• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2022

This study was conducted to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) in horse breeds and its association with substrate characteristics in Jeju crossbreds (Jeju Horse × Thoroughbred). Polymorphisms in DRD4 are candidate genes associated with temperament in various mammals, including humans. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) G292A in the exon 3 region of the horse DRD4 has a reported association with curiosity and vigilance in thoroughbreds. Sanger sequencing was used to identify polymorphisms of the mutations in DRD4 in three horse breeds. The SNP frequency in Jeju horses was significantly different from the frequency in other breeds. Character evaluation, conducted in the Jeju crossbreds and scored using a temperament test and contact test, revealed a high correlation between each test. Comparison of the polymorphism in the DRD4 of horses and the results of the character evaluation revealed lower scores for all temperaments in horses carrying allele A. Comparison of the SNP of G292A and blood dopamine levels in Jeju crossbreds showed 2.87 times higher levels for the GA type than for the GG type. This study identified an association between DRD4 polymorphism and various test methods for evaluating horse temperament and levels of neurotransmitters. Further research could validate the use of this gene as a genetic marker for character evaluation.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2022

Objectives: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was approximately 16% in populations of over age 30 years, and deaths from diabetes mellitus became the sixth most prevalent cause of death by disease. To assess the relationship between HbA1c and heavy metal level in blood and urine, targeted residents were evaluated in a vast steel industrial complex. Methods: We selected 414 subjects for analysis after applying the following exclusion criterion: 18 persons with diabetes mellitus. They took part in a questionnaire survey and underwent blood and urinary assessments. HbA1c and lead (Pb) level were measured in blood and, cadmium (Cd), inorganic arsenic (iAs) and mercury (Hg) were evaluated in urine. Two subgroups were divided by HbA1c 6.5%. Each subgroup was divided by 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th and 90th percentile levels of biological exposure index of the heavy metals for logistic regression. Results: Odd ratios have a tendency to increase as they go from the 90th to the 10th percentile of cadmium. However, lead, arsenic and mercury did not have significant relationships with HbA1c. In correction of age, region, gender and smoking history, a higher distribution in the subgroup with cadmium above 0.8318 ㎍/g creatinine (30th percentile) was demonstrated in the subgroup with HbA1c levels above the 6.5%, with an odds ratio of 5.26 (95% C.I. ; 1.44~19.17). Conclusion: This study found a significant correlation between urinary levels of cadmium and HbA1c in correction of several factors. It is meaningful that this outcome may be used as a basis for a study to establish the acceptable limit of urinary cadmium in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2022

In this study, a survey was conducted and analyzed to find out the satisfaction of online classes among students enrolled in the radiology department of a university located in Busan city. As a result, in terms of satisfaction with online classes, male scores were higher, but there was no statistically significant difference. In the interdisciplinary system, the satisfaction score of the students enrolled in Bachelor's degree was high, and there was a statistically significant difference except for the satisfaction of learning participation (p<0.001, p<0.05). For class satisfaction by grade level, Senior had higher scores, and there were statistically significant differences except for learning participation satisfaction (p<0.001, p<0.01, p<0.05). In the satisfaction survey according to the number of lectures, the scores of the students who took 4-7 lectures were found to be high except for the satisfaction of learning participation, and there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.01, p<0.05). In the method of communication with the instructor, students who used e-mail showed high scores, and there was a statistically significant difference in lecture satisfaction (p<0.05). In the correlation analysis between sub-variables for online classes, statistically significant correlations were established in all areas. Most of the students preferred class methods such as recorded classes and classes using external content such as YouTube, and when asked about the merits of online classes, many students answered that the advantages of online classes were repetitive classes and no restrictions on time and place. When asked about the shortcomings of online classes, many students answered that it was a lack of concentration and lack of communication with the instructor. This study was conducted to provide basic data to improve the satisfaction of online classes that will increase in the future. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is expected that more quality online classes will be produced so that students' satisfaction with online classes can be improved.

• Journal of Internet of Things and Convergence
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.1-10
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the characteristics of mobile-based financial platforms have an impact on the intention to use loan service users. In addition, it was attempted to investigate whether usefulness and ease of use had a mediating effect in the relationship between each characteristic of the mobile financial platform on the intention to use the loan service. Data collection was conducted from March 1 to April 30, 2022, and 200 people participated in the study. Analysis methods were frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, hierarchical multiple regression analysis, and three-step mediation regression analysis. The research results are as follows. First, the influence of user factors, technical factors, and environmental factors of a financial platform on the intention to use a mobile loan service was found to be ubiquity in user factors, reliability in technical factors, and facilitation conditions in environmental factors. Second, in the relationship between convenience and intention to use user factors, usefulness had a completely mediating effect. Third, in the relationship between reliability of technical factors and intention to use, usefulness showed a partial mediating effect. Fourth, in the relationship between the social impact of environmental factors and facilitation conditions and intention to use, the usefulness showed a partial mediating effect. Fifth, ease of use showed a completely mediating effect in the relationship between convenience and intention of use of user factors. Sixth, in the relationship between reliability of technical factors and intention to use, ease of use showed a partial mediating effect. Seventh, in the relationship between the social impact of environmental factors and intention to use, ease of use showed a partial mediating effect, and in the relationship between facilitation conditions and intention to use, ease of use showed a fully mediating effect. Through this study, we tried to present basic data on the determinants of the user's acceptable intention to use the mobile loan service.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.70-77
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• 2021

