• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.148-153
• /
• 2005

Malaria is a re-emerging infectious disease that is spreading to areas where it had been eradicated, such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia. To avoid the mortality from malaria, early detection of the parasite is a very important issue. The peripheral blood smear has been the gold standard method for the diagnosis of malaria infection. Recently, several other methods have been introduced for quantitative detection of malaria parasites. Real time PCR that employs fluorescent labels to enable the continuous monitoring of PCR product formation throughout the reaction has recently been used to detect several human malaria parasites. 18S rRNA sequences from malaria parasites have been amplified using Taqman real time PCR assay. Here, a SYBR Green-based real time quantitative PCR assay for the detection of malaria parasite-especially, Plasmodium vivax - was applied for the evaluation of 26 blood samples from Korean malaria patients. Even though SYBR Green-based real time PCR is easier and cheaper than Taqman-based assay, SYBR Green-based assay cannot be used because 18S rRNA cannot be specifically amplified using 1 primer set. Therefore, we used DBP gene sequences from Plasmodium vivax, which is specific for the SYBR Green based assays. We amplified the DBP gene from the 26 blood samples of malaria patients using SYBR Green based assay and obtained the copy numbers of DBP genes for each sample. Also, we selected optimal reference gene between ACTB and B2M using real time assay to get the stable genes regardless of Malaria titer. Using selected ACTB reference genes, we successfully converted the copy numbers from samples into titer, ${\sharp}$ of parasites per microliter. Using the resultant titer from DBP based SYBER Green assay with ACTB reference gene, we compared the results from our study with the titer from Taqman-based assay. We found that our results showed identical tendency with the results of 18S rRNA Taqman assay, especially in lower titer range. Thus, our DBP gene-utilized real time assay can detect Plasmodium vivax in Korean patient group semi-quantitatively and easily.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.97-105
• /
• 2009

A constructed wetland which was composed of aerobic and anaerobic areas was evaluated for 3 years to effectively treat the sewage produced in farming and fishing communities. For 3 years in a constructed wetland, biochemical oxygen demand(BOD), chemical oxygen demand(COD), suspended solids(SS), total nitrogen(T-N), and total phosphorus(T-P) in effluent were 0.2${\sim}$11.8, 1.0${\sim}$41.9, 1.1${\sim}$6.5, 4${\sim}$60 and 0.02${\sim}$3.51 mg/L, respectively. Removal rate of BOD, COD and SS in effluent were 97, 92 and 99%, respectively, in the third year. As time goes by, removal rate of T-N and T-P in treated water in aerobic area and effluent were gradually increased in a constructed wetland. In the third year, removal rate in effluent were 62 and 73%, respectively. By the seasons, removal rate of BOD, COD, SS, T-N and T-P were 97${\sim}$98, 87${\sim}$91, 99, 43${\sim}$61 and 76${\sim}$86%, respectively. Removal rate of BOD, COD, SS and T-P were not affected by the seasons, but that of T-N in winter and spring were decreased than the other seasons.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.25 no.5
• /
• pp.421-430
• /
• 2004

Clinically, it is almost impossible for a physician to distinguish subtle changes of frequency spectrum by using a stethoscope alone especially in the early stage of thrombus formation. Considering that reliability of mechanical valve is paramount because the failure might end up with patient death, early detection of valve thrombus using noninvasive technique is important. Thus the study was designed to provide a tool for early noninvasive detection of valve thrombus by observing shift of frequency spectrum of acoustic signals with computer aid diagnosis system. A thrombus model was constructed on commercialized mechanical valves using polyurethane or silicon. Polyurethane coating was made on the valve surface, and silicon coating on the sewing ring of the valve. To simulate pannus formation, which is fibrous tissue overgrowth obstructing the valve orifice, the degree of silicone coating on the sewing ring varied from 20％, 40％, 60％ of orifice obstruction. In experiment system, acoustic signals from the valve were measured using microphone and amplifier. The microphone was attached to a coupler to remove environmental noise. Acoustic signals were sampled by an AID converter, frequency spectrum was obtained by the algorithm of spectral analysis. To quantitatively distinguish the frequency peak of the normal valve from that of the thrombosed valves, analysis using a neural network was employed. A return map was applied to evaluate continuous monitoring of valve motion cycle. The in-vivo data also obtained from animals with mechanical valves in circulatory devices as well as patients with mechanical valve replacement for 1 year or longer before. Each spectrum wave showed a primary and secondary peak. The secondary peak showed changes according to the thrombus model. In the mock as well as the animal study, both spectral analysis and 3-layer neural network could differentiate the normal valves from thrombosed valves. In the human study, one of 10 patients showed shift of frequency spectrum, however the presence of valve thrombus was yet to be determined. Conclusively, acoustic signal measurement can be of suggestive as a noninvasive diagnostic tool in early detection of mechanical valve thrombosis.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.44 no.6
• /
• pp.60-72
• /
• 2016

