• Title/Summary/Keyword: Z-test

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LONG-TERM EVALUATING OF THE REMINERALIZATION OF INTERPROXIMAL CARIES ADJACENT TO GLASS IONOMER RESTORATIONS: A MICRO-CT STUDY (미세 전산화 단층 촬영을 이용한 글라스 아이오노머 수복물의 인접면우식 재광화 효과에 관한 장기간 연구)

  • Lee, Hyeok-Sang;Kim, Young-Jae;Kim, Jung-Wook;Jang, Ki-Taeg
    • Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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    • v.33 no.3
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    • pp.498-503
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    • 2006
  • This in vitro study compared the remineralization of incipient interproximal caries in the presence of three glass ionomer cements (highly-filled glass ionomer cement, compomer, resin-modified glass ionomer cement) and a resin composite(control). The long-term changes in remineralization caused by each material were evaluated by microtomography. Proximal restoration was simulated by placing tooth specimens and the various glass ionomer cements in closed containers with artificial saliva at $37^{\circ}C$ and pH 7.0 for 30 days with constant circulation Tomographic images were obtained with a micro CT scanner at 90, 180, and 270 days, and density-measuring software was used to calculate the micro-density of artificial caries lesions in the specimens. The mean density changes were compared between groups in order to evaluate the effects of remineralization. All data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the post-HOC Tukey multiple comparison test at p<0.05. While the density of artificial caries lesions increased for all treatments, the increases for the three glass ionomer groups were significantly higher than that for the resin group in each three month period. As time went on, the amount of density increase of the glass ionomer groups decreased, and significant differences were found between the remineralization effects of the glass ionomer groups.

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Quality Assurance Program of Electron Beams Using Thermoluminescence Dosimetry (열형광선량계를 이용한 전자선 품질보증 프로그램에 관한 연구)

  • Rah Jeong-Eun;Kim Gwe-Ya;Jeong Hee-Kyo;Shin Dong-Oh;Suh Tae-Suk
    • Progress in Medical Physics
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.62-69
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    • 2005
  • The purpose of this study has been performed to investigate the possibility of external audit program using thermoluminescence dosimetry for electron beam in korea. The TLD system consists of LiF powder, type TLD-700 read with a PCL 3 reader. In order to determine a calibration coefficient of the TLD system, the reference dosimeters are irradiated to 2 Gy in a $^{60}CO$ beam at the KFDA The irradiation is performed under reference conditions is water phantom using the IAEA standard holder for TLD of electron beam. The energy correction factor is determined for LiF powder irradiated of dose to water 2 Gy in electron beams of 6, 9, 12, 16 and 20 MeV (Varian CL 2100C). The dose is determined according to the IAEA TRS-398 and by measurement with a PTW Roos type plane-parallel chamber. The TLD for each electron energy are positioned in water at reference depth. In this study, to verify of the accuracy of dose determination by the TLD system are performed through a 'blind' TLD irradiation. The results of blind test are $2.98\%,\;3.39\%\;and\;0.01\%(1\sigma)$ at 9, 16, 20 MeV, respectively. The value generally agrees within the acceptance level of $5\%$ for electron beam. The results of this study prove the possibility of the TLD quality assurance program for electron beams. It has contributed to the improvement of clinical electron dosimetry in radiotherapy centers.

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A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE MICROLEAKAGE OF PRVENTIVE RESIN RESTORATION USING FLOWABLE COMPOSITE RESIN (유동성 복합 레진을 적용한 예방적 레진 수복물의 미세 누출 양상에 관한 비교 연구)

  • Park, Heon-Jeong;Kim, Jong-Soo;Kim, Yong-Kee
    • Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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    • v.27 no.3
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    • pp.419-430
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    • 2000
  • The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage pattern of preventive resin restoration using conventional composite resin and flowable composite resin that recently developed. 60 sound premolar teeth were allocated to three groups. Flowable composite resin was used for the experimental groups(Group I and II) and conventional resin for the control group(Group III). After composite filling and sealant application, all teeth were thermocycled and evaluated for microleakage under light microscope. Additionally, a variety of voids formed inside restorations were also evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis test and/or Mann-Whitney U-test. The results of the present study were as follows. 1. Microleakage found in all samples was only limited to the interface of restoration margin and enamel. 2. The flowable composite resin groups (Group I, II) generally showed less microleakage than control groups (conventional preventive resin restoration) (p<0.05) 3. Various types of voids were observed in most specimens. Especially, there was a tendency for more and larger voids to be found in group I, II than group III (p<0.05).

