• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.70 no.6
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• pp.498-503
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• 2011

Background: The causes of exertional desaturation in patients with COPD can be multifactorial. We aimed to investigate factors predict exertional desaturation in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Methods: We tested 51 consecutive patients with stable COPD (FEV1/FVC, $40{\pm}13%$ predicted). Patients performed a six minute walk test (6MWT). Pulse oxymetric saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate were recorded. Results: Oxygen desaturation was found in 15 subjects after 6MWT, while 36 subjects were not desaturated. Lung diffusing capacity was significantly lower in desaturation (DS) group ($62{\pm}18%$ predicted) compared with not desaturated (ND) group ($84{\pm}20$, p<0.01). However there was no statistical difference of FEV1/FVC ratio or residual volume between two groups. The pulse rate change was significantly higher in the desaturated compared with the not desaturated group. Six minute walking distance, subjective dyspnea scale, airflow obstruction, and residual volume did not predict exertional oxygen desaturation. Independent factors assessed by multiple logistic regression revealed that a pulse rate increment (odd ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01~1.40; p=0.02), a decrease in baseline PaO2 (OR, 1.105; 95% CI, 1.003~1.218; p=0.04) and a decrease in lung diffusing capacity (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01~1.19; p=0.01) were significantly associated with oxygen desaturation. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that an absolute increment in pulse rate of 16/min gave optimal discrimination between desaturated and not desaturated patients after 6MWT. Conclusion: Pulse rate increment and diffusion capacity can predict exertional oxygen desaturation in stable COPD patients with moderate to severe airflow obstruction.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.20-28
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• 2016

A Ubiquitous City (U-city, Smart City) is one that ties information communications technologies (ICT) into many facets of city construction, thereby implicitly intending to function as a smart city that aims to be efficiently managed as well as provide an enhanced standard of living for its residents. Laws related to the construction of such ubiquitous cities point to integrated city management centers, intelligent facilities, and U-City infrastructure, among others, as central components of U-Cities, but do not provide a standard for these structures. Consequently, building of U-Cities by local governments are based on arbitrary judgments constrained the myriad of practical limitations that they face. Such ambiguity brings to light the need to find ways to improve the quality of these efforts. The first and second stages of this research examine the status of the components of a U-City -ubiquitous planning, technology, infrastructure, and services - and undertakes a comprehensive review thereof, with evaluation criteria formulated on the characteristics of stability, connectivity, goal-orientation, and development potential. In the research's third stage, a realistic and detailed evaluation index by which U-Cities can be renewed, demonstrated, and applied (???) is introduced in a step-by-step fashion, which will allow for local governments to properly assess the standard of their U-City in relation to the realities of the locality. Through the research result, it is expected that the index will become a part of the continued development and advancement of the "smart" character of an autonomous U-City at the local scale, and contribute to the overall revitalization of the U-City.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.138-145
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• 2008

Purpose : Acute gastroenteritis is a frequent childhood disease. The purpose of this study is to determine if certain pathogens are related to more severe clinical disease in children with acute gastroenteritis. Methods : Two hundred seventy one stool samples were obtained from pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis that was associated with virus, bacteria and protozoa infection between January 2006 and December 2006. The clinical severity was assessed by using the 24 point scale Clark score. We evaluate the Clark score according to the pathogens. Results : One hundred thirty seven children were noted to have virus, bacteria or protozoal infection. Rotavirus was the most common pathogen found in the children with gastroenteritis (20.6%). Other frequent pathogens were norovirus (10.7%) and E. coli (12.9%). Vomiting (P=0.049) and diarrhea (P=0.003) symptoms were more frequent in the rotavirus group than that in the rotavirus negative group. There were no statistical differences in the Clark score between the virus positive group and the virus negative group. Conclusion : We concluded that rotavirus was the most common pathogen in children with gastroenteritis, yet the clinical severity was not dependent on the presence of viral or bacterial pathogens.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.39-49
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to find out how sleep characteristics by Sasang constitution (SC) appear in Vietnamese immigrant women in Korea, and how sleep aberration by SC affected the quality of life. The number of 217 Vietnamese immigrant women joined this study. We surveyed SC with Korea Sasang Constitutional Diagnostic Questionnaire (KS-15) and sleep characteristics with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI) questionnaire. We evaluated quality of life(QoL) with Euro Quality of Life-5Dimension(EQ 5D) questionnaire. A Chi-square test and a one-way ANOVA test were conducted according to SC, and T test also used to compare PSQI groups. Significant p was .05. The number(rate) of Taeeumin(TE), Soeumin(SE), and Soyangin(SY) were 40(18.4%), 55(25.3%), and 122(56.2%) respectively. The distribution of obstructive factors of sleep were significantly different according to SC(Too Cold in Sleeping, x =13.378, p=.037, Too Hot in Sleeping x²=12.834, p=.046). The distribution of daytime drowsiness(x²=15.379, p=.018) and falling concentration power (x²=17.533, p=.008) was significantly different according to SC. The sleep status of the subjects showed a significant negative correlation with the EQ 5D Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) (r =-.399, p<.001), and the EQ 5D Index (r=-.211, p=.002). In the EQ VAS, TE showed a difference between the good and bad sleeping groups (t=3.955, p<.001). SE showed a difference between the two groups in the EQ 5D Index (t=2.332, p=.037). SY did not show a difference between the two groups. This study reveals that sleeping is closely related with QoL and distribution of obstructive factors of sleep may be different according to SC. Further study to confirm the constitutional difference in race at Vietnam is needed.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.55-64
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• 2007