This study aims to suggest strategies of development and management for large parks by examining experimental cases of park governance models related to a shift away from public administration. The shifts towards governance as well as public-private partnership in city parks have involved the need for new public management. This study has analyzed two exemplary cases of Presidio Park and Sydney Harbour National Park in the aspects of planning process and management strategies, as the results derived the meaning and effect of park governance management and is also an essential prerequisite for the achievement of the model. There are six dimensions of research frames--namely policy, governance, partnership, finances and funds, design and maintenance-management, and evaluation-monitoring-taken as the basis for this study. Through the analysis, several key characteristics of these cases were elicited. First, the park planning process must be consistent in carrying a policy from planning to implementation, and furthermore, an independent operation body which can properly authorize an execution and uphold its responsibility from the public could serve in adaptable park services. Second, it has been suggested to build various partnerships with PAs and NGOs, private corporations, community groups, and academic institutes that allow it to expand the diversity of the park activities. Third, there has been experimental exploration to achieve a financially self-sufficient model by establishing internal revenue models and hence allow the reduction of reliance on public finances. The result of this type of park management would allow for improving park quality and make the park space a vital part of the local economy. Fourth, the strategies for a local community's participation are needed to allow the community to become a producer as well as a consumer. This study shows that the direction and significance of the park governance model regarding the fact that the plans sought by the two parks are extending the layout of public-centered discussion to the private sector and the third non-governmental sector including to the local community group. This shows both implications and limitations, such as the risk of privatization through non-governmental activities at the park or the violation of essential functions as a public good due to a profit-generating management policy for securing financial self-sufficiency. At the current point in which plans are under way for the development and management of large parks, a park governance model requires continuous study and expansion of discussion in the future.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.45 no.10
• /
• pp.1213-1218
• /
• 2002

Purpose : Hydronephrosis constitutes a great portion of fetal anomalies screened by prenatal sonogram. The present authors made an attempt to access its natural courses through follow up neonatal hydronephrosis diagnosed by prenatal sonogram. Methods : The study was composed of 23 neonates(36 renal units) who were diagnosed with hydronephrosis through prenatal sonogram screening and confirmed 3-7 days after birth with sonographic evaluation at Kyung Hee University Hospital. The neonates were closely monitored for 12-24 months with renal sonogram, diuretic renogram, intravenous pyelography(IVP) and voiding cystoureterography(VCUG). Results : The underlying diseases were composed of 16 cases(44%) of functional abnormalities, 14 cases(39%) of ureteropelvic junction(UPJ) obstruction, three cases(8%) of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and on case each of multicystic dysplastic kidney, UPJ obstruction with ureteral stenosis and ureterovesical junction(UVJ) obstruction with VUR. The degree of hydronephrosis was divided into three classes according to its severity. In 30 renal units with UPJ obstruction and functional abnormalities, 26(87%) showed mild hydronephrosis, while four(13%) were moderate. During the follow up period, six cases(20%) showed natural resolution of hydronephrosis, 15 cases(50%) showed improvement while two cases(7%) were aggravated with improvement only after surgery of the underlying disease. The cases which showed natural resolution were all mild hydronephrosis at diagnosis and the cases which underwent surgery due to continuous aggravation were mild one case and moderate one case. Conclusion : Those with cases of mild hydronephrosis show rapid natural improvement. On the other hand, in some cases, follow up monitoring reveal aggravation of the situation, emphasizing the necessity for thorough follow up for a long period of time.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
• /
• s.28
• /
• pp.155-180
• /
• 2012

