• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.70-75
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• 2011

Purpose: Recently, the incidence of preterm and low birth weight infants (LBWI) is increasing, even though the birth rate is continuously low in Korea. Despite that change, there continues to be a deficit of beds in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study is based on the 2009 Korean Statistical Information Service that examined the development of a Korean NICU service and the survival rate of preterm infants by regionally analyzing the rate of total live births, preterm infants, LBWI, and NICU beds in Korea. Methods: Data were obtained from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and Korean Statistical Information Service. We confirmed the regional total live birth rate, number of LBWI, and preterm infants and NICU numbers, and all of the results were compared to the average value to determine deficient areas of NICU beds. Results: There were 25,374 (5.7%) preterm infants and 21,954 (4.9%) LBWI in the total number of live births (444,849) in 2009, and regions of high proportion compared to the mean value were Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan. Total NICU beds totaled 1,284, and regions of high rates preterm infants and LBWI per 1 NICU bed compared to the mean value were Incheon, Daegu, Ulsan, etc. The NICU holding rate was 87.5% (1,284/1,468), which was increased from 2005. However, there were still shortages of 184 NICU beds (12.5%), especially in Gyeonggi-do, which lacked 157 beds. Conclusion: High risk neonates difficult to transfer, and they need immediate and continuous treatment. As a result, a foundation of well-balanced, national NICU regionalization is necessary. This study suggested that more NICU facilities must be implemented, and clinicians should realize the continuing deficiency of NICU beds in cities and provinces.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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• v.50 no.8
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• pp.253-263
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• 2013

Frequency Scanning Interferometry(FSI) system, one of the most promising optical surface measurement techniques, generally results in superior optical performance comparing with other 3-dimensional measuring methods as its hardware structure is fixed in operation and only the light frequency is scanned in a specific spectral band without vertical scanning of the target surface or the objective lens. FSI system collects a set of images of interference fringe by changing the frequency of light source. After that, it transforms intensity data of acquired image into frequency information, and calculates the height profile of target objects with the help of frequency analysis based on Fast Fourier Transform(FFT). However, it still suffers from optical noise on target surfaces and relatively long processing time due to the number of images acquired in frequency scanning phase. 1) a Polarization-based Frequency Scanning Interferometry(PFSI) is proposed for optical noise robustness. It consists of tunable laser for light source, ${\lambda}/4$ plate in front of reference mirror, ${\lambda}/4$ plate in front of target object, polarizing beam splitter, polarizer in front of image sensor, polarizer in front of the fiber coupled light source, ${\lambda}/2$ plate between PBS and polarizer of the light source. Using the proposed system, we can solve the problem of fringe image with low contrast by using polarization technique. Also, we can control light distribution of object beam and reference beam. 2) the signal processing acceleration method is proposed for PFSI, based on parallel processing architecture, which consists of parallel processing hardware and software such as Graphic Processing Unit(GPU) and Compute Unified Device Architecture(CUDA). As a result, the processing time reaches into tact time level of real-time processing. Finally, the proposed system is evaluated in terms of accuracy and processing speed through a series of experiment and the obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposed system and method.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.81 no.4
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• pp.337-345
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• 1992

In this research, a kinematic wave model was applied for the runoff analysis, Regulation of streamflow was estimated by the calibration of roughness coefficient as a parameter. The data analyzed were obtained from Ananomiya and Shirasaka experimental basins at Tokyo University Forest in Aichi. Estimation methods and characteristics of roughness coefficient as a evaluation method of hydrological function of forest are summarized as follows ; 1. Roughness coefficient($N_s$) indicates the resistance of hillslope to the flowing water of surface runoff. There exists an hypothesis that resistance of hillslope to flowing water increase with the growth forest and development of the $A_o$ layer. 2. Roughness coefficient($N_s$) was estimated by the parameter when the stream direct runoff was calculated by using the kinematic wave. 3. Secular change of '$N_s$' in ananomiya has a curve which has an upper limit and increases exponentially near the limit. The curve quickly increased from 1935 to 1945 when results of afforestation for erosion control were thought to be effective. On the other hand, slight increase of '$N_s$' in Shirasaka indicates that there was not such a big change in the surface of soil layer. 4. The increase of '$N_s$' was related with decrease of direct runoff and increase of base flow. It was recognized that the rate of direct runoff decreased with the improvement of forest physiognomy and the rate of base flow was increased. But absolute value of water runoff per one storm decreased in chronological order.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.25-35
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• 2009

