• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.309-315
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• 2019

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant neoplasm in women worldwide. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by an infection by the human papillomavirus. Molecular diagnostic methods have emerged to detect the HPV for sensitivity, specificity, and objectivity. In particular, real-time PCR has been introduced to acquire a more sensitive target DNA or RNA. RNA extraction and complementary DNA synthesis are proceeded before performing real-time PCR targeting RNA. To identify an adequate and sensitive cDNA synthesis kit, this study evaluated the two commonly used kits for cDNA synthesis. The results show that the $R^2$ and efficiency (%) of the two cDNA synthesis kits were similar in the cervical cancer cell lines. On the other hand, the Takara kit compared to Invitrogen kit showed P<0.001 in the $10^2$ and $10^3$ SiHa cell count. The Takara kit compared to the Invitrogen kit showed P<0.001 in the $10^1$ and $10^2$ HeLa cell count. Furthermore, 8, 4, 2, 1, and 0.5 ml of forty exfoliated cell samples were used to compare the cDNA synthesis kits. The Takara kit compared to the Invitrogen kit showed P<0.01 in 8, 4, and 1 ml and P<0.05 in 0.5 mL. The study was performed to identify the most appropriate cDNA synthesis kit and suggests that a cDNA synthesis kit could affect the real-time PCR results.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.27-54
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• 2021

Objectives : This review was conducted to validate the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine combined with conventional therapy for rosacea. Methods : Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) reporting the effects of herbal medicine treatment on rosacea were searched through eight electronic databases from 2016 to March 17, 2020. This study collection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviews. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used for the evaluation of the risk of bias in all included RCTs. Mean differences(MD) and Risk ratio(RR) of 95% Confidence intervals(Cls) were calculated and data synthesis was conducted using Review Manager(RevMan, ver.5.4) Results : Eighteen RCTs were included and all trials compared the combined therapy of herbal medicine with conventional western therapy to conventional therapy alone. The effective rate of the combination of herbal medicine with western medicine(RR 1.20, 95% CI : 1.13-1.28, p<0.00001, I²=0%), the effective rate of the combination of herbal medicine with laser-based therapy(RR 1.12, 95% CI : 1.04-1.21, p=0.004, I²=18%) and the effective rate of the combination treatment group using herbal medicine, western medicine and external drugs were all statistically higher that of the control group(RR 1.19, 95% CI : 1.11-1.28, p<0.00001, I²=0%). The score of non transient erythema(MD -0.36, 95% CI : -1.01 0.29, p=0.27, I²=93%), flushing(MD -0.69, 95% CI : -0.97, 0.41, p<0.00001, I²=32%), papules or pustules(MD 0.10, 95% CI : -0.15, 0.35 p=0.44, I²=0%) were also seen in the herbal medicine and western medicine combination group. The overall risk of bias of the included studies was some concerns. No serious adverse effects were observed. Conclusions : This review found the safety and effectiveness of the combined therapy of herbal medicine with conventional western therapy for rosacea.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2021

In this study we analyzed the elution rates of 11 metals from 82 metallic kitchen utensils purchased in the market. The elution frequency of the 11 types of metals was iron > aluminum > chromium, nickel > zinc > copper > lead > arsenic > antimony > stannum > cadmium. For metallic kitchen utensils, the elution rate of heavy metals was 7.3-93.9%, and the average elution concentration was 0.001-13.473 mg/L. The average elution concentration of heavy metals was ranged between none-detected (N. D.) to 30.473 mg/L for non-coated kitchen utensils and 0.000-10.005 mg/L for coated kitchen utensils. The average elution concentration of metals from domestic kitchen utensils ranged from 0.001-25.145 mg/L, and from 0.000-33.518 mg/L for imported kitchen utensils. In particular, aluminum was found to be high in domestic kitchen utensils while iron was high in imported kitchen utensils. The average elution concentration of heavy metals was N.D.-2.670 mg/L for stainless steel, N.D.- 31.575 mg/L for aluminum, and N.D.-307.737 mg/L for iron. The amount of transition to food after cooking was investigated.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.182-193
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• 2022

