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Preliminary Results of Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy using High-dose-rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer (자궁경부암에 항암화학요법과 동시 병용요법으로 외부 방사선조사와 고선량률 강내조사의 예비적 치료 결과)

  • Lee, Kyung-Ja;Lee, Ji-Hye;Lee, Re-Na;Suh, Hyun-Suk
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.24 no.3
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    • pp.171-178
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    • 2006
  • [ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: To determine the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy with high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: From January 2001 to December 2002, 30 patients with cervical cancer were treated with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin and 5-FU) and definitive radiation therapy. The median age was 58 (range $34{\sim}74$) year old. The pathology of the biopsy sections was squamous cell carcinoma in 29 patients and one was adenocarcinoma. The distribution to FIGO staging system was as follows: stage IB, 7 (23%); IIA, 3 (10%); IIB, 12 (40%); IIIA, 3 (10%); IIIB, 5 (17%). All patients received pelvic external beam irradiation (EBRT) to a total dose of $45{\sim}50.4\;Gy$ (median: 50.4 Gy) over $5{\sim}5.5$ weeks. Ir-192 HDR intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) was given after a total dose of 41.4 Gy. HDR-ICBT was performed twice a week, with a fraction point A dose of 4 Gy and median dose to point A was 28 Gy (range: $16{\sim}32\;Gy$) in 7 fractions. The median cumulative biologic effective dose (BED) at point A (EBRT+ICBT) was $88\;Gy_{10}$ (range: $77{\sim}94\;Gy_{10}$). The median cumulative BED at ICRU 38 reference point (EBRT+ICBT) was $131\;Gy_3$ (range: $122{\sim}140\;Gy_3$) at point A, $109\;Gy_3$ (range: $88{\sim}125\;Gy_3$) at the rectum and $111\;Gy_3$ (range: $91{\sim}123\;Gy_3$) at the urinary bladder. Cisplatin ($60\;mg/m^2$) and 5-FU ($1,000\;mg/m^2$) was administered intravenously at 3 weeks interval from the first day of radiation for median 5 (range: $2{\sim}6$) cycles. The assessment was performed at 1 month after completion of radiation therapy by clinical examination and CT scan. The median follow-up time was 36 months (range: $8{\sim}50$ months). $\underline{: The complete response rate after concurrent chemoradiation therapy was 93.3%. The 3-yr actuarial pelvic control rate was 87% and 3-yr actuarial overall survival and disease-free survival rate was 93% and 87%, respectively. The local failure rate was 13% and distant metastatic rate was 3.3%. The crude rate of minor hematologic complications (RTOG grade 1-2) occurred in 3 patients (10%) and one patient had suffered from severe leukopenia (RTOG grade 4) during concurrent treatment. Acute minor enterocolitis (RTOG grade 1-2) occurred in 11 patients (37%) and one patient (3%) was suffered from colon perforation during radiation therapy. Late colitis of RTOG grade 1 occurred in 5 patients (15%). Acute cystitis of RTOG grade 1 occurred in 12 patients (40%) and late cystitis of RTOG grade 2 occurred in one patient (3%). No treatment related death was seen. $\underline{Conclusion}$: The results of this study suggest that the concurrent chemoradiation therapy with HDR brachytherapy could be accepted as an effective and safe treatment for cervical cancer.

Results of Definitive Chemoradiotherapy for Unresectable Esophageal Cancer (절제 불가능한 식도암의 근치적 항암화학방사선치료의 성적)