Purpose: The characteristics of hospitalized patients in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), including hospitalization costs (HC) and National Health Insurance (NHI) status were studied. Methods: We gathered the following data from 7 hospitals in Korea during 2006: the distribution of patients according to birth weight (BW), and the duration of the hospital stay according to BW and He. Results: The patients who were admitted to the NICU consisted of high-risk neonates, including low birth weight or premature neonates, which comprised 50% of all neonates admitted to the NICU. The duration of hospitalization was 75-90 days for neonates with BW <1,000 g, 45-60 days for neonates with BW between 1,000 and 1,499 g, and approximately 15 days for neonates with BW between 2,000 and 2,499 g. The portion of the HC covered by the NHI was 77.1%, 22.9% of the total HC was not covered by the NHI (19.5% was included in the list, but not covered by the NHI and 3.4% was not listed, but covered by the NHI). The average total HC per person was 4,360,000 won, and the HC covered and not covered by the NHI were 3,677,000 won and 1,007,000 won, respectively. The mean HC were as follows; 35,000,000 won for a BW <500 g, 18,000,000 won for a BW between 500 and 999 g, 16,000,000 won for a BW between 1,000 and 1,499 g, and 4,200,000 won for a BW between 1,500 and 1,999 g. Conclusion: Not only premature, but also ill neonates were under the care of the NICU. The HC increased as the BW decreased and the hospitalization period increased. The proportion of the patient's financial burden is >25% of the total He. For this matter, additional NHI is needed.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.514-523
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• 2004

Statement of problem: All-ceramic restorations have been advocated for superior esthetics. Various post and core systems have been used to improve the strength of damaged teeth, but it is unclear whether they affect the final shade of finished all-ceramic restorations. Purpose: The influence of different types of post and core systems on light transmission through all-ceramic crowns was assessed by spectrophotometric analysis. Also the masking effect of different thickness of ceramic ingot was evaluated. Material and Methods : Forty-five sample disks (15mm in diameter) at several thickness(1.0, 1.5, 2.0mm) and value(shade 100, 200, 300) were made in heat pressed ceramic(IPS-Empress). Background specimens simulating gold-alloy cast posts(Type III casting gold alloy), metal posts(Ni-Cr casting alloy) and ceramic posts(CosmoPost) were fabrica-ted. Resin composite(Z250, A3 shade) was used as a tooth substrate reference. For each combination, the change in color was measured with a spectrophotometer. Readings were performed for 2 conditions (1) ability of ceramic to mask the core in relation to its thickness(1.0, 1.5, or 2.0mm) ; (2) influence of post and core types on the final color of the ceramic. Data were recorded according to the CIE $L^*a^*b^*$ systems and color difference($\Delta$E) was calculated. Results: 100 shade ingot: when ceramic thickness was 1.0mm, $\Delta$E value for ceramic post larger than 1 but $\Delta$E value for metal and gold post was larger than 2. For ceramic thickness of 1.5mm, only $\Delta$E value for metal was larger than 2, and the other samples' $\Delta$E value was smaller than 2. For ceramic thickness of 2.0mm, $\Delta$E values for all specimens was smaller than 2. 200 shade ingot: when ceramic thickness was 1.0mm, $\Delta$E value for ceramic post was smaller than 1 but $\Delta$E value for metal and gold post was larger than 2. For ceramic thickness of 1.5 mm, only the $\Delta$E value for metal was larger than 2, and the other samples' $\Delta$E value was smaller than 2. For ceramic thickness of 2.0mm, $\Delta$E values for all specimens was smaller than 1. 300 shade ingot: when ceramic thickness was 1.0mm, only $\Delta$E value for metal was larger than 2 and the other samples' $\Delta$E value was smaller than 2. For ceramic thickness of 1.5mm, $\Delta$E values for all specimens was smaller than 1. For ceramic thickness of 2.0mm, $\Delta$E values for all specimens was smaller than 1. Conclusion: The final esthetic result of the IPS-Empress glass-ceramic restoration was not affected by the presence of different core materials when the thickness was more than 2.0 mm. When ceramic thickness decreases to 1.5mm, it is advised to take the substrate aspects into consideration. If the ceramic thickness is less than 1.0mm, using the tooth color matched substrate is strongly recommended.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.97-107
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• 2010

The objectives of this study is to figure out the unknown image processing methods of commercial CR system. We have implemented the processing curve of each Look up table(LUT) in REGIUS 150 CR system by using virtual digital test pattern method. The characteristic of Dry Imager was measured also. First of all, we have generated the virtual digital test pattern file with binary file editor. This file was used as an input data of CR system (REGIUS 150 CR system, KONICA MINOLTA). The DICOM files which were automatically generated output files by the CR system, were used to figure out the processing curves of each LUT modes (THX, ST, STM, LUM, BONE, LIN). The gradation curves of Dry Imager were also measured to figure out the characteristics of hard copy image. According to the results of each parameters, we identified the characteristics of image processing parameter in CR system. The processing curves which were measured by this proposed method showed the characteristics of CR system. And we found the linearity of Dry Imager in the middle area of processing curves. With these results, we found that the relationships between the curves and each parameters. The G value is related to the slope and the S value is related to the shift in x-axis of processing curves. In conclusion, the image processing method of the each commercial CR systems are different, and they are concealed. This proposed method which uses virtual digital test pattern can measure the characteristics of parameters for the image processing patterns in the CR system. We expect that the proposed method is useful to analogize the image processing means not only for this CR system, but also for the other commercial CR systems.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.294-303
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• 2010

