• Title/Summary/Keyword: Product Assessment

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Usability Study of the Elderly Women Using Indoor Driving and Elevating Electric Wheelchairs (실내 주행 및 승강 전동 휠체어를 이용하는 고령 여성의 사용성 연구)

  • Kim, Young-Pil;Hong, Jae-Soo;Ham, Hun-Ju;Hong, Sung-Hee;Ko, Seok-Cheol
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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    • v.21 no.7
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    • pp.419-427
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    • 2020
  • This study was undertaken to address the difficulties and inconveniences of an electric wheelchair. We focused on improving usability of initially completed products by augmenting the prototypes designed in the previous study. For evaluation of usability, 10 elderly women aged over 65 years, capable of movements and physical activities in daily life, were enrolled as subjects. The experimental method included a subjective satisfaction questionnaire evaluation of the elderly women using the target product, and the observation evaluation was achieved using video recording data, etc. Usability evaluation revealed that the elevating sector requires improvement of intuition through separation of the elevating control panel and the driving control panel. Improvements in the driving sector include corrections of the front wheel mechanism or driving control algorithm, UI, and sudden stop system. Transferring section assessment revealed a necessity to secure structures and add structures that support power. We believe that based on the inconveniences and improvements presented in the usability evaluation, appending the existing prototype with complementary products will improve the quality of life of elderly women with limited mobility.

Dietary source of vitamin $B_{12}$ intake and vitamin $B_{12}$ status in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and older living in rural area

  • Kwak, Chung-Shil;Lee, Mee-Sook;Lee, Hae-Jeung;Whang, Jin-Yong;Park, Sang-Chul
    • Nutrition Research and Practice
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    • v.4 no.3
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    • pp.229-234
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    • 2010
  • Recently, we found and analyzed vitamin $B_{12}$ in some Korean traditional plant foods which had not reported, yet. This study was to investigate vitamin $B_{12}$ intake and its dietary sources and the vitamin $B_{12}$ status in the very old elderly Koreans. We measured serum vitamin $B_{12}$ level and estimated the amounts of vitamin $B_{12}$ intake from different dietary sources in female elderly Koreans aged 85 and over who had consumed a relatively low animal traditional diet for the whole life. The average age of the subjects (n = 127) was 98.0 years (85-108 years). The assessment on energy and nutrient intake involved a one-day 24-hour recall, and serum vitamin $B_{12}$ concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Overall diet pattern was not different between the 85-99 yr-old group and centenarians, except centenarians were taking more dairy product. The average ratio of plant food to animal food consumption was 87.5:12.5 in weight. The average vitamin $B_{12}$ intake of our subjects was 3.2 ${\mu}g$, and 52.7% of subjects consumed under estimated average requirement, 2.0 ${\mu}g$/day. On dietary source, 67.3% of dietary vitamin $B_{12}$ was from meat, eggs and fishes and 30.6% was from plant foods, such as soybean-fermented foods, seaweeds, and kimchi. The average serum vitamin $B_{12}$ concentration was 450.5 pg/mL, and low serum vitamin $B_{12}$ (< 200 pg/mL) was found in 9.6% of subjects. Dietary vitamin $B_{12}$ intake was significantly lower in subjects with low serum vitamin $B_{12}$ (0.79 ${\mu}g$/day) than those with normal serum vitamin $B_{12}$ (3.47 ${\mu}g$/day). There were no significant difference in vitamin $B_{12}$ intake and its dietary sources and serum vitamin $B_{12}$ level between the 85-99 yr- old group and centenarians. In conclusion, several plant-origin foods including seaweed, soybean-fermented foods, and kimchi, may contribute significantly to good vitamin $B_{12}$ status in very old elderly Koreans.

The Meaning of Differentiation in Rural Development Projects and Its Implications on Resident Assessment (농촌개발사업에서 차별화가 갖는 의미와 주민평가에 주는 함의)

