• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
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• v.12 no.12
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• pp.519-524
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• 2023

In hashing-based image retrieval, the hash code of a manipulated image is different from the original image, making it difficult to search for the same image. This paper proposes and evaluates a self-supervised deephashing model that generates perceptual hash codes from feature information such as texture, shape, and color of images. The comparison models are autoencoder-based variational inference models, but the encoder is designed with a fully connected layer, convolutional neural network, and transformer modules. The proposed model is a variational inference model that includes a SimAM module of extracting geometric patterns and positional relationships within images. The SimAM module can learn latent vectors highlighting objects or local regions through an energy function using the activation values of neurons and surrounding neurons. The proposed method is a representation learning model that can generate low-dimensional latent vectors from high-dimensional input images, and the latent vectors are binarized into distinguishable hash code. From the experimental results on public datasets such as CIFAR-10, ImageNet, and NUS-WIDE, the proposed model is superior to the comparative model and analyzed to have equivalent performance to the supervised learning-based deephashing model. The proposed model can be used in application systems that require low-dimensional representation of images, such as image search or copyright image determination.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.16-24
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• 2024

Background: Indoor PM_2.5 concentrations in residential houses can be affected by various factors depending on the season. This is because not only do the climate characteristics depend on the season, but the activity patterns of occupants are also different. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare factors affecting indoor PM_2.5 concentrations in apartments and detached houses in Daegu according to seasonal changes. Methods: This study included 20 households in Daegu, South Korea. The study was conducted during the summer (from July 10 to August 10, 2023) and the autumn (from September 11 to October 9, 2023). A sensor-based instrument for PM_2.5 levels was installed in the living room of each residence, and measurements were taken continuously for 24 hours at intervals of one minute during the measurement period. Based on the air quality monitoring system data in Daegu, outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated using ordinary kriging (OK) in Python. In addition, the indoor activities of the occupants were investigated using a time-activity pattern diary. The affecting factors of indoor PM_2.5 concentration were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results: Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations of the residences during summer were 15.27±11.09 ㎍/m³ and 11.52±7.56 ㎍/m³, respectively. Indoor and outdoor PM_2.5 concentrations during autumn were 13.82±9.61 ㎍/m³ and 9.57±5.50 ㎍/m³, respectively. The PM_2.5 concentrations were higher in summer compared to autumn both indoors and outdoors. The primary factor affecting indoor PM_2.5 concentration in summer was occupant activity. On the other hand, during the autumn season, the primary affecting factor was outdoor PM_2.5 concentration. Conclusions: Indoor PM_2.5 concentration in residential houses is affected by occupant activity such as the inflow of outdoor PM_2.5 concentration, cooking, and cleaning, as found in previous studies. However, it was revealed that there were differences depending on the season.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.70-78
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• 2024

A photo-crosslinked anion exchange membrane (AEM) based on quaternary-aminated polyacrylates was developed for reverse electrodialysis (RED). Although reverse electrodialysis is a clean and renewable energy generation system, the low power output and high membrane cost are serious obstacles to its commercialization. Cross-linked AEMs without any polymer supporters were fabricated through photo-crosslinking between polymer-typed acrylates with anion conducting groups, in particular, polymer-typed acrylates were synthesized based on engineering plastic with outstanding mechanical and chemical property. The fabricated membranes showed outstanding physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties. The area resistance of the fabricated membranes (CQAPPOA-20, CQAPPOA-35, and CQAPPOA-50) were ~50% lower than that of AMV (2.6 Ω cm²). Moreover, the transport number of CQAPPOA-35 wase comparable to that of AMV, despite the thin thickness (40 ㎛) of the fabricated membranes. The RED stack with the CQAPPOA-35 membrane provided an excellent maximum power density of 2.327 W m^-2 at a flow rate of 100 mL min^-1, which is 15% higher than that (2.026 W m^-2) of the RED stack with the AMV membrane. Considering easy fabrication process by UV photo-crosslinking and outstanding RED stack properties, the CQAPPOA-35 membrane is a promising candidate for REDs.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.431-441
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• 2020

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance and interobserver variability of strain ratio obtained from one or two regions of interest (ROI) on breast elastography. Materials and Methods: From April to May 2016, 140 breast masses in 140 patients who underwent conventional ultrasonography (US) with strain elastography followed by US-guided biopsy were evaluated. Three experienced breast radiologists reviewed recorded US and elastography images, measured strain ratios, and categorized them according to the American College of Radiology breast imaging reporting and data system lexicon. Strain ratio was obtained using the 1-ROI method (one ROI drawn on the target mass), and the 2-ROI method (one ROI in the target mass and another in reference fat tissue). The diagnostic performance of the three radiologists among datasets and optimal cut-off values for strain ratios were evaluated. Interobserver variability of strain ratio for each ROI method was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient values, Bland-Altman plots, and coefficients of variation. Results: Compared to US alone, US combined with the strain ratio measured using either ROI method significantly improved specificity, positive predictive value, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (all p values < 0.05). Strain ratio obtained using the 1-ROI method showed higher interobserver agreement between the three radiologists without a significant difference in AUC for differentiating breast cancer when the optimal strain ratio cut-off value was used, compared with the 2-ROI method (AUC: 0.788 vs. 0.783, 0.693 vs. 0.715, and 0.691 vs. 0.686, respectively, all p values > 0.05). Conclusion: Strain ratios obtained using the 1-ROI method showed higher interobserver agreement without a significant difference in AUC, compared to those obtained using the 2-ROI method. Considering that the 1-ROI method can reduce performers' efforts, it could have an important role in improving the diagnostic performance of breast US by enabling consistent management of breast lesions.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.301-310
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• 2024