Purpose: By measuring and evaluating the risk of biodiesel through non-volatile residue (NVR) and flash point and explosion limit measurement at a specific temperature according to ASTM test standards, the risk of chemical fire causative substances is identified and a universal evaluation method By derivation and securing the risk-related data of the material, it can be used for the identification and analysis of the cause of the fire, and it can be applied to the risk assessment of other chemical substances Method: In order to measure the risk of biodiesel, it was measured using the non-volatile residue(NVR) measurement method, which measures how much flammable liquid is generated at a specific temperature. Heating was tested by applying KS M 5000: 2009 Test Method 4111. In addition, the flash point was measured using the method specified in ASTM E659-782005, and the energy supply method was measured using the constant temperature method. In addition, the explosion limit measurement was conducted in accordance with ASTM E 681-04 「Standard test method for concentration limits of flammability of chemicals(Vapors and gases)」 test standard. Result: As a result of checking the amount of combustible liquid by the non-volatile residue (NVR)measurement method, the non-volatile residue(NVR) of general diesel when left at 105±2℃ for 3 hours was about 30% (70% of volatile matter) and about 4% of biodiesel. In addition, similar results were obtained for the non-volatile residue(NVR)heating temperature of 150±2℃, 3 hours and 200±2℃ for 1 hour, and white smoke was generated at 200℃ or higher. In addition, similar values were obtained as a result of experimentally checking the explosion (combustion) limits of general diesel, general diesel containing 20% biodiesel, and 100% biodiesel. Therefore, it was confirmed that the flammability risk did not significantly affect the explosion risk. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested the risk judgment criteria for mixtures through experimental research on flammable mixtures for the purpose of securing the effectiveness, reliability, and reproducibility of the details of the criteria for determining dangerous substances in the existing Dangerous Materials Safety Management Act. It will be possible to provide reference data for the judgment criteria for flammable liquids that are regulated in the field. In addition, if the know-how for each test method is accumulated through this study, it is expected that it will be used as basic data in the research on risk assessment of dangerous substances and as a basis for research on the determination of dangerous substances.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.323-327
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• 2022

The mineral content of Tricholoma matsutake was evaluated for comparison of mineral contents according to the area of cultivation. Ten domestic and thirty Chinese (10 Yanji, 10 Yunnan and 10 Tibet) T. matsutake specimens were assessed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The Na, Mg, K, and Ca contents of domestic T. matsutake were 128.12±85.25 mg/kg, 218.52±105.35 mg/kg, 7,534.58±2,691.52 mg/kg, and 17.69±7.14 mg/kg, respectively, while those of Yanji T. matsutake were 124.89±57.24 mg/kg, 64.07±27.52 mg/kg, 1,439.18±311.04 mg/kg, and 10.88±4.52 mg/kg, respectively. The Na, Mg, K, and Ca contents of Yunnan T. matsutake were 90.78±23.23 mg/kg, 77.40±28.36 mg/kg, 1,446.29±126.33 mg/kg, and 28.42±5.18 mg/kg respectively, while those of Tibet T. matsutake were 143.50±41.54 mg/kg, 124.64±50.18 mg/kg, 3,530.95±2,714.99 mg/kg, and 21.05±8.71 mg/kg, respectively. The Cu contents of domestic, Yanji, Yunnan, and Tibet T. matsutake were 105.43±32.97 mg/kg, 19.92±8.95 mg/kg, 54.51±16.91 mg/kg, and 64.80±23.01 mg/kg, respectively. Both domestic and Chinese T. matsutake samples showed significantly different K, Mg, and Cu levels in this study. Therefore, a comparative evaluation of the K, Mg, and Cu contents of multiple domestic and Chinese T. matsutake varieties is needed to determine the appropriate area of cultivation in the future.

