204-212 suppository (Hanmi Pharm. Corp., Korea). Both products contain 125 mg of acetaminophen. Four Suppositories of the test and the reference product were administered to the volunteers, respectively, by randomized two period cross-over study (2$\times$2 Latin square method). The determination of acetaminophen was accomplished using HPLC. Average drug concentrations at each sampling time and pharmacokinetic parameters calculated were not significantly different between two products (p>0.05); the area under the curve to last sampling time (24 hr) (AU $Co_{-2}$4h/) (30.14$\pm$8.64 vs 27.98$\pm$ 6.53 $\mu$g .h/ml), maximum plasma concentration ( $C_{max}$) (3.29$\pm$0.87 vs 3.60$\pm$0.66 $\mu$g/ml) and time to maximum plasma concentration ( $T_{max}$) (2.91 $\pm$0.55 vs 2.69$\pm$0.60 h). The differences of mean AUCo $_{24h}$, C-a. and T-between the two products (7.18%, 9.58% and 7.53%, respectively) were less than 20%. The power (1-7) and treatment difference ($\Delta$) for AU $Co_{24h}$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were more than 0.8 and less than 0.2, respectively at $\alpha$=0.1. The confidence limits for AU $Co_{24h}$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ (-0.81 ~13.55%, -1.56~ 17.60 and -3.81 ~18.87%, respectively) were less than $\pm$ 20% at $\alpha$=0.1. These results suggest that the bioavailability of Likipe $n_{R}$ suppository is not significantly different from that of Suspe $n_{R}$ suppsitory. Therefore, two products are bio-equivalent based on the current results.results.lts.sults.results.lts.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.219-224
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• 1998

The bioequivalence of two clarithromvcin products was evaluated with 16 normal male volunteers (age 23-28 yr, body weight 57.5-75.517g) following single oral dose. Test product was ReYon Clarithromycin tablets (ReYon Pharm. Corp., Korea) and reference product was Klarici $d_{R}$ tablets (Abbott Korea). Both products contain 250 mg of clarithromucin. One tablet of the test or the reference product was administered to the volunteers, respectively, by randomized two period cross-over study (2$\times$2 Latin square method). The determination of clarithromycin was accomplished using a modified agar well diffusion bioassay. As a result of the assay validation, the quantification of clarithromycin in human serum by this technique was possible down to 0.03$\mu$g/ml using 100$\mu$l of serum. The coefficient of variation (C.V.) was less than 10%. Average drug concentrations at each sampling time and pharmacokinetic parameters calculated were not significantly different between two products P>0.05); the area under the curve to last sampling time (24 hr) (AU $Co_{24hr}$ (8.10$\pm$ 1.26 vs 8.22$\pm$ 1.627g . hr/ml), AUC from time zero to infinite (AU $Co_{\infty}$) (8.61 $\pm$ 1.28 vs 8.84$\pm$ 1.71 $\mu$g . hr/ml), maximum plasma concentration ( $C_{msx}$) (0.87$\pm$0.22 vs 0.88$\pm$0.19 $\mu$g/ml) and time to maximum plasma concentration ( $T_{max}$) (2.69 $\pm$0.48 vs 2.56$\pm$ 0.51 hr). The differences of mean AU $Co_{24h}$, $C_{msx}$ and $T_{msx}$ between the two products (1.44, 1.39, and 4.65%, respectively) were less than 20%. The power (1-$\beta$) and treatment difference ($\Delta$) for AU $Co_{24hr}$, and $C_{max}$ were more than 0.8 and less than 0.2, respectivly. Although the power for $T_{max}$ was under 0.8, $T_{max}$. of the two products was not significantly different each other (p>0.05). These results suggest that the bioavailability of ReYon Clarithromycin tablets is not significantly different from that of Klarici $d_{R}$ tablets. Therefore, two products are bioequivalent based on the current results. results.sults.sults.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.303-314
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• 2019

Surface permeability and shallow geological structures play significant roles in shaping the groundwater recharge of shallow aquifers. Surface permeability can be characterized by two concepts, intrinsic permeability and hydraulic conductivity, with the latter obtained from previous near-surface geological investigations. Here we propose a hydraulic equation via the cross-correlation analysis of the rainfall-groundwater levels using a regression equation that is based on the cross-correlation between the grain size distribution curve for unconsolidated sediments and the rainfall-groundwater levels measured in the Gyeongju area, Korea, and discuss its application by comparing these results to field-based aquifer test results. The maximum cross-correlation equation between the hydraulic conductivity derived from Zunker's observation equation in a sandy alluvial aquifer and the rainfall-groundwater levels increases as a natural logarithmic function with high correlation coefficients (0.95). A 2.83% difference between the field-based aquifer test and root mean square error is observed when this regression equation is applied to the other observation wells. Therefore, rainfall-groundwater level monitoring data as well as aquifer test are very useful in estimating hydraulic conductivity.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.108 no.3
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• pp.364-371
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• 2019