The spatial and temporal non-uniform distribution of precipitation makes water management difficult. Due to climate change, nonuniform distribution of precipitation is worsening, and droughts and floods are occurring frequently. Additionally, the intensity of droughts and floods is intensifying, making existing water management systems difficult. From June 2022 to June 2023, most of the water storage rates of major dams in the Yeongsan river and Seomjin river basin were below 30%. In the case of Juam dam, which is the most dependent on water use in the basin, the water storage rate fell to 20.3%, the lowest ever. Pyeongnim dam recorded the lowest water storage rate of 27.3% on May 4, 2023. Due to a lack of precipitation starting in the spring of 2022, Pyeongnim dam was placed at a drought concern level on June 19, 2022, and entered the severe drought level on August 21. Pyeongrim dam and Suyangje(dam) have different operating institutions. Nevertheless, the low water level was not reached at Pyeongnim dam through organic linkage operation in a drought situation. Pyeongnim dam was able to stably supply water to 63,000 people in three counties. In order to maximize the use of limited water resources, we must review ways to move water smoothly between basins and water sources, and prepare for water shortages caused by climate change by establishing a consumer-centered water supply system.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.75-83
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• 2024

This study examined the causes and remedies of bid-rigging in the construction industry through a survey of procurement practitioners. The study identified potential problems from the business, construction, and bidding environments, and proposed improvements to the procurement and bidding systems to address these problems. The study found that transparency, fairness, and diversity are important factors in reducing bid-rigging. These factors can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as expanding bidding systems, strengthening fairness standards, and increasing the diversity of participating companies. The study also found that unfair subcontracting regulations are a problem that needs to be addressed. There were differences in the perceptions of the causes of bid-rigging between the general and specialized construction groups. However, there was no difference in the perceptions of improvements to the procurement system between the two groups. This suggests that a consistent solution to bid-rigging can be found. The study's findings are expected to contribute to the resolution and prevention of bid-rigging in the construction industry.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to select and predict optimal heatwave indices for describing and predicting heat-related illnesses. Regression analysis was conducted using Heat-related illness surveillance system data for a number of heat-related illnesses and meteorological data from the Korea Meteorological Administration's Automatic Weather Station (AWS) for the period from 2021 to 2023. Daily average temperature, daily maximum temperature, daily average Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), and daily maximum WBGT values were calculated and analyzed. The results indicated that among the four indicators, the daily maximum WBGT showed the highest suitability with an R² value of 0.81 and RMSE of 0.98, with a threshold of 29.94 Celsius. During the entire analysis period, there were a total of 91 days exceeding this threshold, resulting in 339 cases of heat-related illnesses. Predictions of heat-related illness cases from 2021 to 2023 using the regression equation for daily maximum WBGT showed an accuracy with less than 10 cases of error annually, demonstrating a high level of precision. Through continuous research and refinement of data and analysis methods, it is anticipated that this approach could contribute to predicting and mitigating the impact of heatwaves.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.5-14
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• 2024

PHC piles demonstrate superior resistance to compression and bending moments, and their factory-based production enhances quality assurance and management processes. Despite these advantages that have resulted in widespread use in civil engineering and construction projects, the design process frequently relies on empirical formulas or N-values to estimate the soil-pile friction, which is crucial for bearing capacity, and this reliance underscores a significant lack of experimental validation. In addition, environmental factors, e.g., the pH levels in groundwater and the effects of seawater, are commonly not considered. Thus, this study investigates the influence of vibrating machine foundations on PHC pile models in consideration of the effects of varying pH conditions. Concrete model piles were subjected to a one-month conditioning period in different pH environments (acidic, neutral, and alkaline) and under the influence of seawater. Subsequent repeated direct shear tests were performed on the pile-soil interface, and the disturbed state concept was employed to derive parameters that effectively quantify the dynamic behavior of this interface. The results revealed a descending order of shear stress in neutral, acidic, and alkaline conditions, with the pH-influenced samples exhibiting a more pronounced reduction in shear stress than those affected by seawater.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.437-447
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• 2023

By actively adopting technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the port industry is trending toward new types of ports, such as automated and smart ports. However, behind the development of these ports, there is an increasing risk of cyber security incidents and threats within ports and container terminals, including information leakage through cargo handling equipment and ransomware attacks leading to disruptions in terminal operations. Despite the necessity of research to enhance cyber security within ports, there is a lack of such studies in the domestic context. This study focuses on Busan Port, a representative port in South Korea that actively incorporates technology from the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in order to discover variables for improving cyber security in container terminals. The research results categorized factors for enhancing cyber security in Busan Port's container terminals into network construction and policy support, standardization of education and personnel training, and legal and regulatory factors. Subsequently, multiple regression analysis was conducted based on these factors, leading to the identification of detailed factors for securing and enhancing safety, reliability, performance, and satisfaction in Busan Port's container terminals. The significance of this study lies in providing direction for enhancing cyber security in Busan Port's container terminals and addressing the increasing incidents of cyber security attacks within ports and container terminals.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.146-154
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• 2024

The ship management industry in South Korea has been growing steadily, leading the government to implement policies to support its development in response to changing environmental conditions. These policies aim to improve the competitiveness of South Korea's ship management industry by recognizing the importance of skilled professionals in determining its success. Plans and policies have been put in place to cultivate these professionals, but ship management companies are currently facing a serious shortage of manpower. To enhance the industry's competitiveness, it is essential to attract and retain competent ship management professionals. Therefore, this study investigates the reasons for turnover among these professionals. The research results identified four factors contributing to turnover: Work Environment, Economic Compensation and Welfare Benefits, Self-Development, and Promotion and Career Advancement. Subsequent multiple regression analysis based on these factors revealed the need to strengthen economic rewards and benefits in order to reduce turnover rates among ship management professionals. This study provides foundational data for the development of stable human resource management policies for the future of the ship management industry.