This article is to propose a conceptual framework for the One Source Multi Use (OSMU) strategic model of culture content. In this study, OSMU is defined as a series of marketing activities to increase the value created by culture content. The framework of brand equity strategy is applied to develop the strategic model of OSMU, as both share the same goal - maximization of long term value created by brand or culture content. This article suggests the brand identity-based OSMU strategic model, in which the brand identity of culture content guides, integrates, and coordinates every decision-making of OSMU activities. For the maximization of brand equity value of culture content, the copyright holder of original content should decide the content's brand identity, which should provide the criteria of all decision makings regarding window strategy, adaptation of content to other genre, and merchandising. This brand identity-based OSMU strategic model can not only contribute to the sales of OSMU content, but also the creation of high equity culture content in the long run. Also, the model allows monitoring and evaluation of content's brand equity, which can be used for the strategic adjustment for the sake of long term value of the content. This study is differentiated from previous study on OSMU and expected to invigorate the further discussion on OSMU in several points. First, it broadens the scope of OSMU discussion as it views OSMU as a series of process including feedback. Second, this study points out the need for integration and coordination of various OSMU activities. Third, the strategic focus is laid on the value maximization of the original content, not 'multi used' content. Fourth, the suggested model emphasize the strategic role of copyright holder who takes the charge of the content brand management. Fifth, the model requires discussion on the components of marketing communication in addition to the content itself, which means the model includes the prospects, not only the content consumers, as the major future source for value creation.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.83-99
• /
• 2005

To evaluate environmental charateristics of the South Sea and East China Sea on summer, water and sediment quality were measured in June 2001-2003. Surface layer was affceted by Warm water originated from the high temperature and salinity-Tsushima Warm Current, on the other hand, Yellow Sea Cold Water was spread to the bottom layer in the south-western part of the Jeju island, and salinity at stations near the Yangtze River was decreased below 29psu because of a enormous freshwater discharges. Thermocline-depth was formed at about 10m, and chlorophyll maximum layer was existed in and below the thermocline. COD(Chemical Oxygen Demand), TN(Total Nitrogen), and TP(Total Phosphorus) concentrations showed seawater quality grade II in surface layer of the most area, but concentrations of such as COD, Chl. a, TSS(Total Suspended Solid), and nutrients were greatly increased in the effect area of Yangtze River discharges. Correlations between dissolved inorganic nitrogen, Chl. a and salinity were negative patterns strongly, in contrast, those of inorganic phosphorus, COD and Chl. a were positive, which indicates that phytoplankton biomass and phosphorus are considered as important factors of organic matter distribution and algal growth, respectively. in the study area. The distribution of ignition loss, COD, and $H_2S$ of surface sediment were in the ranges of 2.61-8.81%, $0.64-11.86mgO_2/g-dry$, and ND-0.25 mgS/g-dry, respectively, with relatively high concentration in the eastern part of the study area. Therefore, to effective and sustainable use and management of this area, continuous monitoring and countermeasures about major input sources to the water and sediment, and prediction according to the environmental variation, are necessary.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.601-615
• /
• 1998

Establishing and evaluating science education policies and revising and monitoring the effectiveness of science curriculum should be based upon the results of systematic and scientific research studies. Advanced nations have already been administering and developing national level science assessments for these purposes. The science assessments administered in Korea have been reported having many limitations and problems, and not succeeded in providing data for science education policy making and curriculum reform. The major purpose of the study is developing national level science knowledge assessment system in order to identify longitudinal trends of elementary and secondary school students science knowledge achievements. The research team consisted of science education experts and teachers from various school levels, decided the directions and major elements of national level science knowledge assessment with the consultation of educational evaluation experts. Item developing ability of the researchers was improved by seminars? and workshops on national assessment in advanced nations and developing skills of writing science items. Nearly 500 items were developed and revised. Pilot test was administered with 958 students at various school levels. 380 items were selected and tested with 8766 students, and the characteristics were analyzed in terms of item response theory. The target populations for national level science knowledge assessment are 5th-grade of elementary school, 2nd-grade of middle school, 1st and 2nd-grade of high school students. The proper period for the assessment is February every year. Multi-stage clustered sampling method is desirable and rotated forms are recommendable for the test format. Bridge items should be introduced to compare the results of multiple tests, and various grades. Anchor items should also be used for longitudinal interpretations of the results. The items for elementary school require low to medium abilities, for middle school and first grade of high school require medium to high abilities and for 2nd-grade of high school high abilities. The discrimination ability of the items developed is high.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.298-308
• /
• 1997