This study was conducted to provide the basic information for a reasonable forest management plan and sustainable forest management by developing a dominant tree height growth model using diameter at breast height (DBH) and site index curves for Pinus densiflora and Chamaecyparis obtusa growing in Jeolla-do. The altitude, slope, orientation, soil type, height and DBH of a dominant tree, and the ages of trees were measured for 3055 Pinus densiflora trees (611 plots) and 3345 Chamaecyparis obtusa trees (699 plots), and these data were used to develop a customized afforestation map. In the dominant tree height growth model, the relationship to DBH was used in the Petterson, Michailow, and log equations. Also, a dominant tree height growth model in relationship to age used the Chapman-Richards, Schumacher, and Gompertz equations. The Petterson equation, which has a lower mean square error, was used to model dominant tree height growth in relationship to DBH. In the model of dominant tree height growth in relationship to age, three kinds of equations were considered to have little statistical difference. Therefore, the Chapman-Richards equation was chosen for modeling on the national level. Thirtyyears was used as the base age, which is an important factor for estimating the site index curves. In the results, a more varied range of site index family curves with 6-18 was developed for Pinus densiflora, and with 6-22 for Chamaecyparis obtusa. As the new site index curves indicated influences on growth of Pinus densiflora and Chamaecyparis obtusa, a reasonable forest management plan will be possible in the future for Jeolla-do.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2022

Background: Postoperative analgesia (POA) is an important determinant of successful treatment. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has recently gained attention as a promising adjuvant to local anesthetics (LA). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of levobupivacaine (LB) as an adjuvant during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in the extraction of lower impacted third molars (LITM). Methods: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind, parallel-arm, and clinical study was performed on 50 systemically healthy participants who required removal of an asymptomatic LITM. Using a 1:1 distribution, the participants were randomized into two groups (n = 25). Group L (control group) received 1.8 mL of 0.5% LB and 0.2 mL normal saline (placebo) and Group D (study group) received a blend of 1.8 mL of 0.5% LB and 0.2 mL (20 ㎍) DEX. The primary outcome variable was the duration of POA and hemodynamic stability, and the secondary variable was the total number of analgesics required postoperatively for up to 72 h. The participants were requested to record the time of rescue analgesic use and the total number of rescue analgesics taken. The area under the curve was plotted for the total number of analgesics administered. The pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale. Data analysis was performed using paired students and unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The latency, profoundness of anesthesia, and duration of POA were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The differences between mean pain scores at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were found to be significant (each P = 0.0001). Fewer analgesics were required by participants in group D (2.12 ± 0.33) than in L (4.04 ± 0.67), with a significant difference (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Perineurally administered LA with DEX is a safe, effective, and therapeutic approach for improving latency, providing profound POA, and reducing the need for postoperative analgesia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Surveying, Geodesy, Photogrammetry and Cartography
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.207-215
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• 2022

This research has been focused on accessing precision and accuracy of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle)-derived 3-D surveying coordinates. To this end, a highly precise and accurate testing control network had been established by GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) campaign and its network adjustment. The coordinates of the ground control points and the check points were estimated within 1cm accuracy for 95% of the confidence level. FC330 camera mounted on DJI Phantom 4 repeatedly took aerial photos of an experimental area seven times, and then processed them by two widely used software packages. To evaluate the precision and accuracy of the aerial surveys, 3-D coordinates of the ten check points which automatically extracted by software were compared with GNSS solutions. For the 95% confidence level, the standard deviation of two software's result is within 1cm, 2cm, and 4cm for the north-south, east-west, and height direction, and RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) is within 9cm and 8cm for the horizontal, vertical component, respectively. The interest is that the standard deviation is much smaller than RMSE. The F-ratio test was performed to confirm the statistical difference between the two software processing results. For the standard deviation and RMSE of most positional components, exception of RMSE of the height, the null hypothesis of the one-tailed tests was rejected. It indicates that the result of UAV photogrammetry can be different statistically based on the processing software.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.227-235
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• 2022

Background: Abandoned metal mines are classified as vulnerable areas with the highest level of soil contamination among risk regions. People living near abandoned metal mines are at increased risk of exposure to toxic metals. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between soil contamination levels in areas around abandoned metal mine and the blood lead levels of local residents. Moreover, we assess the possibility of using soil contamination levels as a predictive indicator for human exposure level. Methods: Data from the Survey of Residents around Abandoned Metal Mines (2013~2017, n=4,421) and Investigation of Soil Pollution in Abandoned Metal Mines (2000~2011) were used. A random coefficient model was conducted for estimation of the lower level (micro data) of the local resident unit and the upper level (macro data) of the abandoned metal mine unit. Through a fitted model, the variation of blood lead levels among abandoned metal mines was confirmed and the effect of the operationally defined soil contamination level was estimated. Results: Among the total variation in blood lead levels, the variation between abandoned mines was 18.6%, and the variation determined by the upper-level factors such as soil contamination and water contamination was 8.1%, which was statistically significant respectively. There was also a statistically significant difference in the least square mean of blood lead concentration according to the level of soil contamination (p=0.047, low: 2.32 ㎍/dL, middle: 2.38 ㎍/dL, high: 2.59 ㎍/dL). Conclusions: The blood lead concentration of residents living near abandoned metal mines was significantly correlated with the level of soil contamination. Therefore, in biomonitoring for vulnerable areas, operationally defined soil contamination can be used as a predictor for human exposure level to hazardous substances and discrimination of high-risk abandoned metal mines.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2022.05a
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• pp.15-17
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• 2022

