• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.782-793
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• 2022

The rise in chronic disease not only has a negative effect on people's lives, but it also increases the cost of medical care owing to the increased usage of medical care as health and medical technology improves, life expectancy rises, and rapid population ageing. In such context, this study examined the difference in the disease cost of hypertension according to demographic information and the effect of the initial diagnosis age and treatment period on the cost. This study used the Korean Health Panel Survey from 2010 to 2017, and selected subjects based on health insurance beneficiaries between the ages of 30 and under 80. With the selected data, the direct and indirect costs of disease loss were calculated according to the cost of illness approach, and we constructed a disease-loss ratio cohort considering the age of diagnosis and time of treatment for hypertension. From the results of the study, the annual cost of disease loss for hypertensive patients differed by gender by 110,107 won, and it was found that the cost increased by 1.8 times as the treatment time increased. In addition, when comparing disease loss ratios between the same age groups, it was found that the disease loss ratios between those in their 60s and 70s were affected by treatment time. This study confirmed that hypertension significantly affects the cost of the disease, and not only requires early diagnosis and management, but also preventive efforts to lower the incidence of hypertensive disease must be strengthened.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.84-84
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• 2022

The limit of crop cultivation is moving northward due to the temperature rise by climate change. There is a problem with crop growth if early sowing is performed at a time when the temperature is low. It is difficult to secure crop productivity and cultivation stability due to the low temperature and short cultivation period. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the change in growth characteristics and yield of corn for grain when early sowing is performed in central region of South Korea. This experiment was conducted at experimental field of Suwon in 2021. Three varieties of corn for grain such as Kwangpyeongok, Sinhwangok, and Hwangdaok were sown at intervals of 5 days from 20 March to 15 April. The planting density at this time was sown with a row interval of 70 cm and a plant interval of 25 cm. Nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potassium fertilizers were applied at 17.4 kg, 3.0 kg, and 6.9 kg per 10a, respectively. Phosphoric acid and potassium fertilizers were all applied before sowing and nitrogen fertilizer was applied 50% before sowing and 50% in the fifth leaf period. The corn growth characteristics and yield components were investigated. The seedling establishment rate by sowing date was in the range of 68.5~88.5%, and it showed a difference depending on the variety. The range of days from sowing to tassel and silk emergence by sowing date was 79.9~98.4 and 81.0~98.9 days, respectively. As the sowing date was delayed, the days from sowing to tassel and silk emergence decreased. The growth characteristics and yield of corn by sowing date are as follows. Plant height was the highest at 241.3 cm at the sowing on 25 March, and Stalk diameter was the thickest at 25.6 mm at the sowing on 31 March. The fresh weight per plant was the highest at 728 g at the sowing on 25 March, and the dry weight per plant was the highest at 185 g at the sowing on 31 March. Corn growth characteristics did not show a certain trend depending on the sowing date, and corn growth was more vigorous at the sowing on March 25 and 31 than the others. In the case of ear weight, it was the heaviest with 344 g at the sowing on 25 March, and filled ear length ratio showed a tendency to decrease as the sowing time was delayed. The weight of 100 grains and grain yield per 10a of maize were the highest at 36.0g and 878.7kg/10a, respectively at the sowing on 25 March. Although the growth and yield of corn for grain were good during early sowing in the central region of South Korea, it is necessary to investigate the limit temperature for early sowing of corn by examining the annual variation according to weather conditions.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.195-208
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• 2023