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Density Effects on the Size of 2-1 Korean Pine and 1-1 Jack Pine Nursery Stock (잣나무 2-1 묘(苗)와 방크스소나무 1-1 묘(苗)의 생장(生長)에 미치는 밀도효과(密度効果))

  • Ma, Sang Kyu
    • Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.1-8
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    • 1976
  • One of the most common needle leaf species used in planting in Korea is korean pine (Pinus koraiensis S. et Z.), and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) is one of the test species for suitability. The relation of nursery bed density of 2-1 korean pine and 1-1 jack pine was studied at the Kwang Nung Nursery, Central Branch Station of Forest Research Institute, and about 40km north of Seoul. Nursery bed density of 2-1 korean pine, which ranged from 36 to 324 trees per square meters and of 1-1 jack pine, which ranged from 25 to 169 trees per square meters, had a marked effect on caliper, height, dry weight and percent and amount of plantable stock. The soil physical and chemical properties is silt plus clay, 50.55 percent; organic matter, 2.09 percent; total nitrogen, 0.13 percent; available phosphorus, 253.25 ppm; exchangeable potash, 0.46 m.e/100g; and pH, 5.58. As the density of the nursery seedling stand of 2-1 korean pine increases, the average tree height increases (Fig. 1A), but in 1-1 jack pine density do not affect to increase or decrease the average tree height. As the density of nursery bed increases, the average stem caliper (at 2cm above ground line) and dry weight decrease (Fig. 1B), but the decreasing rate is more seriously in 1-1 jack pine than 2-1 korean pine (Fig.5). As increasing the density of nursery bed, the T/R ratio of trees of the test species increase. Also the dry weight of leaf, stem and root parts are decreasing in proportion to the increase of stand density, but the drop rate of jack pine is more rapid than korean pine (table. 1) The patent facts of difference of growth characteristics between 2-1 korean pine and 1-1 jack pine were studied. These facts should be used to select the scale of stand density at the nursery bed or the plantable site. Korean pine is demanded high density, on the other hand in jack pine low density are more suitable to manage the stand density. Stands of comparatively low density had the greatest percentage of high-quality stock, and the stands of high density had less than the high quality trees of low density. An important criterion of the best density is percent and number of high-quality trees produced per square meter of bed area. Stem caliper and stem height of seedling is used in most public nurseries to sort seedling into plantable grades. The stock grade standard has set at 4.5mm caliper and 16cm height of 2-1 korean pine as the minimum desired stem caliper and height. By the result studies, the plantable stock grade standards of 2-1 korean pine used at stem height 16cm and stem caliper 4.5mm from public nurseries should be reformed to stem height 18cm and stem caliper 4.0mm by the growth characteristics and the tree distribution of stem height and caliper of relation to density. For the 2-1 korean pine, best density should be about 160 to 200 trees per square meter according to soil fertility. For the 1-1 jack pine, the suitable standard of plantable stock should be at stem height 25cm and caliper 6mm (at 2cm above ground line) and best density was about 100 to 120 trees.

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A Study on the Men's Fashion Trend through the Statistical Analysis (통계적 분석을 통한 남성 패션 트렌드 연구)

  • Kim, Yoon-Kyoung;Lee, Kyoung-Hee
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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    • v.31 no.6 s.165
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    • pp.837-847
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    • 2007
  • 1,098 pieces of photographs($1995{\sim}2002$) of men's suit style have been classified according to fashion images in order to examine features and change aspects with statistical analysis. The findings of examining features of the trend by year with test of homogeneity, correspondence analysis, biplots, correlation analysis and regression analysis are as follows: (a) there are significant differences on fashion images as the trend by yew with test of homogeneity, (b) there are remarkable differences on the fashion trend by year with correspondence analysis and biplots. (c) There are significant correlations for appearance among fashion images by its frequency through correlation analysis, and (d) it is assumed that fashion images are going to be gradually outstanding according to regression analysis.