Our objective was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of spatial domain filtering as an alternative to additional image reconstruction using different kernels in CT. Kernels were grouped as H30 (head medium smooth), B30 (body medium smooth), S80 (special) and U95 (ultra sharp). Derived from thin coilimated source images, four sets of images were generated using phantom kernels. MTF (50%, 10%, 2%) measured with H30 (3.25, 5.68, 7.45 Ip/cm) B30 (3.84, 6.25, 7.72 Ip/cm), S80 (4.69, 9.49, 12.34 Ip/cm), and U95 (14.19, 20.31, 24.67 Ip/cm). Spatial resolution for the U95 kernel (0.6 mm) was 33.3% greater than that of the H30 and B30 (0.8 mm) kernels. Initially scanned kernels images were rated for subjective image qualify, using a five-point scale. Image scanned with a convolution kernel led to an increase in noise (U95), whereas the results for CT attenuation coefficient were comparable. CT images increase the diagnostic accuracy in head (H30), abdomen (B30), temporal bone and lung (U95) kernels may be controlled by adjusting CT various algorithms, which should be adjusted to take into account the kernels of the CT undergoing the examination.

• Journal of Practical Engineering Education
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.163-176
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• 2020

Promoting job growth and quality has been central to developing countries to reduce poverty for decades. In this regard, Nepal is not unique in its need to develop effective TVET programme as it is considered showing positive association with workforce development and productivity. While the copious academic literature has highlighted upon staff training programme in general education, it encounters lack of adequate attention in the field of TVET education. The purpose of the study is to identity and prioritise the professional development needs for the teachers of TVET sector in Nepal. A sample(N=317) of Nepalese teachers from seven provinces were asked to answer the scale. The Borich needs assessment model was employed to assess the perceived level of importance and present preferred training modules among 29 teaching subjects. Moreover, a quadrant analysis using 2×2 matrix was used as a diagnostic tool to denote overriding training topics. The result shows that following competence skills constructs were perceived to be in high need of enhancement as well as in existence of discrepancies: 'occupational characteristics of TVET trainer', 'training needs analysis and curriculum development', 'curriculum development based on national competence standard(NCS)', and 'Institution management evaluation'.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.113-117
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• 2010

This research attempts to qualitatively evaluate the intensity change by radiopharmaceuticals and obtain computed tomography using phantom injected with various nuclide. Cylindrical phantom is used for comparing and analysing the effect on diagnosis image during radiopharmaceuticals inspection. Inside of the phantom, water is injected and computed tomography image is scanned. During nuclear medicine invitro, frequently used radiopharmaceuticals, $^{99m}TcO_4$ 20 mCi and $^{18}F$ 14 mCi, is diluted in the water phantom and scanned in the same method. Traverse image obtained by CT scan is divided into six traverse image in the same slice of each scanned image. CT-number(HU) value of 10 measuring point is measured in 2 cm interval based on the center of the phantom. Measured HU value, based on the water phantom, is compared with the image after injecting $^{99m}TcO_4$ and $^{18}F$. Average scale of water is 2.8~1.6 HU, $^{99m}TcO_4$ is 3.0~1.6 HU and $^{18}F$ is 1.2~0 HU. Average of water is $2.3{\pm}0.17$ HU, $^{99m}TcO_4$ is $2.2{\pm}0.85$ HU and F-18 is $0.7{\pm}0.95$ HU. Based on water, reduced value of about 0.1 HU and about 0.5 HU is acquired from $^{99m}TcO_4$ and F-18. Radionuclide used in nuclear medicine inspection utilizes 100~200 KeV energy and obtains image through scintillation camera and PET-CT utilizes 511 KeV positron annihilation energy to obtain image. What we learned from this research is that gamma rays from these energies used in CT scan for diagnosis purpose or radioactive therapy plan can change the intensity of the image. The nuclear medicine inspection for reducing the effect of emitted gamma ray diagnosis image should be obtained after a period of time considering half-life which would be reduced distortion or changed in image.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.23-26
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• 2016

