• Title/Summary/Keyword: cost/benefit

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Combination Therapy with Ciclosporine, Ketoconazole and 0.1% Tacrolimus Ointment for Fast Reduction of Perianal Fistulae Lesions in Three Military Working Dogs (싸이클로스포린, 케토코나졸, 0.1% 타크로리무스 연고제제로 병용 치료한 군 사역견의 항문주위 누공 3례)

  • Seo, Kyoung-Won;Ahn, Jin-Ok;Coh, Ye-Rin;Park, Chong-Woo;Chae, Ji-Sang;Hwang, Cheol-Yong;Youn, Hwa-Young
    • Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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    • v.27 no.6
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    • pp.746-750
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    • 2010
  • Three military working dogs (MWDs) were diagnosed with perianal fistulae after a complete physical examination and rectal palpation. The initial treatment protocol was used with short-term oral ciclosporine (CyA) and ketoconazole and 0.1% topical tacrolimus ointment. When lesions were nearly healed, treatment was continued with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment only at a lower frequency. The lesions improved significantly within 2-8 weeks with no noticeable side effects. Complete recovery was determined at weeks 13, 6, and 4 for cases 1, 2, and 3, respectively. This combination protocol was effective at resolving or reducing perianal fistulae (PAF) lesions even communicating with anal sacs in three dogs. The major benefit of this protocol was the rapid reduction of fistulae lesions and this could be helpful to extend the pain-free period. Moreover, this protocol appeared cost-saving as well as time-saving option for PAF dogs.

Economic Analysis on the Technology to shorten the Raising Term for Korean Cattle -Based on the results of empirical farm that manufactures and feeds his own TMR feed- (한우 비육우 사육기간 단축기술에 대한 경제성 분석 -자가TMR 제조·급여 실증농가를 대상으로-)

  • Chae, Yong-Woo;Yun, Jin-Woo;Kim, SeongSup
    • Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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    • v.21 no.11
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    • pp.833-842
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    • 2020
  • The purpose of this study is to analyze the economic feasibility of technology developed by the National Institute of Animal Science used to shorten the raising term of Hanwoo cattle. This technology can address the increasing proportion of feed cost to operating expenses in the industry. The technology maintains quality by high nutrition breeding during the growing period while shortening the fattening period compared to conventional methods for castrated cattle. Our analysis employs the partial budget method, and results are as follows. First, we found that the ratio of shipment in age of less than 29 months has been increasing. Second, the statistical test finds that both the reduction in age of the months for shipment and the increase in dressed weight annually are significant. Third, the benefit of introducing the technology with the self-manufactured TMR accounts for 467,990 won per head/time. This result is strong evidence for prioritizing and extending pilot projects. In order to further expand this technology in the future, problems, limitations, and obstacles to introduction should be additionally disclosed for participating and non-participating farms after conducting the pilot project.

The Effect of Unconscious Thought on Goal-Dependent Decision Making (목표지향적 정보처리에서 무의식적 사고의 효과)

  • Kim, Min-Jeong;Lee, Young-Ai
    • Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
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    • v.22 no.4
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    • pp.405-427
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    • 2011
  • We explored whether unconscious thought affects the processing of scientific technology information concerning nuclear power. Instead of conscious deliberation of cost-benefit analysis of nuclear energy, we would like to show the effects of unconscious thought on decision making. Participants were presented with all information about nuclear power and then judged the most positive as well as the most negative items. Participants in the unconscious thought condition performed a 2-back digit memory task as distractor before they made any decision regarding the nuclear power. Those in conscious thought condition were asked to carefully evaluate all presented information while participants in the immediate decision condition made a quick decision. Based on the analysis of previous studies on this topic, we attempted to obtain the potential effects of unconscious thought by modifying materials and experimental procedures including the use of noise. Even with these new manipulations, the effect of unconscious thought on decision making was not observed in Experiment 1. In contrast, we observed a significant effect of unconscious thought on decision making when task purpose was clearly presented after participants have finished reading all information regarding nuclear power. The results of the present study indicate that if the task purpose were clearly presented, the effects of unconscious thoughts on decision making could be observed.

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Quality Assurance of Multileaf Collimator Using Electronic Portal Imaging (전자포탈영상을 이용한 다엽시준기의 정도관리)

  • ;Jason W Sohn
    • Progress in Medical Physics
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    • v.14 no.3
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    • pp.151-160
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    • 2003
  • The application of more complex radiotherapy techniques using multileaf collimation (MLC), such as 3D conformal radiation therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), has increased the significance of verifying leaf position and motion. Due to thier reliability and empirical robustness, quality assurance (QA) of MLC. However easy use and the ability to provide digital data of electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) have attracted attention to portal films as an alternatives to films for routine qualify assurance, despite concerns about their clinical feasibility, efficacy, and the cost to benefit ratio. In this study, we developed method for daily QA of MLC using electronic portal images (EPIs). EPID availability for routine QA was verified by comparing of the portal films, which were simultaneously obtained when radiation was delivered and known prescription input to MLC controller. Specially designed two-test patterns of dynamic MLC were applied for image acquisition. Quantitative off-line analysis using an edge detection algorithm enhanced the verification procedure as well as on-line qualitative visual assessment. In conclusion, the availability of EPI was enough for daily QA of MLC leaf position with the accuracy of portal films.

