• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.7
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• pp.461-470
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• 2023

The purpose of this research is to derive the optimal temperature, location, and heating control system for a tipping bucket rain gauge heating system used for observing snowfall during winter. We conducted indoor and outdoor experiments by manufacturing a tipping bucket rain gauge that can be variably controlled for heating at the funnel, exterior, and interior, and indoor and outdoor. The indoor experiments involved using a temperature and humidity chamber to compare the performance and derive the appropriate temperature of the precipitation gauge heating system. Subsequently, the outdoor experiments were carried out at the Cloud Physics Observation Center located in Daeguallyeong, heavy snowfall region, to validate the findings. The analysis result was derived that the heating temperature of the funnel should be set at the 10 to 30℃, while the internal heating temperature should be 70℃. Furthermore, the optimal locations for the heating devices, which aim to minimize measurement delay, were identified as the exterior of the rain gauge, the rim of the funnel, and the vertical surface of the funnel. Our result shows that used as the basis for the operating conditions of precipitation gauge heating systems for solid precipitation measurement in winter.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.509-520
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• 2023

Various drought indices are widely used for assessing drought conditions which are affected by many factors such as precipitation, soil moisture, and runoff. The values of drought indices varies depending on hydro-meteorological data and calculation formulas, and the judgment of the drought condition may also vary. This study selected four calculation components such as precipitation data length, accumulation period, probability distribution function, and parameter estimation method as the sources of uncertainty in the calculation of standardized precipitation index (SPI), and evaluated their contributions to the uncertainty using root mean square error (RMSE) and linear mixed model (LMM). The RMSE estimated the overall errors in the SPI calculation, and the LMM was used to quantify the uncertainty contribution of each factor. The results showed that as the accumulation period increased and the data period extended, the RMSEs decreased. The comparison of relative uncertainty using LMM indicated that the sample size had the greatest impact on the SPI calculation. In addition, as sample size increased, the relative uncertainty related to the sample size used for SPI calculation decreased and the relative uncertainty associated with accumulation period and parameter estimation increased. In conclusion, to reduce the uncertainty in the SPI calculation, it is essential to collect long-term data first, followed by the appropriate selection of probability distribution models and parameter estimation methods that represent well the data characteristics.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.90-90
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• 2022

Nicaragua is located in Central America, climatic conditions are considered tropical dry forest. Statistics reflex that in Nicaragua exits 24,000 rice farmers. National rice production only covers 73% of the national consumption. It exists two sowing system: irrigation and rainfed. Varieties used in both systems are mid-late maturity (120-135 days), there are 14 released varieties for irrigation, eight for rainfed, and eight landraces used in rainfed. The current breeding system (introduction of lines from Colombia) has increased the national production, however, has some limitation due to the lack of enough variability, reducing the proability of finding good genotypes and therefore the possibility of satisfying 100% of the demand. The purpose of this study was to analyze the problems that must be resolved in the short and long term to improve rice productivity in Nicaragua. In this paper we explain some proposal for an improvement plan. The selection of varieties with high adaptability to various cultivation environmental conditions it is necessary, also to thoroughly manage seed purity to supply certified seeds. In rice cultivation technology, it needs to improve seedling standing and weeding effect by improving soil leveling and water-saving cultivation technology. Also, proper fertilization and planting density must be established in irrigated and rain-fed areas. Furthermore, capacity must be strengthened by collecting and training with the most recent agricultural technology information, as well as by revitalizing the union rather than the individual farmer. It is necessary to develop varieties highly adaptable to the Nicaraguan cultivation environment, as well as to expand irrigation facilities and cultivation technology suitable for weather conditions in rain-fed areas. Last, it is necessary to maintain the consistency of agricultural policy for continuous and stable rice production in response to climate change events such as drought or intermittent heavy rain.