  • Jungtae, Kim
    • Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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    • v.21 no.2
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    • pp.79-90
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    • 2015
  • In empirical studies on rural development projects, differentiation tends to be considered a strategy aimed at increasing the number of visitors. Rural development projects include the improvement of living environment, and the discussion about project goals and evaluation of project results are often focused on the aspect of rural tourism. Thus, subjective benefits of such projects for residents are omitted. This study examines the meaning of differentiation from the perspective of residents and explores the validity of the number of visitors and the possibility of reflecting residents' subjective score as evaluation indicators for a project. To achieve such an objective, this study uses survey data collected from 153 people in 38 comprehensive development projects in areas of Eup and Myeon, Korea. The results of this study show that differentiation is viewed as a by-product of positive improvement from a rural development project, from the perspective of residents. The effects of rural development are classified into two dimensions: socioeconomic effects and living environmental effects. Landscape improvement is included in the dimension of living environmental effects and an increase in the number of visitors is included in the dimension of socioeconomic effects. As such, they are confirmed to be the factors that determine the level of differentiation. For example, the increase in the number of visitors is confirmed to be a valid indicator of project success, in which two-dimensional characters are reflected. The level of differentiation evaluated by residents is a result of the workings of the above two factors. Unlike in previous studies, the possibility of evaluation based on the perception of residents is confirmed in the evaluation of results. When the level of differentiation is interpreted as the direct result of a project, the number of visitors has an impact on socioeconomic effects, and the project content of landscape improvement has an impact on living environmental effects. The goal of policy and residents is the same in terms of the effort residents may make in maximizing results of a project by themselves; thus, the government's goal is achieved even when a project is carried out under the autonomy of residents. Ultimately, the government should focus on providing conditions in which active citizen participation can not only occur but help to establish a policy direction, which subsequently strengthens the substantial rights of residents.

Assessment of Noah land surface model-based soil moisture using GRACE-observed TWSA and TWSC (GRACE 관측 TWSA와 TWSC를 활용한 Noah 지면모형기반 토양수분 평가)

  • Chun, Jong Ahn;Kim, Seon Tae;Lee, Woo-Seop;Kim, Daeha
    • Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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    • v.53 no.4
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    • pp.285-291
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    • 2020
  • The Noah 3.3 Land Surface Model (LSM) was used to estimate the global soil moisture in this study and these soil moisture datasets were assessed against satellite-based and reanalysis soil moisture products. The Noah 3.3 LSM simulated soil moistures in four soil layers and root-zone soil moistures defined as a depth-weighted average in the first three soil layers (i.e., up to 1.0 m deep). The Noah LSM soil moisture products were then compared with a satellite-based soil moisture dataset (European Space Agency Climate Change Initiatives (ESA CCI) SM v04.4) and reanalysis soil moisture datasets (ERA-interim). In addition, the five major basins (Yangtze, Mekong, Mississippi, Murray-Darling, Amazon) were selected for the assesment with the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)-based Total Water Storage Anomaly (TWSA) and TWS Change (TWSC). The results revealed that high anomaly correlations were found in most of the Asia-Pacific regions including East Asia, South Asia, Australia, and Noth and South America. While the anomaly correlations in the Murray-Darling basin were somewhat low, relatively higher anomaly correlations in the other basins were found. It is concluded that this study can be useful for the development of soil moisture based drought indices and subsequently can be helpful to reduce damages from drought by timely providing an efficacious strategy.

Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics among Different Types of Pale Ale Beer (Pale ale류에 속하는 맥주 신제품의 이화학적 특성 평가)

  • Kim, Ki Hwa;Park, Sue Jee;Kim, Jee Eun;Dong, Hyemin;Park, In Seon;Lee, JaeHwan;Hyun, So Yang;Noh, Bong Soo
    • Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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    • v.45 no.2
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    • pp.142-147
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    • 2013
  • This study was conducted to evaluate and compare new beer (NB) with market beers, e.g., New castle brown ale (NC), Victoria bitter (VB), and Coopers pale ale (CP) using physicochemical parameters. In addition, pattern recognition analyses were carried out using an electronic nose based on mass spectrometry (MS-E nose) and an electronic tongue (E-tongue) for differentiation of the different types of beer. The measured alcohol content of NB was 4.37%. NB was not significantly different compared with other types of beer with regard to bitterness unit, color, and polyphenol content (p<0.05). On the basis of the flavor pattern determined by the MS-E nose, NB was separated by DF1 (first score from discriminant function analysis), while NC, VB, and CP were located in the same group. The result of the E-tongue showed that the different samples could be clearly discriminated; NB was less sour. It was suggested that the discriminant function analysis (DFA) given by the MS-E nose and E-tongue could be used for evaluations during new product development. Furthermore, because of its simplicity, it might be possible to use the validated method for the evaluation of beer.