Objectives: Our study aims to investigate the clinical and polysomnographic variables associated with subjective sleep perception. Methods: Among the patients who underwent nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) at the Center for Sleep and Chronobiology of Seoul National University Hospital from May 2018 to July 2019, 109 diagnosed with insomnia disorder based on DSM-5 were recruited for the study, and their medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Self-report questionnaires about clinical characteristics including Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were completed. Subjective sleep quality was measured using variables of subjective total sleep time (subjective TST), subjective sleep onset latency (subjective SOL), subjective number of awakenings, morning feeling after awakening, and sleep discrepancy (subjective TST-objective TST) the morning after PSG. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were used to determine the factors associated with subjective sleep perception. Results: In patients with insomnia, subjective TST was negatively correlated with Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO) (p = 0.001) and N1 sleep (p = 0.039) parameters on polysomnography. Also, it was negatively correlated with PSQI (p < 0.001) and BDI (p = 0.014) scores. Sleep discrepancy was negatively correlated with PSQI score (p = 0.018). Morning feeling was negatively correlated with PSQI (p = 0.019) and BDI (p < 0.001) scores. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that subjective sleep perception is associated with PSG variables (WASO and N1 sleep) and with PSQI and BDI scores. In clinical practice, it is helpful to assess and manage insomnia patients in consideration of objective sleep variables, subjective sleep quality, and depressed mood, which can influence subjective sleep perception.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.404-412
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• 2021

Purpose: This study examined the degree of cartilage regeneration by performing second-look arthroscopy in a group of patients who underwent high tibial osteotomy and microfractures for unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the medial knee joint and to determine the factors affecting cartilage regeneration. In addition, this study analyzed whether there is a relationship between the degree of cartilage regeneration and functional results. Materials and Methods: From 2007 to 2015, this study evaluated 81 cases who underwent second-look arthroscopy at the time of plate removal after a microfracture and high tibial osteotomy with a minimum two-year follow-up. The degree of femoral cartilage injury before surgery was classified by ICRS (International Cartilage Research Society), and all were grade III and IV. After second-look arthroscopy, cartilage regeneration was classified into a well-regenerated group (grade I, II) and a poorly regenerated group (grade III, IV). The independent factors influencing cartilage regeneration were identified through multivariate logistic regression analysis. In addition, the functional results were compared before and after surgery between the two groups using the Knee Society score (KSS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score (WOMAC). Results: Age, sex, body mass index, postoperative radiologic factors, and preoperative joint condition did not affect the degree of cartilage regeneration significantly. The large cartilage defect (≥2.0 cm²) (p=0.011) and the presence of kissing lesions (p=0.027) were associated with poor cartilage regeneration. No significant difference in the KSS and WOMAC scores was observed between the group with good and poor cartilage regeneration. Conclusion: The presence of a large cartilage defect and kissing lesions is associated with poor cartilage regeneration after high tibial osteotomy and microfracture. On the other hand, the degree of the regenerated cartilage did not show any correlation with the functional outcome.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.85-103
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• 2023