  • Noh, O-Kyu;Je, Hyoung-Uk;Kim, Sung-Bae;Lee, Gin-Hyug;Park, Seung-Il;Lee, Sang-Wook;Song, Si-Yeol;Ahn, Seung-Do;Choi, Eun-Kyung;Kim, Jong-Hoon
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.26 no.4
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    • pp.195-203
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    • 2008
  • Purpose: To investigate the treatment outcome and failure patterns after definitive chemoradiation therapy in locally advanced, unresectable esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: From February 1994 to December 2002, 168 patients with locally advanced unresectable or medically inoperable esophageal cancer were treated by definitive chemoradiation therapy. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) ($42{\sim}46\;Gy$) was delivered to the region encompassing the primary tumor and involved lymph nodes, while the supraclavicular fossa and celiac area were included in the treatment area as a function of disease location. The administered cone-down radiation dose to the gross tumor went up to $54{\sim}66\;Gy$, while the fraction size of the EBRT was 1.8-2.0 Gy/fraction qd or 1.2 Gy/fraction bid. An optional high dose rate (HDR) intraluminal brachytherapy (BT) boost was also administered (Ir-192, $9{\sim}12\;Gy/3{\sim}4\;fx$). Two cycles of concurrent FP chemotherapy (5-FU $1,000\;mg/m^2$/day, days $2{\sim}6$, $30{\sim}34$, cisplatin $60\;mg/m^2$/day, days 1, 29) were delivered during radiotherapy with the addition of two more cycles. Results: One hundred sixty patients were analyzable for this review [median follow-up time: 10 months (range $1{\sim}149$ months)). The number of patients within AJCC stages I, II, III, and IV was 5 (3.1%), 38 (23.8%), 68 (42.5%), and 49 (30.6%), respectively. A HDR intraluminal BT was performed in 26 patients. The 160 patients had a median EBRT radiation dose of 59.4 Gy (range $44.4{\sim}66$) and a total radiation dose, including BT, of 60 Gy (range $44.4{\sim}72$), while 144 patients received a dose higher than 40 Gy. Despite the treatment, the disease recurrence rate was 101/160 (63.1%). Of these, the patterns of recurrence were local in 20 patients (12.5%), persistent disease and local progression in 61 (38.1%), distant metastasis in 15 (9.4%), and concomitant local and distant failure in 5 (3.1%). The overall survival rate was 31.8% at 2 years and 14.2% at 5 years (median 11.1 months). Disease-free survival was 29.0% at 2 years and 22.7% at 5 years (median 10.4 months). The response to treatment and N-stage were significant factors affecting overall survival. In addition, total radiation dose (${\geq}50\;Gy$ vs. < 50 Gy), BT and fractionation scheme (qd. vs. bid.) were not significant factors for overall survival and disease-free survival. Conclusion: Survival outcome after definitive chemoradiation therapy in unresectable esophageal cancer was comparable to those of other series. The main failure pattern was local recurrence. Survival rate did not improve with increased radiation dose over 50 Gy or the use of brachytherapy or hyperfractionation.

A Prospective Clinical Trial on the Mg Oxidized Clinical Implants (마그네슘 양극산화 임플란트의 성공률에 관한 전향적 임상연구)

  • Im, So-Min;Kim, Dae-Gon;Park, Chan-Jin;Cho, Lee-Ra;Um, Heung-Sik;Lee, Jae-Kwan
    • Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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    • v.27 no.1
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    • pp.25-39
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    • 2011
  • In animal studies, Magnesium (Mg) - incorporated oxidized implants showed significant enhancement of the bone response. This prospective clinical trial was performed to investigate the success rate, implant stability and marginal bone loss of Mg oxidized clinical implant. The experimental protocol was approved by Institutional Review Board of the Gangneung-Wonju National University Dental Hospital. Fifty healthy patients had partial edentulism were included in this study. Mg oxidized clinical implants (Implant M, Shinhung, Korea) were installed and restored with conventional protocol. The patients were recalled at 1, 3, 6 months after functional loading. Implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured and periapical radiographic images were obtained. Amount of marginal bone loss was calculated with calibrated images from periapical radiographs. Repeated measured analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test were used to compare the mean ISQ and bone level. A total of 101 implants were analyzed. The mean ISQ values increased continuously with time lapse from 68.4 at fixture installation to 71.5 at 6 months after loading. Implant stability was correlated with gender, fixture diameter, bone quality and implant sites. The mean marginal bone loss during 6 months after loading was 0.26 mm. There was no failed implant and six-month success rate was 100%. Within the limitations of this study, the six-month success rate of Mg oxidized implant was satisfactory. The implant stability and marginal bone level were excellent. However, further longer clinical studies will be needed to confirm the success of Mg oxidized clinical implant.

Trends and Prospects of N. Korea Military Provocations After the Sinking of ROKS Cheon-an (천안함 폭침 이후 북한의 군사도발 양상과 전망)

