• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.207-213
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• 2023

Computed tomography (CT) images are used as the basis for proton Bragg peak position estimation and treatment plan simulation. During the Hounsfield Unit (HU) based proton stopping power ratio (SPR) estimation, small differences in the patient's density and elemental composition lead to uncertainty in the Bragg peak positions along the path of the proton beam. In this study, we investigated the potential of dual-energy computed tomography image-based proton SPRs prediction accuracy to reduce the uncertainty of Bragg peak position prediction. Single- and dual-energy images of an electron density phantom (CIRS Model 062M electron density phantom, CIRS Inc., Norfolk, VA, USA) were acquired using a computed tomography system (Somatom Definition AS, Siemens Health Care, Forchheim, Germany) to estimate the SPRs of the proton beam. To validate the method, it was compared to the SPRs estimated from standard data provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The results show that the dual-energy image-based method has the potential to improve accuracy in predicting the SPRs of proton beams, and it is expected that further improvements in predicting the position of the proton's Bragg peak will be possible if a wider variety of substitutes with different densities and elemental compositions of the human body are used to predict the SPRs.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1777-1785
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• 2021

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of the Agatston score obtained with the ultra-high-pitch (UHP) acquisition mode using tin-filter spectral shaping (Sn150 kVp) and a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm to reduce the radiation dose. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 114 patients (mean ± standard deviation, 60.3 ± 9.8 years; 74 male) who underwent a standard 120 kVp scan and an additional UHP Sn150 kVp scan for coronary artery calcification scoring (CACS). These two datasets were reconstructed using a standard reconstruction algorithm (120 kVp + Qr36d, protocol A; Sn150 kVp + Qr36d, protocol B). In addition, the Sn150 kVp dataset was reconstructed using a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm (Sn150 kVp + Sa36d, protocol C). The Agatston scores for protocols A and B, as well as protocols A and C, were compared. The agreement between the scores was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot. The radiation doses for the 120 kVp and UHP Sn150 kVp acquisition modes were also compared. Results: No significant difference was observed in the Agatston score for protocols A (median, 63.05; interquartile range [IQR], 0-232.28) and C (median, 60.25; IQR, 0-195.20) (p = 0.060). The mean difference in the Agatston score for protocols A and C was relatively small (-7.82) and with the limits of agreement from -65.20 to 49.56 (ICC = 0.997). The Agatston score for protocol B (median, 34.85; IQR, 0-120.73) was significantly underestimated compared with that for protocol A (p < 0.001). The UHP Sn150 kVp mode facilitated an effective radiation dose reduction by approximately 30% (0.58 vs. 0.82 mSv, p < 0.001) from that associated with the standard 120 kVp mode. Conclusion: The Agatston scores for CACS with the UHP Sn150 kVp mode with a kVp-independent reconstruction algorithm and the standard 120 kVp demonstrated excellent agreement with a small mean difference and narrow agreement limits. The UHP Sn150 kVp mode allowed a significant reduction in the radiation dose.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.1044-1053
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• 2021

Objective: Motion-corrected averaging with a single-shot technique was introduced for faster acquisition of late-gadolinium-enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging while free-breathing. We aimed to evaluate the image quality (IQ) of free-breathing motion-corrected single-shot LGE (moco-ss-LGE) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Materials and Methods: Between April and December 2019, 30 patients (23 men; median age, 48.5; interquartile range [IQR], 36.5-61.3) with HCM were prospectively enrolled. Breath-held single-shot LGE (bh-ss-LGE) and free-breathing moco-ss-LGE images were acquired in random order on a 3T MR system. Semi-quantitative IQ scores, contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs), and quantitative size of myocardial scar were assessed on pairs of bh-ss-LGE and moco-ss-LGE. The mean ± standard deviation of the parameters was obtained. The results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The moco-ss-LGE images had better IQ scores than the bh-ss-LGE images (4.55 ± 0.55 vs. 3.68 ± 0.45, p < 0.001). The CNR of the scar to the remote myocardium (34.46 ± 11.85 vs. 26.13 ± 10.04, p < 0.001), scar to left ventricle (LV) cavity (13.09 ± 7.95 vs. 9.84 ± 6.65, p = 0.030), and LV cavity to remote myocardium (33.12 ± 15.53 vs. 22.69 ± 11.27, p < 0.001) were consistently greater for moco-ss-LGE images than for bh-ss-LGE images. Measurements of scar size did not differ significantly between LGE pairs using the following three different quantification methods: 1) full width at half-maximum method; 23.84 ± 12.88% vs. 24.05 ± 12.81% (p = 0.820), 2) 6-standard deviation method, 15.14 ± 10.78% vs. 15.99 ± 10.99% (p = 0.186), and 3) 3-standard deviation method; 36.51 ± 17.60% vs. 37.50 ± 17.90% (p = 0.785). Conclusion: Motion-corrected averaging may allow for superior IQ and CNRs with free-breathing in single-shot LGE imaging, with a herald of free-breathing moco-ss-LGE as the scar imaging technique of choice for clinical practice.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.83-93
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the value of the myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in predicting myocardial functional outcome after revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO). Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with CTO underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) before and 6 months after revascularization. Three baseline markers of functional outcome were evaluated in the dysfunctional segments assigned to the CTO vessels: ECV, transmural extent of infarction (TEI), and unenhanced rim thickness (RIM). At the global level, the ECV values of the whole myocardium with and without a hyperenhanced region (global and remote ECV) were respectively measured. Results: In per-segment analysis, ECV was superior to TEI and RIM in predicting functional recovery (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.86 vs. 0.75 and 0.73, all p values < 0.010), and it emerged as the only independent predictor of regional functional outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77-0.89; p < 0.001) independent of collateral circulation. In per-patient analysis, global baseline ECV was indicative of ejection fraction (EF) at the follow-up examination (β = -0.61, p < 0.001) and changes in EF (β = -0.57, p = 0.001) in multivariate regression analysis. A patient with global baseline ECV less than 30.0% (AUC, 0.93; sensitivity 94%, specificity 80%) was more likely to demonstrate significant EF improvement (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17-0.85; p = 0.019). Conclusion: Extracellular volume fraction obtained by CMR may provide incremental value for the prediction of functional recovery both at the segmental and global levels in CTO patients, and may facilitate the identification of patients who can benefit from revascularization.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.397-405
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• 1999