• Journal of Service Research and Studies
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.186-200
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• 2023

This study aims to improve the usability of the white cane, which is walking equipment that most local visually impaired people use and carry when going out, and to contribute to the prevention of safety accidents and the walking rights of visually impaired people by providing improvement and resolution measures for the problems identified. Also, this study is a study on the visually impaired, primarily targeting the 1st to 2nd degree visually impaired people, who cannot go out on their own without walking equipment such as a white cane, corresponding to 20% among approximately 250,000 blind and low vision people in the Korean population. In the study process, the concept has been developed from the user's point of view in order that the white cane becomes a real help in the walking step of the visually impaired and the improvement of usability of the white cane, the main walking equipment for the visually impaired, are done by problem identification through the Double Diamond Model of Design Thinking (Empathize → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test (verify)). As a result of the investigation in the process of Empathy, a total of five issues was synthesized, including an increase in the proportion of the visually impaired people, an insufficient workforce situation to help all the visually impaired, an improvement and advancement of assistive devices essential for the visually impaired, problems of damage, illegal occupation, demolition, maintenance about braille blocks, making braille block paradigms for the visually impaired and for everyone. In Ideate and Prototype steps, situations derived from brainstorming were grouped and the relationship were made through the KJ method, and specific situations and major causes were organized to establish the direction of the concept. The derived solutions and major functions are defined in four categories, and representative situations requiring solutions and major functions are organized into two user scenarios. Ideas were visualized by arranging the virtual Persona and Customer Journey Map according to the situation and producing a prototype through 3D modeling. Finally, in the evaluation, the final concept derived is a device such a smart cane for guidance for the visually impaired as ① a smart cane emphasizing portability + ② compatibility with other electronic devices + ③ a product with safety and convenience.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.2335-2347
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• 2023

As medical facilities are usually built at urban areas, special concrete aggregates and evaluation methods are needed to optimize the design of concrete walls by balancing density, thickness, material composition, cost, and other factors. Carbon treatment rooms require a high radiation shielding requirement, as the neutron yield from carbon therapy is much higher than the neutron yield of protons. In this case study, the maximum carbon energy is 430 MeV/u and the maximum current is 0.27 nA from a hybrid particle therapy system. Hospital or facility construction should consider this requirement to design a special heavy concrete. In this work, magnetite is adopted as the major aggregate. Density is determined mainly by the major aggregate content of magnetite, and a heavy concrete test block was constructed for structural tests. The compressive strength is 35.7 MPa. The density ranges from 3.65 g/cm³ to 4.14 g/cm³, and the iron mass content ranges from 53.78% to 60.38% from the 12 cored sample measurements. It was found that there is a linear relationship between density and iron content, and mixing impurities should be the major reason leading to the nonuniform element and density distribution. The effect of this nonuniformity on radiation shielding properties for a carbon treatment room is investigated by three groups of Monte Carlo simulations. Higher density dominates to reduce shielding thickness. However, a higher content of high-Z elements will weaken the shielding strength, especially at a lower dose rate threshold and vice versa. The weakened side effect of a high iron content on the shielding property is obvious at 2.5 µSv=h. Therefore, we should not blindly pursue high Z content in engineering. If the thickness is constrained to 2 m, then the density can be reduced to 3.3 g/cm³, which will save cost by reducing the magnetite composition with 50.44% iron content. If a higher density of 3.9 g/cm³ with 57.65% iron content is selected for construction, then the thickness of the wall can be reduced to 174.2 cm, which will save space for equipment installation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.297-306
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• 2023