• Clean Technology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.262-271
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• 2023

Globally, the amount of waste plastics has been occurring to environmental problems. As a result, it is necessary to research methods that utilize waste plastic pyrolysis oil (WPPO) produced by pyrolysis. One such method being studied is utilizing WPPO as a naphtha feedstock. In this study, five types of WPPO were analyzed to determine whether they can be used as raw materials for naphtha. Because of their wide boiling point range, the WPPOs were fractionated into light and heavy fractions through vacuum distillation, and the separation and purification techniques were analyzed using GC-VUV to determine the content of paraffin, olefin, and other compounds. All WPPOs showed high olefin content regardless of the source and fraction. Aromatic and paraffin content varied depending on the source, and oxygen and other compounds also varied significantly by source and fraction. In addition, the light fraction showed a carbon distribution similar to that of naphtha, whereas the heavy fraction showed a carbon distribution of C₁₁ ~ C₁₄. In conclusion, additional processes and raw material selection are required to utilize waste plastic pyrolysis oil as a raw material for naphtha.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.11
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• pp.815-822
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• 2023

Organic pollution is one of the most common forms of water contamination. Under the Water Quality Conservation Act, indicators for measuring organic substances include BOD, COD, and TOC. Analysis of BOD and COD is labor-intensive, and in the case of organic substances where biological decomposition is not feasible or toxic substances are present, the accuracy is often low. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment is shifting towards TOC-centric management. With advancements in sensor technology today, various parameters can be monitored using sensors. In this study, digital monitoring of river TOC using a spectrophotometer called Spectro::lyser V3 was conducted. Initially, experiments were carried out at the Andong River Experiment Center to assess the applicability of the measurement equipment. Subsequently, data collected at the confluence of the Nakdong River was analyzed for the spatial distribution of TOC using the Kriging technique. This research proposes the utilization of sensors for river TOC monitoring and spatial distribution analysis. Real-time monitoring of changes in river TOC concentration can serve as fundamental data for pollution monitoring and response. Sensor-based river monitoring offers advantages in terms of temporal resolution and real-time data acquisition. When various spatial information interpretation methods are applied, it is expected to contribute to diverse studies such as aquatic ecological health, river water source selection, and stratification analysis in the future.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.1-32
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the rationale and format of music therapy interventions with patients receiving hospice or palliative care in Korea. Through this analysis, I examined whether the music intervention used was based on a valid rationale and represented the professionalism expected of today's music therapy interventions. A total of 12 studies that met the selection criteria were identified, and the overall characteristics of each study and its format were analyzed. As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that the rationale for each study and its format were influenced by the author's research field. The analysis also showed that the research on music-based interventions in hospice or palliative care settings was insufficient and involved a mix of professional and nonprofessional interventions. The results of this study suggest that importance of researchers possessing professional competence which requires offering a clear justification for their choice of interventions, music, and instruments. Additionally, these results emphasize the need for further development of evidence-based music therapy approaches in hospice and palliative care settings as the role of music in supporting patients in these environments has gained increasing recognition and validation.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.262-274
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• 2023

Objectives: This study examined the evaluation and potential improvements of 'Integrated Healthcare and Social Welfare service model' based on the experiences of practitioners from institutions participating in the 'Dalgubeol Health Doctor Services' and the service recipients. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted from September to November 2022 in this study, focusing on 4 providers from the dedicated Dalgubeol Health Doctor Services Team, 5 contact partners from affiliated organizations, and 6 service beneficiaries. The data gathered underwent thematic analysis. Results: The evaluation indicated that Dalgubeol Health Doctor Services has proven to be effective in addressing the complex needs of vulnerable populations. By providing integrated services through quick and simple beneficiary selection and resource linkage, it has contributed to the resolution of complex demands, recovery of positive attitudes towards life, and improvement in quality of life for users who have fear the use of medical and welfare services. Dalgubeol Health Doctor Services has established an integrated health care system involving not only public but also private organizations, from the referral agency to the service provider. Centered around Daegu Medical Center and involving five tertiary hospitals, it has established a model that supports treatment appropriate to the severity of the patient, from mild to severe. Conclusions: These findings indicate an enhancement in health equity, achieved through the active identification and subsequent health and welfare issue resolution of individuals marginalized from medical benefits.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.764-772
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• 2020