In the aftermath of the avian influenza that occurred from the second half of 2020 to the beginning of 2021, 17.8 million laying hens were slaughtered. Although the government invested more than 100 billion won for egg imports as a measure to stabilize prices, the effort was not that easy. The sharp volatility of egg prices negatively affected both consumers and poultry farmers, so measures were needed to stabilize egg prices. To this end, the egg prices were successfully predicted in this study by using the analysis algorithm of a machine learning regression. For price prediction, a total of 8 independent variables, including monthly broiler chicken production statistics for 2012-2021 of the Korean Poultry Association and the slaughter performance of the national statistics portal (kosis), have been selected to be used. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), which indicates the difference between the predicted price and the actual price, is at the level of 103 (won), which can be interpreted as explaining the egg prices relatively well predicted. Accurate prediction of egg prices lead to flexible adjustment of egg production weeks for laying hens, which can help decision-making about stocking of laying hens. This result is expected to help secure egg price stability.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.333-341
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• 2008

In this paper, a new interpolation model for the head related transfer function (HRTF) was proposed. In the method herein, we assume that the impulse response of the HRTF for each azimuth angle is given by linear interpolation of the time-delayed neighboring impulse responses of HRTFs. The time delay of the HRTF for each azimuth angle is given by sum of the sound wave propagation time from the ears to the sound source, which can be estimated by using azimuth angle, the physical shape of the underlying head and the distance between the head and sound source, and the refinement time yielding the minimum mean square error. Moreover, in the proposed model, the interpolation intervals were not fixed but varied, which were determined by minimizing the total number of HRTFs while the synthesized signals have no perceptual difference from the original signals in terms of sound location. To validate the usefulness of the proposed interpolation model, the proposed model was applied to the several HRTFs that were obtained from one dummy-head and three human heads. We used the HRTFs that have 5 degree azimuth angle resolution at 0 degree elevation (horizontal plane). The experimental results showed that using only $30\sim40%$ of the original HRTFs were sufficient for producing the signals that have no audible differences from the original ones in terms of sound location.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.531-550
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• 2023

Purpose: The unique nature of life-and-death healthcare services sets them apart from other service industries. While many studies exist on the relationship between healthcare services and customer satisfaction, most of them focus on mildly ill patients, ignoring the differences between critically ill and non-seriously ill patients. This study discusses the actual quality of healthcare services for patients who are facing life-threatening illnesses and are on life support, as well as their right to protection and dignity. Methods: The survey conducted to 149 patients with the four major illnesses: cancer, heart disease, brain disease and rare and incurable disease, those who have experiences with senior general hospitals. Results: The basic statistics of this study are adequate to represent the four major critical illnesses, and the reliability and validity of this study's hypotheses, which were measured by multiple items, were analyzed, and the internal consistency was judged to be high. In addition, it was found that the convergent validity was good and the discriminant validity was also secured. When examining the goodness of fit of the hypotheses, the SRMR, which is the standardized root mean square of residuals that measures the difference between the covariance matrix of the data variables and the theoretical covariance matrix structure of the model, met the optimal criteria. Conclusion: The academic implications of this study are differentiated from other studies by moving away from evaluating the quality of healthcare services for mildly ill patients and focusing on the rights and dignity of patients with life-threatening illnesses in four senior general hospitals. In terms of academic implications, this study enriches the depth of related studies by demonstrating the right to protection and dignity as a factor of patient-centeredness based on physical environment quality, interaction quality, and outcome quality, which are presented as sub-factors of healthcare quality. We found that the three quality factors classified by Brady and Cronin (2001) are optimized for healthcare quality assessment and management, and that the results of patients' interaction quality assessment can be used to provide a comprehensive quality rating for hospitals. Health and human rights are inextricably linked, so assessing the degree to which rights and dignity are protected can be a superior and more comprehensive measurement tool than traditional health level measures for healthcare organizations. Practical implications: Improving the quality of the physical environment and the quality of outcomes is an important challenge for hospital managers who attract patients with life and death conditions, but given the scale and economics of time, money, and human inputs, improving the quality of interactions and defining them as performance indicators in hospital quality management is an efficient way to create maximum value in the short term.