  • Kim, Sung-Man
    • Strategy21
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    • s.34
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    • pp.58-92
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    • 2014
  • Even after S. Korea took 5.24 Measure(24 May 2014), N. Korea has not stopped raising provocations such as the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island, electronic and cyber attacks. To make matters worse, the communist country lunched long-range missiles(twice) and conducted 3rd nuclear test, escalating tensions which could possibly lead to an all-out war. Korean Government failed to respond properly. However, escalation into an all-out war was deterred by the CFC immediately carrying out its peacetime duty(CODA). The US made a rapid dispatch of its augmentation forces(Aircraft carrier, nuclear-powered submarine, strategic bomber, F-22) to the Korean Peninsula. In recognition of the importance of the Combined Forces Command, since May 2013 the Park Geun-Hye Administration has been pushing ahead with re-postponement of Wartime Operational Control Transfer(which initially meant the disassembling of the CFC as of 1 December 2015) More recently, there has been a series of unusual indicators from the North. Judging from its inventory of 20 nuclear weapons, 1,000 ballistic missiles and biochemical weapons, it is safe to say that N. Korea has gained at least war deterrence against S. Korea. Normally a nation with nuclear weapons shrink its size of conventional forces, but the North is pursuing the opposite, rather increasing them. In addition, there was a change of war plan by N. Korea in 2010, changing 'Conquering the Korean Peninsula' to 'Negotiation after the seizure of the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area(GSMA)' and establishing detailed plans for wartime projects. The change reflects the chain reaction in which requests from pro-north groups within the South will lead to the proclamation of war. Kim, Jeong-Un, leader of N. Korean regime, sent threatening messages using words such as 'exercising a nuclear preemptive strike right' and 'burning of Seoul'. Nam, Jae-June, Director of National Intelligence Service, stated that Kim, Jung-Un is throwing big talks, saying communization of the entire Korean Peninsula will come within the time frame of 3 years. Kim, Gwan-Jin, Defense Minister, shared an alarming message that there is a high possibility that the North will raise local provocations or a full-fledged war whenever while putting much emphasis on defense posture. As for the response concept of the Korean Government, it has been decided that 'ROK·US Combined Local Provocation Counter-Measure' will be adopted to act against local provocations from the North. Major provocation types include ▲ violation of the Northern Limit Line(NLL) with mobilization of military ships ▲ artillery provocations on Northwestern Islands ▲ low altitude airborne intrusion ▲ rear infiltration of SOF ▲ local conflicts within the Military Demarcation Line(MDL) ▲ attacking friendly ships by submarines. Counter-measures currently established by the US involves the support from USFK and USFJ. In order to keep the sworn promise, the US is reinforcing both USFK and USFJ. An all-out war situation will be met by 'CFC OPLAN5027' and 'Tailored Expansion Deterrence Forces' with the CFC playing a central role. The US augmentation forces stands at 690,000 troops, some 160 ships, 2,000 aircraft and this comprise 50% of US total forces, which is estimated to be ninefold of Korean forces. The CFC needs to be in center in handling both local provocations and an all-out war situation. However, the combat power of S. Korean conventional forces is approximately around 80% of that of N. Korea, which has been confirmed from comments made by Kim, Gwan-Jin, Defense Minister, during an interpellation session at the National Assembly. This means that S. Korean forces are not much growing. In particular, asymmetric capabilities of the North is posing a serious threat to the South including WMD, cyber warfare forces, SOF, forces targeting 5 Northwestern Islands, sub-surface and amphibious assault forces. The presence of such threats urgently requires immediate complementary efforts. For complementary efforts, the Korean Government should consider ① reinforcement of Korean forces; putting a stoppage to shrinking military, acquisition of adequate defense budget, building a missile defense and military leadership structure validity review, ② implementation of military tasks against the North; disciplinary measures on the sinking of ROKS Cheon-an/shelling of Yeonpyeong Islands, arrangement of inter-Korean military agreements, drawing lessons from studies on the correlation between aid for N. Korea, execution of inter-Korean Summit and provocations from the North, and ③ bolstering the ROK·US alliance; disregarding wartime operational control transfer plan(disassembling of CFC) and creation of a combined division.

The Physiological Responses and Behavior Characteristics of Sensory Stimulation of ADHD Children: A Systematic Review (ADHD아동의 감각자극에 대한 생리학적 반응 특성과 행동학적 특성: 체계적 고찰)