Phylogeographic and population genetic study of a Korean endemic freshwater fish species, Zacco koreanus (한국 고유 담수어종 참갈겨니(Zacco koreanus) 개체군의 계통지리학 및 집단유전학 연구)

  • Kim, Yu Rim;Jang, Ji Eun;Choi, Hee-kyu;Lee, Hyuk Je
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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    • v.38 no.4
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    • pp.650-657
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    • 2020
  • We conducted a phylogeographic analysis of Korean endemic Zacco koreanus populations inhabiting the East-flowing river (Gangneung Yeongokcheon; GY, Yangyang Namdaecheon; YN), the Han River (Seomgang; SG, Soksacheon; SS), and the Nakdong River(Gilancheon; GA) using the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene (619 bp). Population genetic analysis was further performed to assess the population connectivity for the GY river where there is a large number of human-made artificial weirs with several fishways. The phylogeographic analysis revealed that while the populations of the East-flowing river and those of the Han River formed a monophyletic lineage, the Nakdong River individuals represented a distinct lineage with 3.7-4.2% (mean=4.0%) genetic distance from the other lineages. The population genetic analysis of the GY showed that a mid-stream population harbored relatively higher mitochondrial diversity relative to up- and down-stream populations, and there was no genetic differentiation between these three populations. The latter findings might suggest high genetic connectivity between the populations via genetic flow along the fishways. However, an analysis using faster-evolving genetic markers, such as microsatellites, is needed to confirm the findings of high population connectivity. Our study suggests the possibility of the presence of cryptic species in Z. koreanus in the Nakdong River basin. However, further study with more individual samples as well as additional markers or even more advanced genomic tools is required to test our hypothesis. Ecological or phenotypic analyses should be conducted to test whether the observed Nakdong River lineage represents a different or cryptic species, or simply hidden, but excessive, intraspecific diversity.

Relationships Among Employees' IT Personnel Competency, Personal Work Satisfaction, and Personal Work Performance: A Goal Orientation Perspective (조직구성원의 정보기술 인적역량과 개인 업무만족 및 업무성과 간의 관계: 목표지향성 관점)

  • Heo, Myung-Sook;Cheon, Myun-Joong
    • Asia pacific journal of information systems
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    • v.21 no.4
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    • pp.63-104
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    • 2011
  • The study examines the relationships among employee's goal orientation, IT personnel competency, personal effectiveness. The goal orientation includes learning goal orientation, performance approach goal orientation, and performance avoid goal orientation. Personal effectiveness consists of personal work satisfaction and personal work performance. In general, IT personnel competency refers to IT expert's skills, expertise, and knowledge required to perform IT activities in organizations. However, due to the advent of the internet and the generalization of IT, IT personnel competency turns out to be an important competency of technological experts as well as employees in organizations. While the competency of IT itself is important, the appropriate harmony between IT personnel's business capability and technological capability enhances the value of human resources and thus provides organizations with sustainable competitive advantages. The rapid pace of organization change places increased pressure on employees to continually update their skills and adapt their behavior to new organizational realities. This challenge raises a number of important questions concerning organizational behavior? Why do some employees display remarkable flexibility in their behavioral responses to changes in the organization, whereas others firmly resist change or experience great stress when faced with the need to alter behavior? Why do some employees continually strive to improve themselves over their life span, whereas others are content to forge through life using the same basic knowledge and skills? Why do some employees throw themselves enthusiastically into challenging tasks, whereas others avoid challenging tasks? The goal orientation proposed by organizational psychology provides at least a partial answer to these questions. Goal orientations refer to stable personally characteristics fostered by "self-theories" about the nature and development of attributes (such as intelligence, personality, abilities, and skills) people have. Self-theories are one's beliefs and goal orientations are achievement motivation revealed in seeking goals in accordance with one's beliefs. The goal orientations include learning goal orientation, performance approach goal orientation, and performance avoid goal orientation. Specifically, a learning goal orientation refers to a preference to develop the self by acquiring new skills, mastering new situations, and improving one's competence. A performance approach goal orientation refers to a preference to demonstrate and validate the adequacy of one's competence by seeking favorable judgments and avoiding negative judgments. A performance avoid goal orientation refers to a preference to avoid the disproving of one's competence and to avoid negative judgements about it, while focusing on performance. And the study also examines the moderating role of work career of employees to investigate the difference in the relationship between IT personnel competency and personal effectiveness. The study analyzes the collected data using PASW 18.0 and and PLS(Partial Least Square). The study also uses PLS bootstrapping algorithm (sample size: 500) to test research hypotheses. The result shows that the influences of both a learning goal orientation (${\beta}$ = 0.301, t = 3.822, P < 0.000) and a performance approach goal orientation (${\beta}$ = 0.224, t = 2.710, P < 0.01) on IT personnel competency are positively significant, while the influence of a performance avoid goal orientation(${\beta}$ = -0.142, t = 2.398, p < 0.05) on IT personnel competency is negatively significant. The result indicates that employees differ in their psychological and behavioral responses according to the goal orientation of employees. The result also shows that the impact of a IT personnel competency on both personal work satisfaction(${\beta}$ = 0.395, t = 4.897, P < 0.000) and personal work performance(${\beta}$ = 0.575, t = 12.800, P < 0.000) is positively significant. And the impact of personal work satisfaction(${\beta}$ = 0.148, t = 2.432, p < 0.05) on personal work performance is positively significant. Finally, the impacts of control variables (gender, age, type of industry, position, work career) on the relationships between IT personnel competency and personal effectiveness(personal work satisfaction work performance) are partly significant. In addition, the study uses PLS algorithm to find out a GoF(global criterion of goodness of fit) of the exploratory research model which includes a mediating variable, IT personnel competency. The result of analysis shows that the value of GoF is 0.45 above GoFlarge(0.36). Therefore, the research model turns out be good. In addition, the study performs a Sobel Test to find out the statistical significance of the mediating variable, IT personnel competency, which is already turned out to have the mediating effect in the research model using PLS. The result of a Sobel Test shows that the values of Z are all significant statistically (above 1.96 and below -1.96) and indicates that IT personnel competency plays a mediating role in the research model. At the present day, most employees are universally afraid of organizational changes and resistant to them in organizations in which the acceptance and learning of a new information technology or information system is particularly required. The problem is due' to increasing a feeling of uneasiness and uncertainty in improving past practices in accordance with new organizational changes. It is not always possible for employees with positive attitudes to perform their works suitable to organizational goals. Therefore, organizations need to identify what kinds of goal-oriented minds employees have, motivate them to do self-directed learning, and provide them with organizational environment to enhance positive aspects in their works. Thus, the study provides researchers and practitioners with a matter of primary interest in goal orientation and IT personnel competency, of which they have been unaware until very recently. Some academic and practical implications and limitations arisen in the course of the research, and suggestions for future research directions are also discussed.