The Development of HACCP-Based Standardized Recipe and the Quality Assessment of Cook/Chilled Soy Sauce Glazed Mackerel (쿡췰(Cook/Chill)시스템을 이용한 고등어조림의 HACCP 레시피 개발 및 생산과정의 품질평가)

  • Kwak, Tong-Kyung;Lee, Kyung-Eun;Park, Hye-Won;Ryu, Kyung;Hong, Wan-Soo;Choi, Eun-Jung;Jang, Hye-Ja;Kim, Sung-Hee
    • Korean journal of food and cookery science
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    • v.13 no.5
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    • pp.592-601
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    • 1997
  • The purposes of this study were to develop Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point-based standardized recipe applicable to cook/chilled soy sauceglazed mackerel and to evaluate the qualities related to the product flow of this item. After conducting experimental cooking, preliminary test, and analysis of recipes, critical control points were identified, control methods were determined, and HACCP-based recipe was standardized. At each critical control point, time-temperature profile was recorded and microbiological analysis (total aerobic plate counts, psychrotrophic plate count, coliform, and fecal coliform count), chemical analysis (pH, acid value and volatile based nitrogen (VBN)) and sensory evaluation of the item were done. Time-temperature data showed that the time the menu item had passed through temperature danger zone (5∼60$^{\circ}C$) during all phases was 60 min. At rapid cooling, but after cooling at room temperature, the temperature of this menu item did not drop below the ambient temperature. The results of microbiological test were negative throughout all phases following cooking and the results of chemical analysis did not change significantly in terms of storage periods except for VBN which increased on 7th day significantly(p<0.05). After steam/convection oven reheating and microwave oven reheating, the sensory score of the only appearance decreased significantly related to the storage time of overall quality profiles. But significant differences were not detected according to two reheating methods. In conclusion, this HACCP-based recipe was considered as an effective tool for assuring microbial as well as sensory quality of this cook/chilled item.

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An Evaluation of Korea's 20-Year ODA (한국의 공적개발원조 20년의 평가)

  • Lee, Kye Woo;Park, Gi Hoon
    • KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.41-74
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    • 2007
  • This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of Korea's official development assistance (ODA) in terms of improvement in per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of aid recipients, and promotion of Korea's exports and outward foreign direct investments (FDI) to ODA recipients. The assessment has also been done for different groups of aid recipient countries divided by their regional location, income level, and economic freedom. For this purpose, this paper empirically tests the effectiveness of bilateral grants and loans for 163 aid recipient countries during the period of 1990 to 2003. Results show that ODA from Korea had not been able to explain the variations in aid recipient countries' growth in per capita GDP. Provision of aid promoted outward FDI to aid recipient countries during the entire period considered. With respect to exports, provision of aid had facilitated Korea's exports to aid recipient countries, except for the period of 2000~2003. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for future aid policy have been made.

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Post HCV Infection Due to MX Gene Stimulation Produced Post Treatment with Imported and Locally Produced Egyptian Biosimilar IFN

  • Mohamed, Shereen H;Mahmoud, Nora F;Mohamed, Aly F;Kotb, Nahla S
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.16 no.14
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    • pp.5635-5641
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    • 2015
  • Background: Cirrhosis is regarded as a possible end stage of many liver diseases, including viral infection. It occurs when healthy liver tissue becomes damaged and is replaced by scar tissue and finally may lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferons (IFNs)are two general categories, type I and II. Type I includes one beta interferon and over 20 different alpha interferons. Alpha interferons are very similar in how they work, interacting with other proteins on cells like receptors. The main objective of this study was to compare Mx gene productivity post different cell line treatment with imported and Egyptian biosimilar locally produced IFNs, as well as the efficacy of those tested IFNs. Also, an assessment was made of sensitivity of different cell lines as alternatives to that recommended for evaluation of antiviral activity. Materials and Methods: Different cell lines (Vero, MDBK and Wish) were employed to evaluate cytotoxicity using the MTT assay. Antiviral activity was evaluated compared with standard IFN against VSV, Indiana strain -156, on tested rh-IFNs (imported; innovated and Egyptian biosimilar locally produced IFNs) in the pre-treated cell lines previously mentioned. The virus was propagated in the Wish cell line as recommended. Finally we estimated up-regulation of the Mx gene as a biomarker. Results: Data recorded revealed that test IFNs were safe in test cell lines. Viability was around 100%. Locally tested interferon did not realize the international potency limits, while the imported one was accepted compared with the standard IFN. These results were the same either using infectivity titer reduction assay or crystal violet staining of residual non- infected cells. Mx protein production was cell type related and confirmed by the detected Mx gene expressed in imported and locally produced IFN pre-treated cell lines. The expression of the gene was arranged in the order of Vero> wish > MDBK for the imported IFN, while for the Egyptian biosimillar locally produced one it was MDBK> Vero> wish. With regard to the antiviral activity there was a significant difference of imported IFN potency compared with the locally produced IFN (P<0.05), the IFN potential (antiviral activity) was not cell line related and showed non-significant difference for each separate product. Conclusions: Vero cells can be used as an alternative cell line for evaluation of IFN potency in case of unavailable USP recommended cell lines. Alternative potency evaluation assay could be used and proved significant difference in IFN potency in case of local and imported agents. Evaluation of antiviral activity could be used in parallel to viral infectivity reduction assay for better accuracy. Mx gene can be used as a marker for IFN potential.