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Studies for alternative material of media for Pleurotus eryngii (큰느타리버섯 배지재료의 다변화를 위한 연구)

  • Park, Jin-Young;Lee, Jae-Yun;Kim, Hyun-Tae;Kim, Sam-Soo;Kim, Sung-Yun;Kim, Mun-Ock;Lee, Jae-Dong
    • Journal of Mushroom
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    • v.4 no.3
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    • pp.88-100
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    • 2006
  • This study was performed to investigate the effective components of media of Pleurotus eryngii for bottle cultivation and several alternative material for reducing cost and smooth supply. The results show that Potato starch, Cocoa shell, Corn gluten feed, Soybean flour(solvent extracted), Cottonseed hull, Poultry manure can be replaced in Bean curd dregs of basal substrates. Especially addition of Soybean flour at 2~8% and Poulty manure at 2% in place of Bean curd dregs is effective for mycelial growth of P. eryngii, Also Pine sawdust appears that can be replaced by Softwood sawdust and addition of softwood sawdust at 25.2% is most effective. Addition of $CaCO_3$, at 2~3%, $K_2CO_3$, at 0.2%, $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$ in 0.1%, $MnSO_4{\cdot}5H_2O$ in 0.05% is effective for mycelial growth of P. eryngii, Activation materials used in this study have not enough benefit for mycelial growth in the financial aspect.

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A Study on the Efficient Management of Long-term Inpatient Flour in a General Hospital (한 종합병원의 장기입원환자 흐름의 효율적 관리에 관한 연구 - 장기입원환자정상 운용개선방안을 중심으로 -)

  • Kim, Chun-Bae;Chae, Young-Moon;Yu, Seung-Hum;O, Hee-Chul
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.23 no.1 s.29
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    • pp.11-21
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    • 1990
  • This study refers to the problem of long-term inpatient flow in a general hospital. In this study, a queueing simulation model was developed for the two departments in the hospital with a homogeneous case mix and relatively many long-term inpatients in order to increase the turnover rate and hospital charges. Before the simulation n, the model was verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The following results were generated by three alternative models of the special bed policies. 1. Alternative I : When long term inpatients were admitted to the wards belonging to departments A and B without transfer to other departments and special beds, the average turn-over rate decreased by 2-4% and the average hospital charges decreased by 70 million won. 2. Alternative II : When long-term inpatients were transferred to department C but the transfer of wards was determined by department C in order of clinical need, the average turnover rate increased by 4-13% but the average hospital charges decreased by 30 million won. This result was not greatly different from the present state. 3. Alternative III : When long-term inpatients were transferred to the special wards and department C simultaneously, the increase in the average turnover rate and hospital charges was equivalent to the increase of two beds in the special wards. When the special wards were allocated 16 beds, the average turnover rate of departments A and B increased by about 55% and 20% respectively. Also, the hospital charges increased by about 0.44 billion won. As a result, transfer to department C and the use of 16 beds in the special wards for long-term inpatients of departments A and B is expected to maximize the hospital revenue. However, as the above special bed policy can not increase the turnover rate above 60%, there is a need for a more comprehensive policy to further increase the rate. The development of an elaborate model should include the number of long-term inpatients in all clinical departments, the special wards system or an increase of hospital beds to handle admission needs, and the resources of the hospital by department. When the alternatives are evaluated, a cost-benefit analysis in addition to the turnover rate and the hospital charges should be considered.

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A methodological study on simplifying claims review system in medical insurance (의료보험 진료비 심사 간소화에 대한 방법론적 연구)

  • Kim, Suk-Il;Kang, Hyung-Gon;Kim, Han-Joong;Chae, Young-Moon;Sohn, Myong-Sei;Lee, Myung-Keun
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.28 no.3 s.51
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    • pp.640-650
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    • 1995
  • After the introduction of National Medical Insurance in 1989, the medical demand has rapidly increased. The impact of increased medical demand was followed by an increase in the number of claims in need of review. We studied a new, fair method for reducing the number of claims reviewed. We analysed 90,583 outpatient claims submitted between September and October; claims were made for services given August of 1994. We finally suggested a screening system for claims review using a statistical method of discriminant analysis of the medical costs. The results were as follows. 1. In the cut-off group, age, days of medication, number of hospital or clinic visits, and total charge were significantly high. The cut-off rates according to the hospital-type and existence of accompanied disease were significantly different 2. According to ICD, the cut-off rate was highest in peripheral enthesopathies and allied syndromes(20.76%), lowest in acute sinusitis(0.93%). The mean charges were significantly different according to ICD and existence of cut-off. 3. We build discriminant functions by ICD with such discriminant variables as patient age, sex, existence of accompanied disease, number of hospital or clinic visits, and 9 detailed hospital or clinic charges included in claim. 4. We applied the discriminant function for screening those claims that were expected to be cut-off. The sensitivities comprised from 40% to 70%, and specificities from 70% to 95% by ICD. Acute rhinitis had highest sensitivity(100.00%) and other local infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue had highest specificity(98.45%). The expected number of cut-off was 17,762(19.61%). The total sensitivity was 49.62%, the total specificity was 82.57% and the error rate was 19.66%. We lacked economic analysis such as cost-benefit analysis. But, if the new method of screening claims using discriminant analysis were applied, the number of claims in need of review will reduce considerably.