A study on Broad Quantification Calibration to various isotopes for Quantitative Analysis and its SUVs assessment in SPECT/CT (SPECT/CT 장비에서 정량분석을 위한 핵종 별 Broad Quantification Calibration 시행 및 SUV 평가를 위한 팬텀 실험에 관한 연구)

  • Hyun Soo, Ko;Jae Min, Choi;Soon Ki, Park
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.20-31
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    • 2022
  • Purpose Broad Quantification Calibration(B.Q.C) is the procedure for Quantitative Analysis to measure Standard Uptake Value(SUV) in SPECT/CT scanner. B.Q.C was performed with Tc-99m, I-123, I-131, Lu-177 respectively and then we acquired the phantom images whether the SUVs were measured accurately. Because there is no standard for SUV test in SPECT, we used ACR Esser PET phantom alternatively. The purpose of this study was to lay the groundwork for Quantitative Analysis with various isotopes in SPECT/CT scanner. Materials and Methods Siemens SPECT/CT Symbia Intevo 16 and Intevo Bold were used for this study. The procedure of B.Q.C has two steps; first is point source Sensitivity Cal. and second is Volume Sensitivity Cal. to calculate Volume Sensitivity Factor(VSF) using cylinder phantom. To verify SUV, we acquired the images with ACR Esser PET phantom and then we measured SUVmean on background and SUVmax on hot vials(25, 16, 12, 8 mm). SPSS was used to analyze the difference in the SUV between Intevo 16 and Intevo Bold by Mann-Whitney test. Results The results of Sensitivity(CPS/MBq) and VSF were in Detector 1, 2 of four isotopes (Intevo 16 D1 sensitivity/D2 sensitivity/VSF and Intevo Bold) 87.7/88.6/1.08, 91.9/91.2/1.07 on Tc-99m, 79.9/81.9/0.98, 89.4/89.4/0.98 on I-123, 124.8/128.9/0.69, 130.9, 126.8/0.71, on I-131, 8.7/8.9/1.02, 9.1/8.9/1.00 on Lu-177 respectively. The results of SUV test with ACR Esser PET phantom were (Intevo 16 BKG SUVmean/25mm SUVmax/16mm/12mm/8mm and Intevo Bold) 1.03/2.95/2.41/1.96/1.84, 1.03/2.91/2.38/1.87/1.82 on Tc-99m, 0.97/2.91/2.33/1.68/1.45, 1.00/2.80/2.23/1.57/1.32 on I-123, 0.96/1.61/1.13/1.02/0.69, 0.94/1.54/1.08/0.98/ 0.66 on I-131, 1.00/6.34/4.67/2.96/2.28, 1.01/6.21/4.49/2.86/2.21 on Lu-177. And there was no statistically significant difference of SUV between Intevo 16 and Intevo Bold(p>0.05). Conclusion Only Qualitative Analysis was possible with gamma camera in the past. On the other hand, it's possible to acquire not only anatomic localization, 3D tomography but also Quantitative Analysis with SUV measurements in SPECT/CT scanner. We could lay the groundwork for Quantitative Analysis with various isotopes; Tc-99m, I-123, I-131, Lu-177 by carrying out B.Q.C and could verify the SUV measurement with ACR phantom. It needs periodic calibration to maintain for precision of Quantitative evaluation. As a result, we can provide Quantitative Analysis on follow up scan with the SPECT/CT exams and evaluate the therapeutic response in theranosis.