Purpose: To clarify the usefulness and the limitation of Digora system/sup (R)/ by evaluating the physical characteristics as the quantitative image on Image Plate(Ip). Materials and Methods: Radiograms were taken by Heliodent MD(Siemens Co.. Germany) with the image plate for adult. Cu-step wedge as reference material. and three pieces of dry mandibular bone. Image analysis was performed by single color enhancement. density measurement with histogram. The relationship between the exposure conditions and the distribution of the pixel values of the image. the variation of pixel values of each step of Cu-step wedge at two different area and Cu-equivalent value of three pieces of dry mandibular bone measure by the conversion equation. Results: There was no linear relationship between the exposure condition and the average pixel value of the image. of which the distribution was not even. The pixel value differences between the center portion and the periphery were ranged from 60 to 70 in vertical plane and from 15 to 26 in horizontal plane. Two plot profile formed at two different areas of the Cu-step wedge were different. The measured Cu-equivalent values showed the discrepancy among the times of measurement. Conclusion: As above results. Image Plate(Ip) of Digora system/sup (R)/ showed the limitation as the quantitative image. The physical property of IP was expected to need to be compensated for the quantitative evaluation of the bone or others

• KIEE International Transactions on Power Engineering
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• v.3A no.3
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• pp.168-176
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• 2003

The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) has installed an 80 MY A Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) at its 154㎸ 'Kang-Jin Substation in South Korea. The device, manufactured by Siemens & Hyusung, has been operational since October 2002. The Korea Electric Power Research Institute (KEPRI), a division of KEPCO was tasked to study operational strategies that could be employed for the UPFC and surrounding reactive support devices concerning problems of low voltages and overloads in the Mokpo & Gwangju areas. Particular apprehension surrounded the possibility of delay in the installation of a new 345㎸ transmission line from 2005 to beyond 2010. The studies were to specifically determine whether these problems could be eliminated by application of a UPFC. The analysis included determining the UPFC operating point under various conditions, investigations of the coordination between the UPFC and a HYDC line terminating in this area, and the design of a supplementary damping controller for the UFPC. This paper summarizes the results of those studies, demonstrating the dynamic characteristics of the operation of this UPFC operation in the Korean power system.

• The Transactions of the Korean Institute of Power Electronics
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.391-395
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• 2008

KEPCO 80MVA UPFC has been operated in Gangjin Substation since May 2003. This UPFC is composed of 40MVA shunt inverter and 40MVA series inverter, and developed in technical cooperation between Hyosung and Siemens. KEPCO has tried to localize UPFC control technique after its installation and developed GTO Thyristor Valve Test Equipment for annual maintenance test. The development of this equipment make it possible to process GTO Thyristor module test automatically and manage historic data systematically, which could improve UPFC reliability.

• New & Renewable Energy
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.20-28
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• 2013

The gasification process has developed to convert coal into the more useful energy and material since decades. Despite the numberous design of ones, entrained flow gasifier of the major companies has had an advantage on the market. Because it has a merit of full-scale and high performance plant. In this paper, the gasification technologies of GE energy, Phillips, Siemens and Shell have been reviewed to compare their characteristics and a high performance gasification process was suggested. And the simulation model of gasifiers using Aspen Plus offered the quantitative comparison data for difference designs. The simulation results revealed the poor performance of the slurry feed than dry design. The corresponding cold gas efficiency of 77% is much lower than the 80.3% for the dry feed cases. The exergy analysis of the difference syngas quenching system showed that chemical quenching is superior to another. The results of analysis recommend the two stage gasifier with dry multi-feeder as the energy effective design.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2011

The purpose of the study is to enhance the vehicle handling stability of the PACE formula vehicle. Required data for the dynamic analysis of the vehicle are as follows: Mass, moment of inertia, and tire's dynamic properties. Mass and moment of inertia data were calculated using Siemens NX 5.0 which results were verified with VIMF measurements of GMDAT. Dynamic data for the tire were supplied by Kumho Tire. Aerodynamic forces play an important role in the formula vehicle which forces were calculated by using Fluent. Full vehicle dynamic analysis using Carsim software has been carried out to find out the improvement of the vehicle stability by changing the shapes of the rear wing.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.11 no.12
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• pp.237-243
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• 2013

Companies engaged in the enterprise, while still at the start will have social responsibility. But recently, more and more companies will shorten the life expectancy of a corporate environment and is also rapidly changing. In this study, the longevity of global enterprises through the company's longevity factor analysis, that has continued to gain corporate answer. DuPont's global corporate giant Siemens and the longevity of the two factors in analyzing the factors that change the business portfolio, risk management, and continuous research and development, trust management, environmental management and other factors have been described. This ongoing internal and external environment analysis and core competencies by strengthening the implementation of responsible management as the core of the upcoming general management are appearing.