The nodular diaphragm wall (NDW) is a novel type of foundation with favorable engineering characteristics, which has already been utilized in high-rise buildings and high-speed railways. Compared to traditional diaphragm walls, the NDW offers significantly improved vertical bearing capacity due to the presence of nodular parts while reducing construction time and excavation work. Despite its potential, research on the vertical bearing characteristics of NDW requires further study, and the investigation and visualization of its displacement pattern and failure mode are scant. Meanwhile, the measurement of the force component acting on the nodular parts remains challenging. In this paper, the vertical bearing characteristics of NDW are studied in detail through the indoor model test, and the displacement and failure mode of the foundation is analyzed using particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology. The principles and methods for monitoring the force acting on the nodular parts are described in detail. The research results show that the nodular part plays an essential role in the bearing capacity of the NDW, and its maximum load-bearing ratio can reach 30.92%. The existence of the bottom nodular part contributes more to the bearing capacity of the foundation compared to the middle nodular part, and the use of both middle and bottom nodular parts increases the bearing capacity of the foundation by about 9~12% compared to a single nodular part of the NDW. The increase in the number of nodular parts cannot produce a simple superposition effect on the resistance born by the nodular parts since the nodular parts have an insignificant influence on the exertion and distribution of the skin friction of NDW. The existence of the nodular part changes the displacement field of the soil around NDW and increases the displacement influence range of the foundation to a certain extent. For NDWs with three different nodal arrangements, the failure modes of the foundations appear to be local shear failures. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the performance and behavior of NDWs, which will aid in their effective utilization and further research in the field.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1850-1857
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess whether a deep learning (DL) algorithm could enable simultaneous noise reduction and edge sharpening in low-dose lumbar spine CT. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 52 patients (26 male and 26 female; median age, 60.5 years) who had undergone CT-guided lumbar bone biopsy between October 2015 and April 2020. Initial 100-mAs survey images and 50-mAs intraprocedural images were reconstructed by filtered back projection. Denoising was performed using a vendor-agnostic DL model (ClariCT.AI^TM, ClariPI) for the 50-mAS images, and the 50-mAs, denoised 50-mAs, and 100-mAs CT images were compared. Noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and edge rise distance (ERD) for image sharpness were measured. The data were summarized as the mean ± standard deviation for these parameters. Two musculoskeletal radiologists assessed the visibility of the normal anatomical structures. Results: Noise was lower in the denoised 50-mAs images (36.38 ± 7.03 Hounsfield unit [HU]) than the 50-mAs (93.33 ± 25.36 HU) and 100-mAs (63.33 ± 16.09 HU) images (p < 0.001). The SNRs for the images in descending order were as follows: denoised 50-mAs (1.46 ± 0.54), 100-mAs (0.99 ± 0.34), and 50-mAs (0.58 ± 0.18) images (p < 0.001). The denoised 50-mAs images had better edge sharpness than the 100-mAs images at the vertebral body (ERD; 0.94 ± 0.2 mm vs. 1.05 ± 0.24 mm, p = 0.036) and the psoas (ERD; 0.42 ± 0.09 mm vs. 0.50 ± 0.12 mm, p = 0.002). The denoised 50-mAs images significantly improved the visualization of the normal anatomical structures (p < 0.001). Conclusion: DL-based reconstruction may enable simultaneous noise reduction and improvement in image quality with the preservation of edge sharpness on low-dose lumbar spine CT. Investigations on further radiation dose reduction and the clinical applicability of this technique are warranted.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.541-554
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• 2023

The utilization of underground spaces in relation to tunnels and energy/waste storage is on the rise. To ensure the stability of underground spaces, it is crucial to reinforce rock fractures and discontinuities. Discontinuities, such as joints, can weaken the strength of the rock and lead to groundwater inflow into underground spaces. In order to enhance the strength and stability of the area around these discontinuities, rock grouting techniques are employed. However, during rock grouting, it is impossible to visually confirm whether the grouting material is being smoothly injected as intended. Without proper injection, the expected increases in strength, durability, and degree of consolidation may not be achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to predict in advance whether the grouting material is being injected as designed. In this study, we aimed to assess the injection performance based on injection variables such as the water/cement mixture ratio, injection pressure, and injection flow using UDEC (Universal Distinct Element Code) numerical program. Additionally, numerical results were validated by the lab experiment. The results of this study are expected to help optimize variables such as injection material properties, injection time, and pump pressure in the grouting design in the field.

• Korean Circulation Journal
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• v.53 no.12
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• pp.829-839
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: There is limited data on the impact of type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from January 2019 to December 2020 was queried to identify T2MI hospitalizations based on the appropriate International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision-Clinical Modification codes. Monthly trends of COVID-19 and T2MI hospitalizations were evaluated using Joinpoint regression analysis. In addition, the multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used to compare inhospital mortality, coronary angiography use, and resource utilization between 2019 and 2020. Results: A total of 743,535 patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of T2MI were identified in the years 2019 (n=331,180) and 2020 (n=412,355). There was an increasing trend in T2MI hospitalizations throughout the study period corresponding to the increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in 2020. The adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality associated with T2MI hospitalizations were significantly higher in 2020 compared with 2019 (11.1% vs. 8.1%: adjusted odds ratio, 1.19 [1.13-1.26]; p<0.01). In addition, T2MI hospitalizations were associated with lower odds of coronary angiography and higher total hospitalization charges, with no difference in the length of stay in 2020 compared with 2019. Conclusions: We found a significant increase in T2MI hospitalizations with higher in-hospital mortality, total hospitalization costs, and lower coronary angiography use during the early COVID-19 pandemic corresponding to the trends in the rise of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Further research into the factors associated with increased mortality can increase our preparedness for future pandemics.

• Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
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• v.35
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• pp.50.1-50.11
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• 2023

Background: The rise in telecommuting or non-face-to-face work owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has fueled conversations regarding the "right to disconnect." Although evidence suggests that receiving work-related communications through telecommunication devices outside of work hours may lead to various symptoms and illnesses, limited research has been undertaken on these symptoms. This study therefore aims to investigate the correlation between receiving work communications through telecommunication devices after work hours and the occurrence of work-related headaches and eyestrain in full-time, non-shift white-collar workers. Methods: This study used data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. The frequency of using telecommunication devices for work purposes outside of working hours was divided into five categories: "Every day," "Several times a week," "Several times a month," "Rarely," and "Never." Work-related headaches and eyestrain were categorized based on a "yes" or "no" response to the survey questions. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Results: After adjusting for sex, age, income level, education, occupation, workplace size, work hours, and sleep disorders, the odds ratio (OR) of work-related headaches and eyestrain based on frequency of telecommunication device usage were as follows: "rarely" (OR: 1.292; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111-1.503), "several times a month" (OR: 1.551; 95% CI: 1.249-1.926), "several times a week" (OR: 1.474; 95% CI: 1.217-1.784), and "every day" (OR: 1.548; 95% CI: 1.321-1.813). Conclusions: Employees who use telecommunication devices for work after regular hours are more susceptible to experiencing work-related headaches and eyestrain compared to those who do not. However, there is a dearth of research examining the physical and mental health impacts of using telecommunication devices for after-hours work. Furthermore, the existing preventative measures in Korea are insufficient. Consequently, it is imperative to develop effective measures and conduct additional research to address this issue.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.315-332
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• 2005

This study was conducted to assess the nutritional value and the safety of the fermented food wastes (FFW) made by adding lactobacillus spp. and bacillus spp. at the ratio of 3:7, respectively to food wastes collected everywhere, and also to determine effects on the performances, carcass characteristics and economical profitability when FFW was fed to pigs. For swine trial, FFW was formulate to pellet by utilizing different feed ingredients, and its formulated FFW pellet was used in this feeding trial. Treatments were consisted of different ratios (T1: $100+0\%$, T2: $75+25\%$, T3: $50+50\%$, T4: $25+75\%$, T5: $0+100\%$) of FFW pellet to commercial diet. A total of 20 male pigs were allotted to treatments of five groups of four pigs per pen. Experimental period lasted for 4 months. The nutritional composition of FFW was 56.7, 19.5 and $19.5\%$ for moisture, crude protein and ether extract, respectively. Salt content was $0.39\%$. Noxious microorganisms such as salmonella and E. coli were not detected in FFW, and contents of heavy metal and aflatoxin B1 were lower than the standard. Nutritional values of FFW pellet satisfied over $100\%$ of requirements presented in official Korean feeding standard for swine. Feeding trial for pigs showed that feed intakes were significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increasing levels of FFW pellet. T2 treatment was ideal ratio under the consideration of economical value of feeds and body weight gain of pigs. For carcass characteristics, dressing rate ($\%$) was highest in T3, and carcass grades for T2, T3 and T4 treatments were estimated as 'A'. Feed cost for FFW per kg was ${\won}167.95$, which implies $52\%$ of commercial feed cost (${\won}350/kg$). Thus, this result implied the decreased feed cost in the swine farm. Conclusively, the utilization of food wastes as feed source may lead to the reduced environmental pollution and the practice of organic livestock farming. However, our results showed that excessive amount of fermented food wastes supplementation to pigs might give rise to their reduced palatability and delayed growth.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 1973