Mature Market Sub-segmentation and Its Evaluation by the Degree of Homogeneity (동질도 평가를 통한 실버세대 세분군 분류 및 평가)

  • Bae, Jae-ho
    • Journal of Distribution Science
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    • v.8 no.3
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    • pp.27-35
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    • 2010
  • As the population, buying power, and intensity of self-expression of the elderly generation increase, its importance as a market segment is also growing. Therefore, the mass marketing strategy for the elderly generation must be changed to a micro-marketing strategy based on the results of sub-segmentation that suitably captures the characteristics of this generation. Furthermore, as a customer access strategy is decided by sub-segmentation, proper segmentation is one of the key success factors for micro-marketing. Segments or sub-segments are different from sectors, because segmentation or sub-segmentation for micro-marketing is based on the homogeneity of customer needs. Theoretically, complete segmentation would reveal a single voice. However, it is impossible to achieve complete segmentation because of economic factors, factors that affect effectiveness, etc. To obtain a single voice from a segment, we sometimes need to divide it into many individual cases. In such a case, there would be a many segments to deal with. On the other hand, to maximize market access performance, fewer segments are preferred. In this paper, we use the term "sub-segmentation" instead of "segmentation," because we divide a specific segment into more detailed segments. To sub-segment the elderly generation, this paper takes their lifestyles and life stages into consideration. In order to reflect these aspects, various surveys and several rounds of expert interviews and focused group interviews (FGIs) were performed. Using the results of these qualitative surveys, we can define six sub-segments of the elderly generation. This paper uses five rules to divide the elderly generation. The five rules are (1) mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive (MECE) sub-segmentation, (2) important life stages, (3) notable lifestyles, (4) minimum number of and easy classifiable sub-segments, and (5) significant difference in voices among the sub-segments. The most critical point for dividing the elderly market is whether children are married. The other points are source of income, gender, and occupation. In this paper, the elderly market is divided into six sub-segments. As mentioned, the number of sub-segments is a very key point for a successful marketing approach. Too many sub-segments would lead to narrow substantiality or lack of actionability. On the other hand, too few sub-segments would have no effects. Therefore, the creation of the optimum number of sub-segments is a critical problem faced by marketers. This paper presents a method of evaluating the fitness of sub-segments that was deduced from the preceding surveys. The presented method uses the degree of homogeneity (DoH) to measure the adequacy of sub-segments. This measure uses quantitative survey questions to calculate adequacy. The ratio of significantly homogeneous questions to the total numbers of survey questions indicates the DoH. A significantly homogeneous question is defined as a question in which one case is selected significantly more often than others. To show whether a case is selected significantly more often than others, we use a hypothesis test. In this case, the null hypothesis (H0) would be that there is no significant difference between the selection of one case and that of the others. Thus, the total number of significantly homogeneous questions is the total number of cases in which the null hypothesis is rejected. To calculate the DoH, we conducted a quantitative survey (total sample size was 400, 60 questions, 4~5 cases for each question). The sample size of the first sub-segment-has no unmarried offspring and earns a living independently-is 113. The sample size of the second sub-segment-has no unmarried offspring and is economically supported by its offspring-is 57. The sample size of the third sub-segment-has unmarried offspring and is employed and male-is 70. The sample size of the fourth sub-segment-has unmarried offspring and is not employed and male-is 45. The sample size of the fifth sub-segment-has unmarried offspring and is female and employed (either the female herself or her husband)-is 63. The sample size of the last sub-segment-has unmarried offspring and is female and not employed (not even the husband)-is 52. Statistically, the sample size of each sub-segment is sufficiently large. Therefore, we use the z-test for testing hypotheses. When the significance level is 0.05, the DoHs of the six sub-segments are 1.00, 0.95, 0.95, 0.87, 0.93, and 1.00, respectively. When the significance level is 0.01, the DoHs of the six sub-segments are 0.95, 0.87, 0.85, 0.80, 0.88, and 0.87, respectively. These results show that the first sub-segment is the most homogeneous category, while the fourth has more variety in terms of its needs. If the sample size is sufficiently large, more segmentation would be better in a given sub-segment. However, as the fourth sub-segment is smaller than the others, more detailed segmentation is not proceeded. A very critical point for a successful micro-marketing strategy is measuring the fit of a sub-segment. However, until now, there have been no robust rules for measuring fit. This paper presents a method of evaluating the fit of sub-segments. This method will be very helpful for deciding the adequacy of sub-segmentation. However, it has some limitations that prevent it from being robust. These limitations include the following: (1) the method is restricted to only quantitative questions; (2) the type of questions that must be involved in calculation pose difficulties; (3) DoH values depend on content formation. Despite these limitations, this paper has presented a useful method for conducting adequate sub-segmentation. We believe that the present method can be applied widely in many areas. Furthermore, the results of the sub-segmentation of the elderly generation can serve as a reference for mature marketing.