  • Lee, Na-Hael;Kim, Kyeong-Mi
    • The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.51-60
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    • 2011
  • Objective : The characteristics of physiological responses of ADHD children to sensory stimulation were examined by types of sensory stimulation, measurement tools, and responses. In addition the behavioral characteristics were examined by analyzing items of common problems according to the measuring tool, frequency, and measurement tools. Methods : A systematic review methods were used. Papers published in the Journal between January, 1990 and December 31, 2011 were searched through Riss4U, MEDLINE /PubMed, CINAH. The main terms searched were "ADHD, Children, Sensory processing, Sensory integration, SP, SSP, SOR, TIE, CSP, SEP, EDR", and 15 papers were analyzed. Results : 1. The number of studies on physiological responses of children with ADHD to sensory stimulation was five (33.33 percent), the number of studies on behavioral responses was ten(66.67%), and the number of studies combined the two kinds of study was two (13.33%), where a total of 15 (100%) papers were analyzed. 2. In five studies on the physiological response, there were three studies using tactile and proprioceptive stimulations and two studies using olfactory, auditory, visual, tactile, and vestibular sensories. 3. In ten studies on the behavioral responses, there were five studies using SP, three studies using SSP, two studies using SOR, one study using TIE, and one study using CSP. Conclusion : In the characteristics of physiological responses of children with ADHD children to sensory stimulation, there was in the action potential of the cells in hand region of the primary sensorimotor cortex neurons. It was analyzed that there was an initial state and it appeared show a obvious and fast habituation in the later state; the time of recovery seemed to have many non-specific responses. In the characteristics of behavioral responses, there were inattention / distraction, vestibular processing, sensory processing related to endurance / tone, modulation of sensory input affecting emotional responses, low energy/weak.

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Summer-Autumn Growth Characteristics of Korean Lawn Grass in Response to Fertilizer Supply (시비에 따른 한국잔디의 하추기 생육특성에 관한 연구)

  • 심재성
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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    • v.4 no.3
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    • pp.206-211
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    • 1984
  • The influence of fertilizer on the growth characteristics in Korean lawn grass was studied from June through October in a experiment. The results were as follows: 1. Maximum dry matter weight of Korean lawn grass was achieved in early in early August when it was $64.3g/m^2$ without fertilizer and $157.9g/m^2$ with fertilizer. On the other hand, the dry matter weight of whole plant including Korean lawn grass reached the maximum in late September, which was late, to some extent, compared with that if pure Korean lawn grass, presumably associated with seed maturing period of $C_4$ type plants. 2. Notable positive effect on leaf blade and non-leaf part weight in Korean lawn grass was also detected. However, the rate of dry matter occupied by non-leaf part was markedly increased by fertilizer application. 3. The dry matter portion occupied by Korean lawn grass the in total dry matter weight of whole plant was significantly decreased as time went by, particularly in case of fertilizer application. 4. Fertilizer, which might imply an increased potential of tiller numbers according to fertilizer. 5. In general, the seasonal change pattern of the rhizome of Korean lawn grass coincided with that of the aboveground organs: Its maximum dry matter weight achieved from late August to early September was $194.2g/m^2$ with nil fertilizer, and, with fertilizer, $259.7g/m^2$, of which figures were equivalent to be increased to 33.7%, compared to that with nil fertilizer. Applying fertilizer increased the weight of root: The highest values were $36.7g/m^2$ with nil fertilizer and $80.9g/m^2$ with fertilizer.

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A Double-Blind Comparison of Paroxetine and Amitriptyline in the Treatment of Depression Accompanied by Alcoholism : Behavioral Side Effects during the First 2 Weeks of Treatment (주정중독에 동반된 우울증의 치료에서 Paroxetine과 Amitriptyline의 이중맹 비교 : 치료초기 2주 동안의 행동학적 부작용)

  • Yoon, Jin-Sang;Yoon, Bo-Hyun;Choi, Tae-Seok;Kim, Yong-Bum;Lee, Hyung-Yung
    • Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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    • v.3 no.2
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    • pp.277-287
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    • 1996
  • Objective : It has been proposed that cognition and related aspects of mental functioning are decreased in depression as well as in alcoholism. The objective of the study was to compare behavioral side effects of paroxetine and amitriptyline in depressed patients accompanied by alcoholism. The focused comparisons were drug effects concerning psychomotor performance, cognitive function, sleep and daytime sleepiness during the first 2 weeks of treatment. Methods : After an alcohol detoxification period(3 weeks) and a washout period(1 week), a total of 20 male inpatients with alcohol use disorder (DSM-IV), who also had a major depressive episode(DSM-IV), were treated double-blind with paroxetine 20mg/day(n=10) or amitriptyline 25mg/day(n=10) for 2 weeks. All patients were required to have a scare of at least 18 respectively on bath the Hamilton Rating Scale far Depression(HAM-D) and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) at pre-drug baseline. Patients randomized to paroxetine received active medication in the morning and placebo in the evening whereas those randomized to amitriptyline received active medication in the evening and placebo in the morning. All patients performed the various tasks in a test battery at baseline and at days 3, 7 and 14. The test battery included : critical flicker fusion threshold for sensory information processing capacity : choice reaction time for gross psychomotor performance : tracking accuracy and latency of response to peripheral stimulus as a measure of line sensorimotor co-ordination and divided attention : digit symbol substitution as a measure of sustained attention and concentration. To rate perceived sleep and daytime sleepiness, 10cm line Visual analogue scales were employed at baseline and at days 3, 7 and 14. The subjective rating scales were adapted far this study from Leeds sleep Evaluation Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In addition a comprehensive side effect assessment, using the UKU side effect rating scale, was carried out at baseline and at days 7 and 14. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated using HAM-D, BDI and clinical global impression far severity and improvement at days 7 and 14. Results : The pattern of results indicated thai paroxetine improved performance an mast of the lest variables and also improved sleep with no effect on daytime sleepiness aver the study period. In contrast, amitriptyline produced disruption of performance on same tests and improved sleep with increased daytime sleepiness in particular at day 3. On the UKU side effect rating scale, mare side effects were registered an amitriptyline. The therapeutic efficacy was observed in favor of paroxetine early in day 7. Conclusion : These results demonstrated thai paroxetine in much better than amitriptyline for the treatment of depressed patients accompained by alcoholism at least in terms of behavioral safety and tolerability, furthermore the results may assist in explaining the therapeutic outcome of paroxetine. For example, and earlier onset of antidepressant action of paroxetine may be caused by early improved cognitive function or by contributing to good compliance with treatment.