Saemangeum Lake is the largest artificial lake in Korea. The continuous deterioration of lake water quality necessitates the introduction of novel water quality management strategies. Therefore, this study aims to identify the spatiotemporal water quality characteristics of Saemangeum Lake using data from the National Water Quality Measurement Network and provide basic information for water quality management. In the water quality parameters of Saemangeum Lake, water temperature and total phosphorous content were correlated, and salt, total nitrogen content, pH, and chemical oxygen demand were significantly correlated. Other parameters showed a low correlation. The spatial principal component analysis of Saemangeum Lake showed the characteristics of its four zones. The mid-to-downstream section of the river affected by freshwater inflow showed a high nutrient salt concentration, and the deep-water section of the drainage gate and the lake affected by seawater showed a high salt concentration. Two types of water qualities were observed in the intermediate water area where river water and outer sea water were mixed: waters with relatively low salt and high chemical oxygen demand, and waters with relatively low salt and high pH concentration. In the principal component analysis by time, the water quality was divided into four groups based on the observation month. Group I occurred during May and June in late spring and early summer, Group II was in early spring (March-April) and late autumn (November-December), Group III was in winter (January-February), and Group IV was in summer (July-October) during high temperatures. The water quality characteristics of Saemangeum Lake were found to be affected by the inflow of the upper Mangyeong and Dongjin rivers, and the seawater through the Garuk and Shinshi gates installed in the Saemangeum Embankment. In order to achieve the target water quality of Saemangeum Lake, it is necessary to establish water quality management measures for Saemangeum Lake along with pollution source management measures in the upper basin.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.802-811
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• 2023

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a crucial element for rational allocation and sustainable use of marine areas. Particularly, Fishing Activity Protected Areas constitute essential zones accounting for 45.6% designated for sustainable fishing activities. However, the current assessment of these zones does not adequately consider future demands and potential values, necessitating appropriate evaluation methods and predictive tools for long-term planning. In this study, we selected key fish species (Scomber japonicus, Trichiurus lepturus, Engraulis japonicus, and Larimichthys polyactis) within the Fishing Activity Protected Area to predict their distribution and compare it with the current designated zones for evaluating the ability of the prediction tool. Employing the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 6th Assessment Report scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5), we used species distribution models (such as MaxEnt) to assess the movement and distribution changes of these species owing to future variations. The results indicated a 30-50% increase in the distribution area of S. japonicus, T. lepturus, and L. polyactis, whereas the distribution area of E. japonicus decreased by approximately 6-11%. Based on these results, a species richness map for the four key species was created. Within the marine spatial planning boundaries, the overlap between areas rated "high" in species richness and the Fishing Activity Protected Area was approximately 15%, increasing to 21% under the RCP 2.6 scenario and 34% under the RCP 8.5 scenario. These findings can serve as scientific evidence for future evaluations of use zones or changes in reserve areas. The current and predicted distributions of species owing to climate change can address the limitations of current use zone evaluations and contribute to the development of plans for sustainable and beneficial use of marine resources.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.5
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• pp.1207-1217
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• 2021

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (USPCB) of pancreatic and peripancreatic lesions adjacent to critical vessels. Materials and Methods Data were collected retrospectively from 162 patients who underwent USPCB of the pancreas (n = 98), the peripancreatic area adjacent to the portal vein, the paraaortic area adjacent to pancreatic uncinate (n = 34), and lesions on the third duodenal portion (n = 30) during a 10-year period. An automated biopsy gun with an 18-gauge needle was used for biopsies under US guidance. The USPCB results were compared with those of the final follow-up imaging performed postoperatively. The diagnostic accuracy and major complication rate of the USPCB were calculated. Multiple factors were evaluated for the prediction of successful biopsies using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The histopathologic diagnosis from USPCB was correct in 149 (92%) patients. The major complication rate was 3%. Four cases of mesenteric hematomas and one intramural hematoma of the duodenum occurred during the study period. The following factors were significantly associated with successful biopsies: a transmesenteric biopsy route rather than a transgastric or transenteric route; good visualization of targets; and evaluation of the entire US pathway. In addition, the number of biopsies required was less when the biopsy was successful. Conclusion USPCB demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and a low complication rate for the histopathologic diagnosis of pancreatic and peripancreatic lesions adjacent to critical vessels.