Objective: This study was designed to measure the surface roughness at the slot floor of various ceramic brackets. Methods: One kind of stainless steel bracket ($Succes^{(R)}$), two kinds of monocrystalline brackets (Inspire $Ice^{(R)}$, $Perfect^{(R)}$) and two kinds of polycrystalline brackets (Crystalline $V^{(R)}$, $Invu^{(R)}$) were examined. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure the surface roughness of each bracket. Data acquisition and processing were performed using $SPIP^{TM}$. Results: The differences in values of Sa, Sq, and Sz in $Invu^{(R)}$ and Inspire $Ice^{(R)}$ were not statistically different from the control group $Succes^{(R)}$. The values of Sa, Sq, and Sz of $Perfect^{(R)}$ and Crystalline $V^{(R)}$ were greater than those of $Succes^{(R)}$. Differences of all the Sa, Sq, and Sz values between $Perfect^{(R)}$ and Crystalline $V^{(R)}$ were not statistically significant. Conclusions: It is concluded that the slot surfaces of $Succes^{(R)}$, Inspire $Ice^{(R)}$, and $Invu^{(R)}$ were smooth compared to those of Crystalline $V^{(R)}$ and $Perfect^{(R)}$.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.17-28
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• 2024

Background: Oral health has a significant impact on systemic health, and the close association between oral and systemic diseases has been continuously reported. To prevent oral diseases, the role of oral hygiene products such as dental floss and interdental brushes, in addition to tooth brushing, is becoming increasingly important. This study aims to analyze the effect of using oral hygiene products on the lifetime prevalence of systemic diseases among Korean adults. Methods: This study utilized data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). The study population consisted of 13,199 adults aged 19 years and older. The independent variable was the use of oral hygiene products, and the dependent variable was the prevalence of systemic diseases diagnosed by a physician. Demographic variables, health status, and behavioral variables were included as covariates, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The use of dental floss showed no significant association with the prevalence of systemic diseases. However, those who did not use interdental brushes had a 22% lower likelihood of dyslipidemia (OR 0.777, 95% CI 0.660-0.913). Among participants with periodontal disease, those who did not use dental floss had a significantly higher risk of myocardial infarction (OR 11.488, 95% CI 1.438-91.772). Conversely, those who did not use interdental brushes had lower risks of dyslipidemia, myocardial infarction, and angina, particularly among women and individuals under 65 years of age. Conclusion: This study found a low overall association between the use of oral hygiene products and the prevalence of systemic diseases, but there was a notable association with cardiovascular diseases. To reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease, along with proper oral hygiene management, are crucial. Future prospective studies are needed to clearly establish the causal relationship between oral hygiene and systemic diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.60-75
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to look for useful implications in its next application or similar planning by assessing visitors' recognition of International Garden Exposition Suncheon Bay Korea 2013. To do this, blogs acknowledged as powerful communication media in modern information society were used. After searching for blogs related to International Garden Exposition Suncheon Bay Korea in the portal site ranked first in the domestic market share, this study classified 300 cases. This study was able to grasp the consciousness as bloggers gave descriptions of information and impressions and experiences of spaces without making any adjustments. The survey results are as follows: First, Dutch gardens were the most preferred, followed by Korean gardens, Chinese gardens and French gardens; in general, visitors were not satisfied with the national gardens. Inquiry is needed into the method of determining diverse cultural identity rather than a sample garden type through blogs delivering regret regarding the world gardens. Second, the survey results showed that the level of awareness of designers' gardens was low. This study judges that more emphasis should be placed on their roles as places speaking for the original purpose of the garden exposition which introduces gardening art and design through experimental design. Third, it was understood that many bloggers were deeply impressed by ephemeral landscapes like the change in landscape consequent on the elapse of time, distinctive atmosphere, and detailed-landscapes. These aspects are important landscape elements, and those elements should be addressed with weight in a subsequent study. Fourth, the most impressive places are 'Suncheon Lake Garden' and 'Bridge of Dreams', which are establishing themselves as icons of International Garden Exposition Suncheon Bay Korea 2013. However, relatively, public attitude towards the world gardens and designers' gardens are weak. Fifth, bloggers were providing a variety of information like transportation, events schedules, ticket purchasing & prices, discount information, etc. Ticket price was commented on the most, and most of the bloggers thought ticket prices were 'expensive'. This study understands such a phenomenon as a result of the general population's non-establishment of the perception that it's proper to view gardens at visitors' own expense. Generally, bloggers expressed satisfaction with International Garden Exposition Suncheon Bay Korea 2013, but with criticism as well. Their criticism included disappointing matters, to be improved upon and wishes without any distortion, providing meaningful implications deserving reference for similar cases. In this context, a blogger could be called a citizen-reviewer while a blog could be referred to as 'a field of informal discourse' for the public. As a research method of this study, blogs are difficult to interpret as they are subjective and personal, and have limited data analysis through their quantifications; however, blogs as methods of recognition survey are channels for varied, concrete and detailed awareness which are hard to grasp through a questionnaire survey or interviews. This study judges that such an aspect of a blog could be a useful means of grasping and reflecting upon visitors' attitude in future studies.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.163-170
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• 1999