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Effect of Sulfur on Corn(Zea mays L.) Seedling Growth under Nutrient Solution Culture (양액재배하(養液栽培下)에서 유황시비(硫黃施肥)가 옥수수(Zea mays L.) 생육(生育)에 미치는 영향(影響))

  • Kim, Moo-Sung;Kim, Se-Young;Oh, Jong-Seo
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.28 no.4
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    • pp.306-311
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    • 1995
  • A nutrient solution culture experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of Suwon Campus, Kyung-Hee University from May 22 to July 10, 1995, to determine the effects of sulful application on seedling growth of Kwanganok and Hwengsungok cultivars of corn. Plants were harvested at weekly interval for seven weeks, at which time plant height, leaf area and dry matter yield of corn seedling were measured. Sulfer was treated with $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$ so that sulfur concentrations of cultural solution are 0, 68, 136 and 204ppm for treatments of without sulfer(-S), control(C), twofold concentration(2S) of control and threefold contration(3S) of control, respectively. The plant height, leaf area and dry matter yield during the seven weeks of Kwanganok cultivar was decreased in order of C>2S>3S>-S, 2S>C>3S>-S and 2S>3S>C>-S application pot, respectively. In Hwengsungok cultivar, those were decreased in order of C>-S>3S>2S, C>3S>2S>-S and C>3S>-S>2S application pot, respectively. The total plant height, leaf area and dry matter yield during the whole period of Kwanganok and Hwengsungok cultivars were decreased in the seedling grown under without sulfur treatment compared with the other sulfur treatments. In Hwengsungok cultivar, plant height, leaf area and dry matter yield of seedlings were increased more in control sulfur treatment pot than the other sulfur treatment pot during the whole period. The crop growth rates of seedling of both cultivars in all treatments were slowly increased until the 3th week after planting and its were showed up and down CGR's thereafter, but Hwengsungok cultivar with C treatment pot maintained a steady increase in CGR until the end of the experiment period.

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Growth and Physiological Adaptations of Tomato Plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) in Response to Water Scarcity in Soil (토양 수분 결핍에 따른 토마토의 생육과 생리적응)

