• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.236-241
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• 2015

Objective : We report on the technical feasibility and limitations of the transmanubrial approach for cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) lesions and emphasize the advantage of bisecting the upper part of the manubrium in an inverted Y-shape. Methods : Thirteen patients who underwent the fourteen transmanubrial approach for various CTJ lesions were enrolled during 2005-2014. For the evaluation of the accessibility for the CTJ lesion, we analyzed the two parallel line defined as a straight line parallel to the inferior and superior plateau of the upper and lower healthy vertebrae, the angle of the two parallel lines and the distance from the sternal notch to lines at the sternum on preoperative magnetic resonance images. Surgical limitations and perspectives, as well as postoperative clinical outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. Results : The CTJ lesions were six metastases, three primary bone tumors, two herniated discs, and one each of a traumatic dislocation with syrinx formation and tuberculous spondylitis and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. If two parallel lines pass below the sternal notch, the manubriotomy should be inevitably performed. The mean preoperative Visual analogue scale score was 8 (range, 5-10), which improved to 4 (range, 0-6) postoperatively. Seven cases showed an increase in Frankel score postoperatively. Conclusion : The spatial relationship between the sternal notch and the two parallel lines to the lesion was rational to determine the feasibility of manubriotomy. The transmanubrial approach for CTJ lesions can achieve favorable clinical outcomes by providing direct decompression of lesion and effective reconstruction.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.258-274
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• 2016

Recently, as fluctuations in annual precipitations continue to grow, the frequency of floods and droughts is rapidly increasing. Especially, since many reservoirs are reported as having less capacity and aging faster than large dams, the damages due to floods and droughts are estimated to become more severe. With this background for the present study, field investigation of reservoirs in Chungnam, Chungbuk, and Chonbuk regions was carried out for disaster prevention and the safety management of agricultural reservoirs. Furthermore, embankment transformations were compared and analyzed after the raising of embankments. Based on design methods for remodeling agricultural reservoirs and the results of embankment raising and the problems which occurred on crest, supplementation to the upstream and downstream slopes, control sector, and spillway should be implemented in the existing reservoir. In regard to this, the condition assessment score of compound member of reservoirs was performed, the Chungnam region score was in the 3.11-4.73 range. In addition, reservoirs in Chungbuk scored in the 4.00-4.49 range, and reservoirs in Chonbuk scored in the 3.90-4.60 range. Applying current precision safety inspection practices to small reservoirs requires economic expenses and time, for which assessment items are too varied and complex. Therefore, subdivided condition assessment items and criteria should be improved and streamlined by deleting, reducing, combining, and selecting only the riskiest factors. In the future, reservoirs should be periodically monitored and systemically managed and rational plans for maintenance and repairs should be used as reinforcement methods.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.253-264
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the association between eating habits and the utilization of dietary supplements (DSs) according to food-related lifestyle (FRL) among Korean adults. Methods: This study included a total of 300 participants (150 men and 150 women) in their 20s to 60s living in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. We identified two groups by factor and cluster analysis: an 'active pursuit' group and a 'passive pursuit' group. Differences in eating habits and DS utilization between the two groups were analyzed by chi-square test and t-test. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of variables on DS consumption according to FRL. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, alcohol drinking frequency, total dietary score, change in DS consumption after coronavirus disease 2019, and current DS consumption (P < 0.05). The proportion who perceived many health benefits of DSs was higher in the 'active pursuit' group than in the 'passive pursuit' group (P = 0.003). The most commonly consumed type of DSs was multivitamins & minerals for the 'active pursuit' group, and omega-3 fatty acids for the 'passive pursuit' group. The 'an active pursuit' group consumed DSs 2.93 times more (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44-5.97) compared to the 'passive pursuit' group, after adjusting for confounders. In the 'active pursuit' group, the health pursuit (odds ratio [OR] = 6.54, 95% CI: 1.44-29.61) and rational consumption pursuit factors (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08-0.83) were associated with DS consumption, whereas only the health pursuit factor had a significant association (OR = 5.37, 95% CI: 2.08-13.88) within the 'passive pursuit' group. However, total dietary score and DSs consumption did not show a relationship. Conclusions: By understanding the consumption characteristics of DSs according to FRL, this can serve as basic data necessary for promoting health through the utilization of DSs and healthy behaviors.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.24-35
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• 2019

In this study, a hotspot analysis was conducted to suggest a new method for interpreting soil heavy-metal contamination data of abandoned metal mines according to statistical significance level. The spatial autocorrelation of the data was analyzed using the Getis-Ord $Gi{\ast}$ statistic in order to check whether soil heavy metal contamination data showing abnormal values appeared concentrated or dispersed in a specific space. As a result, the statistically significant data showing abnormal values in the mine area could be classified as follows: (1) the contamination degree and the hotspot value (z-score) were both high, (2) the contamination degree was high but the z-score was low, (3) the contamination degree was low but the z-score was high and (4) the contamination degree and the z-score were both low. The proposed method can be used to interpret the soil heavy metal contamination data according to the statistical significance level and to support a rational decision for soil contamination management in abandoned mines.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.7 no.12
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• pp.1175-1184
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• 2020