Objectives: The aims of this study are 1) to determine if GAST is a better indicator in predicting ovarian response to COH compared with patient's age or basal FSH level and 2) to evaluate its role in detecting abnormal ovarian response. Design: Prospective study in 118 patients undergoing IVF-ET using GnRH-a short protocol during May-September 1995. Materials and Methods: After blood sampling for basal FSH and estradiol $(E_2)$ on cycle day two, 0.5ml (0.525mg) GnRH agonist ($Suprefact^{(r)}$, Hoechst) was injected subcutaneously. Serum $E_2$ was measured 24 hours later. Initial $E_2$ difference $({\Delta}E_2)$ was defined as the change in $E_2$ on day 3 over the baseline day 2 value. Sixteen patients with ovarian cyst or single ovary or incorrect blood collection time were excluded from the analysis. The patients were divided into three groups by ${\Delta}E_2$; group A (n=30):${\Delta}E_2$<40 pg/ml, group B (n=52): 40 pg/ml${\leq}{\Delta}E_2$<100 pg/ml, group C (n=20): ${\Delta}E_2{\leq}100$ pg/ml. COH was done by GnRH agonist/HMG/hCG and IVF-ET was followed. Ratio of $E_2$ on day of hCG injection over the number of ampules of gonadotropins used ($E_2hCGday$/Amp) was regarded as ovarian responsiveness. Poor ovarian response and overstimulation were defined as $E_2$ hCGday less than 600 pg/ml and greater than 5000 pg/ml, respectively. Results: Mean age $({\pm}SEM)$ in group A, B and C were $33.7{\pm}0.8^*,\;31.5{\pm}0.6\;and\;30.6{\pm}0.5^*$, respectively ($^*$: p<0.05). Mean basal FSH level of group $A(11.1{\pm}1.1mlU/ml)$ was significantly higher than those of $B(7.4{\pm}0.2mIU/ml)$ and C $(6.8{\pm}0.4mIU/ml)$ (p<0.001). Mean $E_2hCGday$ of group A was significantly lower than those of group B or C, i.e., $1402.1{\pm}187.7pg/ml,\;3153.2{\pm}240.0pg/ml,\;4078.8{\pm}306.4pg/ml$ respectively (p<0.0001). The number of ampules of gonadotropins used in group A was significantly greater than those in group B or C: $38.6{\pm}2.3,\;24.2{\pm}1.1\;and\;18.5{\pm}1.0$ (p<0.0001). The number of oocytes retrieved in group A was significantly smaller than those in group B or C: $6.4{\pm}1.1,\;15.5{\pm}1.1\;and\;18.6{\pm}1.6$, respectively (p<0.0001). By stepwise multiple regression, only ${\Delta}E_2$ showed a significant correlation (r=0.68, p<0.0001) with $E_2HCGday$/Amp, while age or basal FSH level were not significant. Likewise, only ${\Delta}E_2$ correlated significantly with the number of oocytes retrieved (r=0.57, p<0.001). All four patients whose COH was canceled due to poor ovarian response belonged to group A only (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). Whereas none of 30 patients in group A (0%) had overstimulation, 14 patients among 72 patients (19.4%) in group B and C had overstimulation (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). Conclusions: These data suggest that initial $E_2$ difference after GAST may be a better prognostic indicator of ovarian response to COH than age or basal FSH level. Since initial $E_2$ difference demonstrates significant association with abnormal ovarian response such as poor ovarian response necessitating cycle cancellation or overstimulation, GAST may be helpful in monitoring and consultation of patients during COH in IVF-ET cycle.