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Differential Diagnosis By Analysis of Pleural Effusion (흉수분석에 의한 질병의 감별진단)

  • Ko, Won-Ki;Lee, Jun-Gu;Jung, Jae-Ho;Park, Mu-Suk;Jeong, Nak-Yeong;Kim, Young-Sam;Yang, Dong-Gyoo;Yoo, Nae-Choon;Ahn, Chul-Min;Kim, Sung-Kyu
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.51 no.6
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    • pp.559-569
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    • 2001
  • Background : Pleural effusion is one of the most common clinical manifestations associated with a variety of pulmonary diseases such as malignancy, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. However, there are no useful laboratory tests to determine the specific cause of pleural effusion. Therefore, an attempt was made to analyze the various types of pleural effusion and search for useful laboratory tests for pleural effusion in order to differentiate between the diseases, especially between a malignant pleural effusion and a non-malignant pleural effusion. Methods : 93 patients with a pleural effusion, who visited the Severance hospital from January 1998 to August 1999, were enrolled in this study. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis was done and a confirmational diagnosis was made by a gram stain, bacterial culture, Ziehl-Neelsen stain, a mycobacterial culture, a pleural biopsy and cytology. Results : The male to female ratio was 56 : 37 and the average age was $47.1{\pm}21.8$ years. There were 16 cases with a malignant effusion, 12 cases with a para-malignant effusion, 36 cases with tuberculosis, 22 cases with a para-pneumonic effusion, and 7 cases with transudate. The LDH2 fraction was significantly higher in the para-malignant effusion group compared to the para-pneumonic effusion group [$30.6{\pm}6.4%$ and $20.2{\pm}7.5%$, respectively (p<0.05)] and both the LDH1 and LDH2 fraction was significantly in the para-malignant effusion group compared to those with tuberculosis [$16.4{\pm}7.2%$ vs. $7.6{\pm}4.7%$, and $30.6{\pm}6.4%$ vs.$17.6{\pm}6.3%$, respectively (p<0.05)]. The pleural effusion/serum LDH4 fraction ratio was significantly lower in the malignant effusion group compared to those with tuberculosis [$1.5{\pm}0.8$ vs. $2.1{\pm}0.6$, respectively (p<0.05)]. The LDH4 fraction and the pleural effusion/serum LDH4 fraction ratio was significantly lower in the para-malignant effusion group compared to those with tuberculosis [$17.0{\pm}5.8%$ vs. $23.5{\pm}4.6%$ and $1.3{\pm}0.4$ vs. $2.1{\pm}0.6$, respectively (p<0.05)]. Conclusion : These results suggest that the LDH isoenzyme was the only useful biochemical test for a differential diagnosis of the various diseases. In particular, the most useful test was the pleural effusion/serum LDH4 fraction ratio to distinguish between a para-malignant effusion and a tuberculous effusion.

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