Objective: Laser ablation is a therapeutic modality used to reduce the volume of large benign thyroid nodules. Unsatisfactory reduction and regrowth are observed in some treated nodules. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of laser treatment for solid nodules during a 5-year follow-up period, the regrowth rate, and the predictive risk factors of nodule regrowth. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients with benign, solid, cold thyroid nodules who underwent laser ablation and were followed-up for 5 years. According to the selection criteria, 104 patients were included (median baseline nodule volume, 12.5 mL [25.0-75.0%, 8-18 mL]; median energy delivered, 481.5 J/mL [25.0-75.0%, 370-620 J/mL]). Nodule volume, thyroid function test results, and ultrasound were evaluated at baseline and then annually after the procedure. Results: Of 104 patients, 31 patients (29.8%) had a 12-month volume reduction ratio (VRR) < 50.0% and 39 (37.5%) experienced nodule regrowth. Of these 39 patients, 17 (43.6%) underwent surgery and 14 (35.9%) underwent a second laser treatment. The rate of nodule regrowth was inversely related to the 12-month VRR, i.e., the lower the 12-month VRR, the higher the risk of regrowth (p < 0.001). The mean time for nodule regrowth was 33.5 ± 16.6 months. The 12-month VRR was directly related to time to regrowth, i.e., the lower the 12-month VRR, the shorter the time to regrowth (p < 0.001; R² = 0.3516). Non-spongiform composition increased the risk of regrowth with an odds ratio of 4.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-10.2; p < 0.001); 12-month VRR < 50.0% increased the risk of regrowth with an odds ratio of 11.7 (95% CI 4.2-32.2; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The VRR of thyroid nodules subjected to similar amounts of laser energy varies widely and depends on the nodule composition; non-spongiform nodules are reduced to a lesser extent and regrow more frequently than spongiform nodules. A 12-month VRR < 50.0% is a predictive risk factor for regrowth and correlates with the time to regrowth.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.548-554
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• 2022

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) via transradial access (TRA) compared with transfemoral access (TFA). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 53 consecutive men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) who underwent PAE between September 2018 and September 2021. Thirty-one patients (mean age ± standard deviation: 70.6 ± 8.4 years) were treated with TFA, including 14 patients treated before adopting TRA. Since December 2019, TRA has also been attempted with the procedure's selection criteria of patent carpal circulation and a height ≤ 172 cm, with 22 patients treated via TRA (69.1 ± 9.6 years). Parameters of technical success (defined as successful bilateral embolization), clinical success (defined as LUTS improvement), procedural time, radiation dose, and adverse events were compared between the two groups using the Fisher's exact test, independent sample t test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, or Mann-Whitney test. Results: All patients received at least one-side PAE. Technical success of PAE was achieved in most patients (TRA, 21/22; TFA, 30/31; p > 0.999). No technical problem-related conversion from TRA to TFA occurred. The clinical success rate was 85% (11/13) in patients with TRA, and 89% (16/18) in patients with TFA for follow-up > 2 weeks post-PAE (median, 3 months) (p > 0.999). The median procedure time was similar in both groups (TRA, 81 minutes vs. TFA, 94 minutes; p = 0.570). No significant dose differences were found between the TRA and TFA groups in the dose-area product (median Gycm², 95 [range, 44-255] for TRA and 84 [34-255] for TFA; p = 0.678) or cumulative air kerma (median mGy, 609 [236-1584] for TRA and 634 [217-1594] for TFA; p = 0.551). No major adverse events occurred in either of the groups. Conclusion: PAE via TRA is a safe and feasible method comparable to conventional TFA. It can be safely implemented by selecting patients with patent carpal circulation and adequate height.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.15-31
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• 2024

The characteristics of elderly traffic accidents were identified by reflecting the situation of the elderly population in Korea, which is entering an ultra-aging society, and the relationship between independent and dependent variables was analyzed by classifying traffic accidents of serious or higher and traffic accidents of minor or lower in elderly pedestrian traffic accidents using binomial variables. Data collection, processing, and variable selection were performed by acquiring data from the elderly pedestrian traffic accident analysis system (TAAS) for the past 10 years (from 13 to 22 years), and basic statistics and analysis by accident factors were performed. A total of 15 influencing variables were derived by applying the logistic regression model, and the influencing variables that have the greatest influence on the probability of a traffic accident involving severe or higher elderly pedestrians were derived. After that, statistical tests were performed to analyze the suitability of the logistic model, and a method for predicting the probability of a traffic accident according to the construction of a prediction model was presented.