Optimum Parameter Ranges on Highly Preferred Images: Focus on Dynamic Range, Color, and Contrast (선호도 높은 이미지의 최적 파라미터 범위 연구: 다이내믹 레인지, 컬러, 콘트라스트를 중심으로)

  • Park, Hyung-Ju;Har, Dong-Hwan
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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    • v.13 no.1
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    • pp.9-18
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    • 2013
  • In order to measure the parameters of consumers' preferred image quality, this research suggests image quality assessment factors; dynamic range, color, and contrast. They have both physical image quality factors and psychological characteristics from the previous researches. We found out the specific ranges of preferred image quality metrics. As a result, Digital Zone System meant for dynamic range generally shows 6~10 stop ranges in portrait, nightscape, and landscape. Total RGB mean values represent in portrait (67.2~215.2), nightscape (46~142), and landscape (52~185). Portrait total RGB averages have the widest range, landscape, and nightscape, respectively. Total scene contrast ranges show in portrait (196~589), nightscape (131~575), and landscape (104~767). Especially in portrait, skin tone RGB mean values are in ZONE V as the exposure standard, but practically image consumers' preferred skin tone level is in ZONE IV. Also, total scene versus main subject contrast ratio represents 1:1.2; therefore, we conclude that image consumers prefer the out-of-focus effect in portrait. Throughout this research, we can measure the preferred image quality metrics ranges. Also, we expect the practical and specific dynamic range, color, and contrast information of preferred image quality to positively influence product development.

User-centered information service and a n.0, pplication of sense-making theory (이용자 중심 정보서비스와 Sense-making 이론의 적용)

  • ;Noh, Jin-Goo
    • Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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    • v.28
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    • pp.447-475
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    • 1998
  • We are seeing a shift of the focus of information service from system-centered(data-centered or intermediary-centered) a n.0, pproach to user-centered a n.0, pproach. Sense-making theory is one of the user- centered a n.0, pproaches. This study focused on user-centered information service paradigm concepts of Dervin's sense-making theory and interpreting sense-making theory in the practical context of library services. The sense-making theory is basically a cognitive a n.0, pproach to information-seeking, in that it recognizes information as something that involves internal cognitive processes. The user of information becomes the focus in this sense-making model. The sense-making theory sees information as subjective, situational, and cognitive. It focuses on understanding information within specific contexts and on understanding how information needs develop and how they are satisfied. It regards the user not as a passive receive of external information but as the center in a active, ongoing process of change. It related to the information needs of users. Dervin's method for studying information needs employs the 'situation-gap-use' metaphor. All information needs stem from a discontinuity or 'gap! in one's knowledge. Dervin believes that information needs can be addressed by understanding the process that each individual goes through in experiencing a gap, in trying to resolve it, and in gaining something (especially new knowledge) from the experience. Sense-making is a process; 'sense' is the product of this process. Sense includes 'knowledge'. However, it includes a host of other subjective factors that reflect an individual's interpretations of a situation including intuitions, opinions, hunches, effective responses, evaluations, questions, etc. For several reasons, however, difficulties are encountered if one attempts a more substantial assessment of the theory. First, it has not yet crystallized into a well-defined theory. Secondly, though the theory has aroused general interest, e.g. within LIS, detailed discussion of its strong and weak points is still lacking. A third source of difficulty is that the basic assumptions of the theory have been explicated metaphorically. If sense-making theory is to be really useful, it needs to be interpreted for library settings. But we have found no attempt to construct an information service based on the theory. Because the research tradition is still relatively young, there are many unanswered questions connected, e.g. with the design of information systems. In any case, e.g. intermediary access systems would be more efficient and effective it their planning could be founded on the user-centered a n.0, pproach.

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