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Efficiency Evaluation of Mobile Emission Reduction Countermeasures Using Data Envelopment Analysis Approach (자료포락분석(DEA) 기법을 활용한 도로이동오염원 저감대책의 효율성 분석)

  • Park, Kwan Hwee;Lee, Kyu Jin;Choi, Keechoo
    • Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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    • v.32 no.2
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    • pp.93-105
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    • 2014
  • This study evaluated the relative efficiency of mobile emission reduction countermeasures through a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach and determined the priority of countermeasures based on the efficiency. Ten countermeasures currently applied for reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution materials were selected to make a scenario for evaluation. The reduction volumes of four air pollution materials(CO, HC, NOX, PM) and three greenhouse gases($CO_2$, $CH_4$, $N_2O$) for the year 2027, which is the last target year, were calculated by utilizing both a travel demand forecasting model and variable composite emission factors with respect to future travel patterns. To estimate the relative effectiveness of reduction countermeasures, this study performed a super-efficiency analysis among the Data Envelopment Analysis models. It was found that expanding the participation in self car-free day program was the most superior reduction measurement with 1.879 efficiency points, followed by expansion of exclusive bus lanes and promotion of CNG hybrid bus diffusion. The results of this study do not represent the absolute data for prioritizing reduction countermeasures for mobile greenhouse gases and air pollution materials. However, in terms of presenting the direction for establishing reduction countermeasures, this study may contribute to policy selection for mobile emission reduction measures and the establishment of systematic mid- and long-term reduction measures.

Evaluation of Amending Materials to Reduce Soil Loss from Sloping Remediated Agricultural Land (급경사 복원 농경지 토양 유실 저감을 위한 개량제 효율 및 현장 적용성 평가)

  • Hwang, Wonjae;Park, Minseok;Hyun, Seunghun;Ji, Won hyun;Lee, Sang-Hwan
    • Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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    • v.4 no.3
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    • pp.180-185
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    • 2017
  • Restoration of min-impacted arable land is often performed through stabilization of trace elements by amendment treatment combined with (clean) soil covering on the surface. Recently, soil loss problem from sloping remediated agricultural lands has risen as an emerging concern. In this study, efficacy of aggregation formation was assessed by single and binary treatments of four potential amendments (bentonite, lime, organic matter, and steel slag) applied on three cover soils having different clay contents (9.4, 14.7, and 21.2% for A, B, and C soils respectively). In results of single treatments, 5% organic matter for A soil and 5% lime for B and C soils were found most effective for the aggregation formation compared to the respective controls (without amendments). Among nine binary treatments, 3% organic matter + 1% lime for A soil and 1% organic matter + 3% lime for both B and C soils led to the highest formation of aggregation (30.4, 25.0, and 36.5% for A, B, and C soils). For a site-application, the soil erodibility difference between the cover soils (0.045, 0.051, and 0.054 for A, B, and C soils, respectively) and the national average of arable land (0.032) was assumed to be compensated by amendment addition, which is equivalent to 29.1% aggregation formation. To achieve the aggregation goal, 5% lime for A and B soils and 3% lime for C soil were best in the consideration of benefit/cost, thereby effectively and economically reducing soil loss from sloping remediation site. Soil alkalinity induced by lime treatment was not considered in this work.

Medical Care Utilization between National Health Insurance and Medical Assistance in Elderly Patients (건강보험과 의료급여 노인환자의 의료이용량 : 요양기관종별 분석)

  • Lee, Yong-Jae
    • The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.585-595
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    • 2017
  • The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference of medical care between medical assistance and health insurance patients to evaluate the increase of medical care costs due to the moral hazard of medical care patients and to provide a basis for rational medical care policy decision. For this purpose, we compared health insurance benefit data for Seoul citizens by gender, age, and type of medical institutions. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, all of the hospitalized and outpatient use of the advanced general Hospitals, medical assistance patients were less than those of the health insurance patients, so that the medical assistance patients could not use the high cost medical services. Second, in general hospitals, patients with health insurance are often hospitalized. On the other hand, medical assistance patients use a lot of outpatient services because they are less burdened. Third, in hospitals and clinics, medical benefits patients often use inpatient and outpatient services. Therefore, medical assistance patients are likely to use unnecessary medical care of outpatient and hospitalization clinics and hospitals, outpatient of general hospitals. But, in hospitalization and outpatient use in advanced general hospitals and medical assistance patients can not use due to excessive medical burden. Therefore, the policy to reduce the burden of medical expenses for patients with severe illness will continue, and the medical care patients using clinics and hospitals should be careful not to use unnecessary medical services.