• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.1125-1125
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• 2001

Micro-scale test methods are producing small-sample size where the conventional physical and chemical tests can not be used (high standard deviation, uncertain sampling conditions, low repeatability). Different small-scale test methods were developed recently for determination of physico-chemical, functional, rheological properties of wheat or wheat dough using miniaturized instruments with sophisticated sample preparation/handling and mechanics (RVA, 2 g mixograph, micro-Z-arm mixer, small-scale noodle maker, micro-baking method etc.). The small-scale methodologies can be used as basic research tools or as technology supported measurements and can be also essential in the early selection for quality traits in breeding programs. The milling as a sample preparation step is essential procedure providing good quality flour or semolina samples from small amount of grain (5-10 g) in a reproducible and reliable way. The aim of present study was to use NIR as quality control tool, and to evaluate the recently developed and manufactured micro-scale lab mill (FQC-2000) produced by Inter-Labor Co. Ltd., Hungary. The milling characteristics of the new instrument were compared to other laboratory mills and the effects of milling action on the chemical composition of fractions were analysed. The fractions were tested with both chemical and near infrared spectroscopic methods. The micro-scale milling resulted significantly different yields, particle size distributions and different fractions from compositional point of view. The near infrared spectra were sensitive enough to distinguish the fractions obtained by different milling procedures. Quantitative NIR calibration equations were developed and tested in order to measure the chemical composition of characteristic milling fractions. Special qualification procedure the PQS (Polar Qualification System) method was used for detecting the differences between fractions obtained by macro and micro-milling procedures. The results and the limitations of PQS method in this application will be discussed.

• Atmosphere
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.549-560
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• 2023

This study evaluates three distinct observation methods, CRDS, OA-ICOS, and OF-CEAS, in greenhouse gas monitoring equipment for atmospheric CO₂ and CH₄ concentrations. The assessment encompasses fundamental performance, high-concentration measurement accuracy, calibration methods, and the impact of atmospheric humidity on measurement accuracy. Results indicate that within a range of approximately 500 ppm, all three devices demonstrate high accuracy and linearity. However, beyond 1000 ppm, CO₂ accuracy sharply declines (84%), emphasizing the need for caution when interpreting high-concentration CO₂ data. An analysis of calibration methods reveals that both CO₂ and CH₄ measurements achieve high accuracy and linearity through 1-point calibration, suggesting that multi-point calibration is not imperative for precision. In dynamic atmospheric conditions with significant CO₂ and CH₄ concentration variations, a 1-point calibration suffices for reliable data (99% accuracy). The evaluation of humidity impact demonstrates that humidity removal devices significantly reduce air moisture levels, yet this has a negligible effect on dry CO₂ concentrations (less than 0.5% relative error). All three observation method instruments, which have integrated humidity correction to calculate dry CO₂ concentrations, exhibit minor sensitivity to humidity removal devices, implying that additional removal devices may not be essential. Consequently, this study offers valuable insights for comparing data from different measurement devices and provides crucial information to consider in the operation of monitoring sites.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.200-208
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• 2012

Objectives: This study investigated the performance of three separate units of a portable photoionization detector (PID, ppb-RAE 3000) for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a laboratory. Methods: A laboratory evaluation of the accuracy, precision, and inter-instrumental variance of three separate units of a portable PID (ppb-RAE 3000) was performed. The evaluation was based on the preparation of a test air sample of known toluene or ethylacetate concentration in a Tedlar$^{(R)}$ bag. The test air sample was monitored and data were logged consecutively by the three PIDs. A certified gas of 50 ppm toluene was also monitored during the test to ensure the reliability of the generated test air sample. Four different concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 2 TLV were used and a series of five measurements for each concentration level was performed. The accuracy was evaluated using National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) criteria. Results: The results from the oldest ppb-RAE3000 unit among the three test units generally fell outside the NIOSH recommended accuracy criteria of ${\pm}25%$, whereas the other two units produced results which were acceptable at, or greater than, 25 ppm of toluene, or 0.5 TLV. These units also met the NIOSH criteria for some ethylacetate measurements but the results were not consistent. Conclusions: Considering the inconsistent performance of these ppb-RAE 3000 units, this device may not be appropriate for use as an alternative to the standard measurement methods. However, it can serve good survey instruments to identify exposure sources or concentration profiles. For all applications, the ppb-RAE 3000 should be used with frequent calibration checks, additional validation using a reference material, and careful maintenance.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.328-342
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• 2004