  • Hwang, Seung-Mi;Kwon, Taek-Ryun;Doh, Eun-Soo;Park, Me-Hea
    • Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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    • v.19 no.4
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    • pp.266-274
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    • 2010
  • This study aim to investigate fundamentally the growth and physiological responses of tomato plants in responses to two different levels of water deficit, a weak drought stress (-25 kPa) and a severe drought stress (-100 kPa) in soil. The two levels of water deficit were maintained using a micro-irrigation system consisted of soil sensors for the real-time monitoring of soil water content and irrigation modules in a greenhouse experiment. Soil water contents were fluctuated throughout the 30 days treatment period but differed between the two treatments with the average -47 kPa in -25 kPa set treatment and the -119 kPa in -100 kPa set treatment. There were significant differences in plant height between the two different soil water statuses in plant height without differences of the number of nodes. The plants grown in the severe water-deficit treatment had greater accumulation of biomass than the plants in the weak water-deficit treatment. The severe water-deficit treatment (-119 kPa) also induced greater leaf area and leaf dry weight of the plants than the weak water-deficit treatment did, even though there was no difference in leaf area per unit dry weight. These results of growth parameters tested in this study indicate that the severe drought could cause an adaptation of tomato plants to the drought stress with the enhancement of biomass and leaf expansion without changes of leaf thickness. Greater relative water content of leaves and lower osmotic potential of sap expressed from turgid leaves were recorded in the severe water deficit treatment than in the weak water deficit treatment. This finding also postulated physiological adaptation to be better water status under drought stress. The drought imposition affected significantly on photosynthesis, water use efficiency and stomatal conductance of tomato plants. The severe water-deficit treatment increased PSII activities and water use efficiency, but decreased stomatal conductance than the weak water-deficit treatment. However, there were no differences between the two treatments in total photosynthetic capacity. Finally, there were no differences in the number and biomass of fruits. These results suggested that tomato plants have an ability to make adaptation to water deficit conditions through changes in leaf morphology, osmotic potentials, and water use efficiency as well as PSII activity. These adaptation responses should be considered in the screening of drought tolerance of tomato plants.

Quality Dimensions Affecting the Effectiveness of a Semantic-Web Search Engine (검색 효과성에 영향을 미치는 시맨틱웹 검색시스템 품질요인에 관한 연구)

  • Han, Dong-Il;Hong, Il-Yoo
    • Asia pacific journal of information systems
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    • v.19 no.1
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    • pp.1-31
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    • 2009
  • This paper empirically examines factors that potentially influence the success of a Web-based semantic search engine. A research model has been proposed that shows the impact of quality-related factors upon the effectiveness of a semantic search engine, based on DeLone and McLean's(2003) information systems success model. An empirical study has been conducted to test hypotheses formulated around the research model, and statistical methods were applied to analyze gathered data and draw conclusions. Implications for academics and practitioners are offered based on the findings of the study. The proposed model includes three quality dimensions of a Web-based semantic search engine-namely, information quality, system quality and service quality. These three dimensions each have measures designed to collectively assess the respective dimension. The model is intended to examine the relationship between measures of these quality dimensions and measures of two dependent constructs, including individuals' net benefit and user satisfaction. Individuals' net benefit was measured by the extent to which the user's information needs were adequately met, whereas user satisfaction was measured by a combination of the perceived satisfaction with search results and the perceived satisfaction with the overall system. A total of 23 hypotheses have been formulated around the model, and a questionnaire survey has been conducted using a functional semantic search website created by KT and Hakia, so as to collect data to validate the model. Copies of a questionnaire form were handed out in person to 160 research associates and employees working in the area of designing and developing semantic search engines. Those who received the form, 148 respondents returned valid responses. The survey form asked respondents to use the given website to answer questions concerning the system. The results of the empirical study have indicated that, of the three quality dimensions, information quality was found to have the strongest association with the effectiveness of a Web-based semantic search engine. This finding is consistent with the observation in the literature that the aspects of the information quality should serve as a basis for evaluating the search outcomes from a semantic search engine. Measures under the information quality dimension that have a positive effect on informational gratification and user satisfaction were found to be recall and currency. Under the system quality dimension, response time and interactivity, were positively related to informational gratification. On the other hand, only one measure under the service quality dimension, reliability was found to have a positive relationship with user satisfaction. The results were based on the seven hypotheses that have been accepted. One may wonder why 15 out of the 23 hypotheses have been rejected and question the theoretical soundness of the model. However, the correlations between independent variables and dependent variables came out to be fairly high. This suggests that the structural equation model yielded results inconsistent with those of coefficient analysis, because the structural equation model intends to examine the relationship among independent variables as well as the relationship between independent variables and dependent variables. The findings offer some useful implications for owners of a semantic search engine, as far as the design and maintenance of the website is concerned. First, the system should be designed to respond to the user's query as fast as possible. Also it should be designed to support the search process by recommending, revising, and choosing a search query, so as to maximize users' interactions with the system. Second, the system should present search results with maximum recall and currency to effectively meet the users' expectations. Third, it should be capable of providing online services in a reliable and trustworthy manner. Finally, effective increase in user satisfaction requires the improvement of quality factors associated with a semantic search engine, which would in turn help increase the informational gratification for users. The proposed model can serve as a useful framework for measuring the success of a Web-based semantic search engine. Applying the search engine success framework to the measurement of search engine effectiveness has the potential to provide an outline of what areas of a semantic search engine needs improvement, in order to better meet information needs of users. Further research will be needed to make this idea a reality.