This research examines the personal (i.e., Machiavellianism) and situational factors (i.e., tax climate) that are believed to be psychologically salient aspects in tax compliance. To the best of our knowledge, no research has been carried out to investigate the interaction effect of the two factors. This study uses a paper-and-pencil laboratory experiment 2x2 between-subject factorial design that involved 158 participants. The results indicate that a taxpayer who has a low Machiavellianism score or who is in a high synergistic tax climate reports a higher level of income. In the high synergistic tax climate, where tax norms apply, personal ethics do not play a significant role in tax compliance decisions. Where the synergistic relationship between taxpayer and authorities is low, personal ethics play an important role, i.e., low Machiavellians report a higher reported income than high Machiavellians do. This research contributes to the literature that deviates from the traditional model of tax compliance. Taxpayers are not always rational, but they might pay tax for reasons other than financial motives (Alm, 1991, 2018), that is, personal ethics in this study. This research implies the need for policymakers to consider other approaches rather than only relying on audits and fines.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.219-229
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of preschooler's self-regulation and maternal parenting behavior on preschooler's game immersion. Subjects were 253 4- to 5-year-old preschoolers(118 boys, 135 girls) and their mothers. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The major findings are summarized as follows: (1) preschooler's game immersion differed from preschooler's gender. Boy preschooler had higher score than girl preschooler in game immersion. (2) Both boy and girl preschooler's game immersion was negatively correlated with preschooler's behavioral regulation and emotional regulation, maternal rational guidance, limit-setting and affection. (3) The most influential factor on boy preschooler's game immersion was behavioral regulation. On the other hand, the most influential factor on girl preschooler's game immersion was emotional regulation, and the next influential factor was maternal affection. Results of this study indicate that self-regulation enhancement program should be developed and mothers should be more affective with their preschoolers in order to prevent preschoolers' game immersion.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 1992

This study compares the physician payment of national fee schedule for Korean Medical Insurance with that of the United States based on Resource Based Relative Value Scales (RBRVS) which Hsiao developed in 1988 for the Medicare reimbursement. Through the comparison of two fees schedules, this study is purposed to evaluate the appropriateness of relative values which assigned to each physician services of Korean fee schedule. A total of 264 physician services are selected for the comparison. The ratio of Korean schedule to RBRVS is selected as an index of appropriateness. It the score of index shows large variation among services, the relative value of Korean fee schedule is inappropriate with U.S. RBRVS which was developed recently. The Ratios of Korean schedule to RBRVS are widly variated ; the range of those is 8.1 to 379.3. In subgroups which are regrouped to controll systematic differences between two national fee schedules, these ratios are also variated. Services which are relatively less compensated are management/evaluation services, while services which are relatively more compensated are invasive and imaging services. By the way, the service classification of Korean fee schedule is unclear, specially in management/evalutaion services. Therefore, Korean Medical Insurance fee schedule should be modified to be more balanced and rational.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2015.10a
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• pp.459-462
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• 2015

Korean construction industry made a huge growth over several decades. However, domestic construction market has shrunk in recent years due to the domestic political environments and global economic crisis. Today, the international construction markets become more important to be investigated, and demands for international construction study have risen. The purpose of this study is to search for measures to compare the potential of Southeast Asian countries' construction markets and select strategic target countries where the Korean construction companies pursue to explore for future investments. The research team investigated a range of selection factors which can represent the construction market condition of each country. These factors included the size of the construction industry, economic growth potential, current relationship with Korea, the level of infrastructure development, political situation, etc. After collecting data, each selection factor was scored by experts' analyses and the total score was given to each country. As a result, the rating identified attractive countries for future investments: Myanmar, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. For the target countries, analytical methods were used for in-depth market analysis that can provide comprehensive insight and strategic clue for development of short-/mid-/long-term roadmap and action plans. The research findings would be used to support rational decision making of construction investment advancing to the Southeast Asian economic growth.

• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.7
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• pp.324-329
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• 2024

The aim of the present study is to provide a rational background for silencing the V-set and transmembrane domain containing 2 like (VSTM2L) in consort with recognising soluble VSTM2L against cholangiocarcinoma. A therapeutic target against cholangiocarcinoma was selected using iterative patient partitioning (IPP) calculation, and it was verified by in vitro and in silico analyses. VSTM2L was selected as a potential therapeutic target against cholangiocarcinoma. Silencing the VSTM2L expression significantly attenuated the viability and survival of cholangiocarcinoma cells through blockade of the intracellular signalling pathway. In silico analysis showed that VSTM2L affected the positive regulation of cell growth in cholangiocarcinoma. Liptak's z value revealed that the expression of VSTM2L worsened the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma patients. In addition, soluble VSTM2L was significantly detected in the whole blood of cholangiocarcinoma patients compared with that of healthy donors. Our report reveals that VSTM2L might be the potential therapeutic target and a soluble prognostic biomarker against cholangiocarcinoma.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to focus on the number of brushing strokes among the performance factors and identify if the 10 times stroke of the rolling method is rational. Moreover, we evaluated the changes in oral health knowledge, perception, and behavior after our rolling method instruction. The 10-stroke method of toothbrushing has been regarded as an effective method of removal of dental plaque, although there is little evidence to support this claim. We allocated 40 healthy subjects to two intervention groups. During five visits, we measured a score for dental plaque removal and instructed the subjects on a toothbrushing technique with 5 or 10 strokes per section. At the initial and final visits, subjects completed a questionnaire on one designed specifically for this study about oral health knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the dental plaque removal score between the groups, and the changes in scores within each group over time. We also compared changes in mean scores in oral health knowledge, perceptions and behaviors before and after toothbrushing instruction. We found that the score for dental plaque removal increased with each additional toothbrushing instruction in both groups (p<0.001). However, we found no differences in the dental plaque removal scores between the 5-stroke and 10-stroke groups (p=0.399). The levels of oral health knowledge, perceptions and behaviors increased after the toothbrushing instructions in both groups. Our findings suggest that there is no advantage in emphasizing the 10-stroke method of toothbrushing in an oral health education program.