This study aims to develop STS modules which consider the local concerns of Korean society and their authentic evaluation instruments. Their titles are as follows: 'Health-Aiding Foods, are they necessary?', 'Competition between Alien and Native Species', 'Living Lesson of Lake Shihwa', and 'Problems of food wastes; Would you like to throw them away, if they are money?' All of them deal with issues unique to Korean local situations. Each module consisted of two versions; a student worksheet and a teachers' guide. Students' activities were categorized into six processes such as group activities, investigation, discussion and presentation, experiments, field trip, and multiple intelligence activities. Various assessment tools and abilities for the decision-making in their STS classes were also included. In order to validate these modules, 24 teachers who have been teaching science, biology and environmental science in the secondary schools reviewed these modules and provided feedbacks about their validity and usefulness. We expect that the various rubrics included in each module will provide teachers creative and flexible assessment methods for students' understandings and their decision-making abilities toward the issues.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.1907-1910
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• 2012

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the fifth cause of cancer death in Iranian women. Early detection and treatment are important for appropriate management of this disease. Mammography and ultrasonography are used for screening and evaluation of symptomatic cases and the main diagnostic test for breast cancer is pathological. In this study we evaluated mammography and ultrasonography as diagnostic tools. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 384 mammography and ultrasonography reports for 255 women were assessed, divided into benign and malignant groups. Suspected cases were referred for pathology evaluation. The radiologic and pathologic reports were compared and also comparison was performed based on age groups (more and less than 50 years old), history of breastfeeding and gravidity. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS. Results: The mean ages of malignant and benign cases were $49{\pm}11.6$ and $43{\pm}11.2$ years, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for mammography were 73% and 45%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for ultrasonography were 69% and 49%, respectively. There were statistical differences between specificity of mammography in patients based on factors such as history of gravidity, breastfeeding and sensitivity in patients equal or more than 50 years old and less. Conclusion: Factors affecting different results in mammography and ultrasonography reports were classified into three groups, consisting of skill, experience and training of medical staff, and setting of instruments. It is recommended that health managers in developing countries pay attention the quality of setting and man power more than current status. Policy-makers and managers must establish guidelines regarding breast imaging in Iran.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.405-425
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• 2019

Objective: This study aimed to review the methodologies for evaluation of consumer spray products containing engineered nanomaterials (ENM), particularly focusing on inhalation exposure. Method: Literature on the evaluation methods for aerosolized ENM exposure from consumer spray products were collected through academic web searching. Common methodologies used in the literature, including research reports and academic articles, were also introduced. Results: The number of ENM-containing products have shown a considerable increase over recent years, from 54 in 2005 to 1,827 in 2018. Currently there is still discussion over the existing regulations with regard to product safety. Analysis of both ENM suspensions in the products and their aerosols is important for risk assessment. Comparison between the phases suggests how the size and concentration of particles change during the spray process. To analyze the ENM suspensions, dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy techniques, and inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry were used. In the aerosol monitoring, direct-reading instruments have been used to monitor the aerosols and conventional active sampling is used together to supplement the lack of real-time monitoring. There are also some models for estimating inhalation exposure. These models may be used to estimate mass exposure to nanomaterials contained in consumer products. Conclusion: Although there is no standardized method to evaluate ENM exposure from consumer products, many concerns about ENM have emerged. Every potential measure to reduce exposure to ENM from spray product use should be implemented through a precautionary recognition.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.12-18
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• 2022

Purpose: Pedicle screw fixation provides 3-column stabilization, multidimensional control, and a higher rate of interbody fusion. Although computed tomography (CT) is recommended for the postoperative assessment of pedicle screw fixation, its use is limited due to the radiation exposure dose. The purpose of this preliminary retrospective study was to assess the clinical usefulness of low-dose mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) for the postoperative evaluation of pedicle screw fixation. Methods: The author retrospectively reviewed postoperative mobile CBCT images of 15 patients who underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation for spinal disease from November 2019 to April 2020. Pedicle screw placement was assessed for breaches of the bony structures. The breaches were graded based on the Heary classification. Results: The patients included 11 men and four women, and their mean age was 66±12 years. Of the 122 pedicle screws, 34 (27.9%) were inserted in the thoracic segment (from T7 to T12), 82 (67.2%) in the lumbar segment (from L1 to L5), and six (4.9%) in the first sacral segment. Although there were metal-related artifacts, the image of the screw position (according to Heary classification) after surgery could be assessed using mobile CBCT at all levels (T7-S1). Conclusions: Mobile CBCT was accurate in determining the location and integrity of the pedicle screw and identifying the surrounding bony structures. In the postoperative setting, mobile CBCT can be used as a primary modality for assessing the accuracy of pedicle screw fixation and detecting postoperative complications.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.124-136
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• 2015