During the last decade extensive studios on catecholamines have evolved new knowledge in the physiology and biochemistry of adrenergic mechanism. Cardiac muscle, receiving adrenergic fibres from the stellate, cervical and thoracic ganglia, has been repeatedly shown to have a specific capacity to uptake and to store catecholamines. The catecholamine stores in cardiac muscle have also been shown to be important sites for the action of numerous drugs. Under normal condition, a certain level of catecholamines is maintained in the stores and serves as the basis for studying the changes in the catecholamine content of the heart. Because myocardial catecholamines play such important role in the patho-physiology of the heart, it would be interesting to compare the normal level of myocardial catecholamines among various species of animals. An occasional study has dealt with myocardial catecholamines of several species add ages of animals but these have been insufficiently comprehensive to afford a basis for an understanding of the importance of these amines as related to species and ages. The present investigation was undertaken to determine whether or not there is any significance of myocardial catecholamines in the course of the evolution and development of animals. Seasonal changes, sex difference and regional and subcellular distribution of myocardial catecholamines were also examined. The concentration of cardiac catecholamines was determined by the spectrophotofluorometric procedure described by Shore and Olin. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1. As animals phylogenetically progressed larger amounts of catecholamines were resent in their hearts. A negligibly small amount of catecholamine was present in the hearts of the clam, a non-vertebrate. Among the vertebrates, cold-blooded animals (snake, turtle, frog, eel and fish) had less myocardial catecholamines than warm-blooded animals, of which aves (fowl and duck) had less than mammalia (cat, dog, rabbit, rat, cow and pig). The ratio of norepinephrine to epinephrine also was greater as the animals progress phylogenetically. 2. Examination of the regional distribution of cardiac catecholamines in warm-blooded animals showed that the content of the auricle was generally higher than that of the septum and considerably than that of the ventricle, but the differences of contents among these regions were not so marked. 3. In the embryonic chick, cardiac catecholamines were firstly detected on the 4th day of incubation, the time before the cardiac innervation of sympathetic nerves. The concentrations of these catecholamines increased but not markedly on the 6th day of incubation, soon after the innervation of sympathetic nerves to the heart. The level of the cardiac catecholamines fluctuated throughout the remainder of embryonic development. 4. In newborn rat hearts, a considerable amount of catecholamines was present. With the development of the rats, the concentrations of myocardial catecholamines increased. The ratio of epinephrine and norepinephrine fluctuated within the range of 40 to 60 pervent. However, as development progressed, the percentage of norepinephrine continued to rise, attaining the adult value of $80{\sim}90%$ after $45{\sim}60$ days. In contrast, the total amount of epinephrine remained fairly constant throughout the animal's development. 5. No significant sexual differences were observed in the concentration of myocardial catecholamines in the developing rat. 6. The catecholamines in the rabbit hearts increased during the summer season (from May to August) and maintained a fairly constant level in the other seasons of the year. 7. The subcellular distribution of cardiac catecholamines was examined by differential centrifugation of homogenates of cardiac muscles in rabbits, cats and rats. The catecholamines were found to be present approximately 20% in particles of mitochondrial fraction, 45% in particles of microsomal fraction and 35% in soluble supernatant fraction. The particle containing catecholamines in cardiac muscle appears to be two different sizes.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.127-134
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• 1999

This study was performed to obtain the basic data to present rational silvicultural tending plan. It makes these widely distributed pine-oak mixed stand and each of pure stand in middle province on object of this study and do comparative analysis of light condition about stand parameter and natural regeneration according to each slope(north, west and south) conditions of location in central part of South Korea. Sample plots for pine-oak mixed stand and pine and oak pure stand were established on each of southern, northern and western slopes based upon site and growth conditions of the slope. Sample plot was a circle of 0.05ha with a diameter of 25.24 m. A sample plot has between 30 and 40 tree in it. Total 23 sample plots were established; 9 pure pine stands, 8 pine-oak mixed stands. and 6 pure oak stands across lower, middle, upper parts of slopes. Relative light intensity within a stand was' measured by crown- photo(fish-eye lens; 180$^{\circ}$) system through fish-eye lens and by comparing each plot with the denuded through PAR-sensor. The crown closure ratio of pure pine stand (75%) shows much lower than that of mixed stand (90.9%) and pure oak stand (93%). The relative light intensity within a stand showed an opposite result. The crown closure of mixed stands tended to become gradually low as the slope moves from the north to the south, but the relative light Intensity within the stand tended to rise. By analyzing the relationship between the relative light intensity within a stand and stand parameter, light intensity within a stand tended to decrease as the diameter and N/ha increase. Number of oak seedlings and light intensity within a stand is in a straight-line regression relation. In particular, the number of oak seedlings was the highest in mixed stands on the southern slope. But no single pine seedling was found. The unfavorable conditions of l0cm thick litter layer and low relative light intensity in a stand (ranging between 4% and 8%) is considered to prevent pine seeds from germinating.