The in-situ remediation of a solidified stratum containing a large amount of fine-texture material like clay or organic matter in contaminated soil faces limitations such as increased remediation cost resulting from decreased purification efficiency. Even if the soil conditions are good, remediation generally requires a long time to complete because of non-uniform soil properties and low permeability. This study assessed the remediation effect and evaluated the field applicability of a methodology that combines pneumatic fracturing, vacuum extraction, and plasma blasting (the PPV method) to improve the limitations facing existing underground remediation methods. For comparison, underground remediation was performed over 80 days using the experimental PPV method and chemical oxidation (the control method). The control group showed no decrease in the degree of contamination due to the poor delivery of the soil remediation agent, whereas the PPV method clearly reduced the degree of contamination during the remediation period. Remediation effect, as assessed by the reduction of the highest TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons) concentration by distance from the injection well, was uncleared in the control group, whereas the PPV method showed a remediation effect of 62.6% within a 1 m radius of the injection well radius, 90.1% within 1.1~2.0 m, and 92.1% within 2.1~3.0 m. When evaluating the remediation efficiency by considering the average rate of TPH concentration reduction by distance from the injection well, the control group was not clear; in contrast, the PPV method showed 53.6% remediation effect within 1 m of the injection well, 82.4% within 1.1~2.0 m, and 68.7% within 2.1~3.0 m. Both ways of considering purification efficiency (based on changes in TPH maximum and average contamination concentration) found the PPV method to increase the remediation effect by 149.0~184.8% compared with the control group; its average increase in remediation effect was ~167%. The time taken to reduce contamination by 80% of the initial concentration was evaluated by deriving a correlation equation through analysis of the TPH concentration: the PPV method could reduce the purification time by 184.4% compared with chemical oxidation. However, the present evaluation of a single site cannot be equally applied to all strata, so additional research is necessary to explore more clearly the proposed method's effect.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.32-44
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implant connection type on marginal bone loss (MBL) and to analyze the factors that affect MBL. This study focuses on single implants planted in the upper and lower first molar area. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 implants from 68 patients were tracked for a period over 5 years. There were 57 external connection type (EC) implants and 30 internal connection type (IC) implants in 38 males and 30 females. The MBL and EA were measured from intraoral radiograph images taken after 5 years at most. Results: Significant difference in MBL between EC and IC type was observed in patients without GBR or diabetes. Patients without GBR exhibited an MBL of -0.065 ± 0.859 mm in EC type and -0.627 ± 0.639 mm in IC type (P = 0.025). Using multiple regression analysis, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between MBL and conditions including implant-abutment connection type (β = -0.303), diabetes (β = -0.113), emergence angle > 30° (β = -0.234), and age (β = -0.776). Conclusion: Within this results, IC type implants had less MBL than EC type, and implant prosthesis with emergence angle over 30° showed greater MBL. To minimize the MBL of the implant and ensure implant stability, careful consideration should be given to the EA of implant prosthesis and its connection type.

• Laboratory Medicine Online
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.10-14
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• 2012

Background: Measurement of HbA_1c levels is widely used to diagnose diabetes mellitus and to evaluate and monitor plasma-glucose concentrations over 6-8 weeks. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the newly developed latex immunoturbidimetric method by using Autolab HbA_1c. Methods: We analyzed and compared the diagnostic performance of Autolab HbA_1c with that of Toshiba 200FR between April 2009 and July 2009. According to guidelines (EP5-A2, EP6-P, EP9-A2) of the clinical and laboratory standards institute (CLSI), we compared linearity, precision and correlation of Autolab HbA_1c with those of G7 (Tosoh Corp., Kyoto, Japan) by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Results: Data obtained using Autolab HbA_1c showed good linearity in mixtures of samples with low (3.1%) and high (15.1%) levels of HbA_1c (r²=0.9997). In the analysis of within-run precision of the samples with HbA_1c levels of 5.1% and 12.1%, the SDs were 0.04 and 0.06 and covariances of these samples were 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively. In the Deming regression model, the regression equation was as follows: Autolab HbA_1c=1.0859×Tosoh HPLC-0.6957. Conclusions: In this study, Autolab HbA_1c method showed better performance characteristics than Tosoh G7 did. In reference review, there was no interference of variant hemoglobin. The data acquisition time of Autolab HbA_1c was lower than that of Tosoh G7. The advantages of Autolab HbA_1c are that it can be used as an autoanlyzer in routine chemical analysis, it does not require pre-analytical treatment, and the samples are automatically treated with distilled water for hemolysis.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.30 no.3A
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• pp.297-307
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• 2010

Recently, maintenance engineering and technology for civil and building structures have begun to draw big attention and actually the number of structures that need to be evaluate on structural safety due to deterioration and performance degradation of structures are rapidly increasing. When stiffness is decreased because of deterioration of structures and member cracks, dynamic characteristics of structures would be changed. And it is important that the damaged areas and extent of the damage are correctly evaluated by analyzing dynamic characteristics from the actual behavior of a structure. In general, typical measurement instruments used for structure monitoring are dynamic instruments. Existing dynamic instruments are not easy to obtain reliable data when the cable connecting measurement sensors and device is long, and have uneconomical for 1 to 1 connection process between each sensor and instrument. Therefore, a method without attaching sensors to measure vibration at a long range is required. The representative applicable non-contact methods to measure the vibration of structures are laser doppler effect, a method using GPS, and image processing technique. The method using laser doppler effect shows relatively high accuracy but uneconomical while the method using GPS requires expensive equipment, and has its signal's own error and limited speed of sampling rate. But the method using image signal is simple and economical, and is proper to get vibration of inaccessible structures and dynamic characteristics. Image signals of camera instead of sensors had been recently used by many researchers. But the existing method, which records a point of a target attached on a structure and then measures vibration using image processing technique, could have relatively the limited objects of measurement. Therefore, this study conducted shaking table test and field load test to verify the validity of the method that can measure multi-point displacement responses of structures using image processing technique.