Purpose: Grain quality is a general concept that covers many characteristics, ranging from physical to biochemical and physiochemical properties. Rice aging during storage is currently a challenge in the rice industry, and is a complicated process involving changes in all of the above properties. Spectroscopic techniques can be used to obtain information on the quality of rice samples in a non-destructive manner. Methods: The objective of this review was to highlight the factors that contribute to rice quality and aging, and to describe various spectroscopic modalities, particularly vibrational and hyperspectral imaging, for the assessment of rice quality. Results: Starch and protein are the main components of the rice endosperm, and are therefore key factors contributing to eating and cooking quality. While the overall starch, protein, and lipid content in the rice grain remains essentially unchanged during storage, structural changes do occur. These changes affect pasting and gel properties, and ultimately the flavor of cooked rice. In addition, grain quality is significantly affected by growing and environmental conditions, such as water availability, temperature, fertilizer application, and salinity stress. These properties can be evaluated using spectroscopic techniques, and rice samples can be discriminated by using multivariate statistical analysis methods. Conclusion: Hyperspectral imaging and vibrational spectroscopy techniques have good potential for determining rice quality properties in a non-invasive manner, i.e., not requiring the introduction of instruments into the rice grain.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.21-39
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• 2013

As the utilization of information technology and the turbulence of technological change increase in organizations, the adoption of IT outsourcing also grows to manage IT resource more effectively and efficiently. In this new way of IT management technique, service level management(SLM) process becomes critical to derive success from the outsourcing in the view of end users in organization. Even though much of the research on service level management or agreement have been done during last decades, the performance of the service level management process have not been evaluated in terms of final objectives of the management efforts or success from the view of end-users. This study explores the relationship between SLM maturity and IT outsourcing success from the users' point of view by a analytical case study in four client organizations under an IT outsourcing vendor, which is a member company of a major Korean conglomerate. For setting up a model for the analysis, previous researches on service level management process maturity and information systems success are reviewed. In particular, information systems success from users' point of view are reviewed based the DeLone and McLean's study, which is argued and accepted as a comprehensively tested model of information systems success currently. The model proposed in this study argues that SLM process maturity influences information systems success, which is evaluated in terms of information quality, systems quality, service quality, and net effect proposed by DeLone and McLean. SLM process maturity can be measured in planning process, implementation process and operation and evaluation process. Instruments for measuring the factors in the proposed constructs of information systems success and SL management process maturity were collected from previous researches and evaluated for securing reliability and validity, utilizing appropriate statistical methods and pilot tests before exploring the case study. Four cases from four different companies under one vendor company were utilized for the analysis. All of the cases had been contracted in SLA(Service Level Agreement) and had implemented ITIL(IT Infrastructure Library), Six Sigma and BSC(Balanced Scored Card) methods since last several years, which means that all the client organizations pursued concerted efforts to acquire quality services from IT outsourcing from the organization and users' point of view. For comparing the differences among the four organizations in IT out-sourcing sucess, T-test and non-parametric analysis have been applied on the data set collected from the organization using survey instruments. The process maturities of planning and implementation phases of SLM are found not to influence on any dimensions of information systems success from users' point of view. It was found that the SLM maturity in the phase of operations and evaluation could influence systems quality only from users' view. This result seems to be quite against the arguments in IT outsourcing practices in the fields, which emphasize usually the importance of planning and implementation processes upfront in IT outsourcing projects. According to after-the-fact observation by an expert in an organization participating in the study, their needs and motivations for outsourcing contracts had been quite familiar already to the vendors as long-term partners under a same conglomerate, so that the maturity in the phases of planning and implementation seems not to be differentiating factors for the success of IT outsourcing. This study will be the foundation for the future research in the area of IT outsourcing management and success, in particular in the service level management. And also, it could guide managers in practice in IT outsourcing management to focus on service level management process in operation and evaluation stage especially for long-term outsourcing contracts under very unique context like Korean IT outsourcing projects. This study has some limitations in generalization because the sample size is small and the context itself is confined in an unique environment. For future exploration, survey based research could be designed and implemented.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.14-23
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• 2016

Objectives : One of major complications of diabetes, diabetic ulcer is also one of the main reasons for amputation, and the prevalence rate is 4-10%. Laser therapy is widely used for leg ulcer and diabetic ulcer, and it is known to improve wound epithelialization, cellular content, and collagen deposition. The purpose of this study is to investigate the properties of the laser and the spectrum of laser instruments for diabetic ulcer. Methods : We performed literature search using the PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL and Web of science for the data in English. In addition, other databases were checked for different languages such as OASIS and NDSL for the literature in Korean, CNKI in Chinese, and CiNii and J-STAGE written in Japanese. We excluded all review article and experimental studies, and only clinical studies using laser or light emitting diode (LED) for diabetic ulcer were selected. Results : A total twenty papers were selected. Different light sources were used as follows: LED, HeNe, InGaAlP, GaAlAs, GaAs, CO2, and KTP. The number of LED studies was 9, and HeNe laser was 7, and InGaAlP and GaAlAs laser was 2, GaAs, CO2, and KTP laser was 1 for each. Various energy density of the clinical study were reported. Conclusions : It is suggested that to select appropriate laser type and give the adequate output power to treat diabetic ulcer. Further evaluation and research for the condition of laser therapy to treat diabetic ulcers are warranted.