Purpose: Nerve conduction study (NCS) test is a standard diagnostic study of the tarsal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between the results of the NCS and postoperative clinical results. Materials and Methods: From June 2004 to July 2015, 104 patients were diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome and treated surgically. Of 104 patients diagnosed through NCS preoperatively and postoperatively, 41 patients were included in this study. There were 23 male and 18 female patients with mean age of 49.2 years old and the average follow-up period was 15.5 months. NCS, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and subjective satisfaction were examined preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: On the preoperative NCS, 32 patients (78.0%) were positive and 9 patients (22.0%) were negative, and 32 positive NCS patients consisted of 9 positive (28.1%), 16 improved (50.0%), and 7 negative (21.9%) postoperatively. VAS score was 7.4 preoperatively and 4.4 postoperatively. According to satisfaction, there were 8 excellent (19.5%), 21 good (51.2%), 6 fair (14.6%), and 6 poor (14.6%) patients. For 32 patients who were positive on the preoperative NCS, the postoperative VAS score was 4.87 and there were 7 excellent (21.9%), 16 good (50.0%), 4 fair (12.5%), and 5 poor (15.6%) patients. Sixteen patients were negative on the postoperative NCS, with a VAS score of 3.75, 1 excellent (6.3%), 11 good (68.8%), 2 fair (12.5%), and 2 poor (12.5%). There was no statistical correlation between the preoperative NCS and postoperative VAS score (p=0.10), between preoperative NCS and postoperative satisfaction (p=0.799), between preoperative NCS and postoperative VAS score (p=0.487), and between postoperative NCS and postoperative satisfaction (p=0.251). Conclusion: For patients diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome and treated surgically, NCS showed little correlation with postoperative result.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.100-105
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• 2017

Background and Objectives : Adductor type spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) is neurogenic disorder and focal laryngeal dystonia, while muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is caused by functional voice disorder. Both ADSD and MTD may be associated with excessive supraglottic contraction and compensation, resulting in a strained voice quality with spastic voice breaks. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of spectrogram analysis in the differentiation of ADSD from MTD. Materials and Methods : From 2015 through 2017, 17 patients of ADSD and 20 of MTD, underwent acoustic recording and phonatory function studies, were enrolled. Jitter (frequency perturbation), Shimmer (amplitude perturbation) were obtained using MDVP (Multi-dimensional Voice Program) and GRBAS scale was used for perceptual evaluation. The two speech therapist evaluated a wide band (11,250 Hz) spectrogram by blind test using 4 scales (0-3 point) for four spectral findings, abrupt voice breaks, irregular wide spaced vertical striations, well defined formants and high frequency spectral noise. Results : Jitter, Shimmer and GRBAS were not found different between two groups with no significant correlation (p>0.05). Abrupt voice breaks and irregular wide spaced vertical striations of ADSD were significantly higher than those of MTD with strong correlation (p<0.01). High frequency spectral noise of MTD were higher than those of ADSD with strong correlation (p<0.01). Well defined formants were not found different between two groups. Conclusion : The wide band spectrograms provided visual perceptual information can differentiate ADSD from MTD. Spectrogram analysis is a useful diagnostic tool for differentiating ADSD from MTD where perceptual analysis and clinical evaluation alone are insufficient.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.35-46
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• 2008

Soil moisture is one of the important components in hydrological processes and also controls the subsurface flow mechanism at a hillslope scale. In this study, time series of soil moisture were measured at a hillslope located in Gwangneung National Arboretum, Korea using a multiplex Time Domain Reflectometry(TDR) system measuring soil moisture with bi-hour interval. The Box-Jenkins transfer function and noise model was used to estimate spatial distributions of soil moisture histories between May and September, 2007. Rainfall was used as an input parameter and soil moisture at 10 cm depth was used as an output parameter in the model. The modeling process consisted of a series of procedures(e.g., data pretreatment, model identification, parameter estimation, and diagnostic checking of selected models), and the relationship between soil moisture and rainfall was assessed. The results indicated that the patterns of soil moisture at different locations and slopes along the hillslope were similar with those of rainfall during the measurment period. However, the spatial distribution of soil moisture was not associated with the slope of the monitored location. This implies that the variability of the soil moisture was determined more by rainfall than by the slope of the site. Due to the influence of vegetation activity on soil moisture flow in spring, the soil moisture prediction in spring showed higher variability and complexity than that in early autumn did. This indicates that vegetation activity is an important factor explaining the patterns of soil moisture for an upland forested hillslope.