Background : Portable devices for measuring peak expiratory flow(PEF) are now of proved value in the diagnosis and management of asthma and many lightweight PEF meters have become available. However, it is necessary to determine whether peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR) measurements measured with peak flowmeters is accurate and reproducible for clinical application. The aim of the present study is to define accuracy, agreement, and precision of mini-Wright peak flow meter(MPFM) against standard pneumotachygraph. Methods : The lung function tests by standard pneumotachygraph and PEFR measurement by MPFM were performed in a random order for 2 hours in 22 normal and 17 asthmatic subjects and also were performed for 3 successive days in 22 normals. Results : The PEFR measured with MPFM was significantly related to the PEFR and $FEV_1$ measured with standard pneumotachygraph in normal and asthmatics(for PEFR, r = 0.92 ; p < 0.001 ; for $FEV_1$, r = 0.78 ; p < 0.001). The accuracy of MPFM was within 100(limits of accuracy recommeded by NAEP) in all the subjects or 22 normal, mean difference from standard pneumotachygraph being 16.5L/min(percentage of difference being 2.90%) or 10.6L/min(percentage of difference being 1.75%), respectively. According to the method proposed by Bland and Altman, the 95% limits of the distribution of differences between MPFM and standard pneumotachygraph after correction of PEFR using our regression equation were +38.2 and -71.5L/min in all the subjects or 20.49~+9.49L/min in 22 normal and was similar to the intraindividual agreements for 3 successive days in normal. There was no statistically significant difference of PEFR measured with MPFM and standard pneumotachygraph among three days(p > 0.05) and the coefficient of variation($2.4{\pm}1.2%$) of PEFR measured with MPFM was significantly lower than that($5.2{\pm}3.5%$) with standard pneumotachygraph in normal (p < 0.05). Conclusion : This results suggest that the MPFM was as accurate and reproducible as standard pneumotachygraph for monitoring of PEFR in the asthmatic subjects.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.48 no.6
• /
• pp.956-963
• /
• 2000

Backgrounds : Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSA) can divided into two groups, positional(PP) and non-positional(NPP) obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, according to the body position while sleeping. In this study, we evaluated the differences of anthropometric data and polysomnographic recordings between the two types of sleep apnea syndrome. Materials : Fifty patients with OSA were divided two groups by Cartwright's criteria. The supine respiratory disturbance index (RDI) was at least two times higher than the lateral RDI in the PP group, and the supine RDI was less than twice the lateral RDI in the NPP group. This patients underwent standardized polysomnographic recordings. The anthropometric data and polysomnographic data were analyzed, statistically. Results : Of all 50 patients, 30% were found to be positional OSA. BMI was significantly higher in the PP group(p<0.05). Total sleep time was significantly longer in the PP group (350.6$\pm$28.2min, 333.3$\pm$46.0min, (p<0.05). Sleep efficiency was high in the PP group(89.6$\pm$6.4%, 85.6$\pm$9.9%, p<0.05). Deep sleep was significantly higher and light sleep was lower in the PP group than in the NPP group but no difference was observed in REM sleep between the two groups. Apnea index(AI) and RDI were significantly lower( 17.0$\pm$10.6, 28.5$\pm$13.3, p<0.05) and mean arterial oxygen saturation was higher in the PP group(92.7$\pm$1.8%. p<0.05) than in the NPP group. Conclusion : Body position during sleep has a profound effect on the frequency and severity of breathing abnormalities in OSA patients. A polysomnographic evaluation for suspected OSA patients must include monitoring of the body position. Breathing function in OSA patients can be improved by controlling their obesity and through postural therapy.