• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.459-467
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• 2009

Purpose: The maximum likelihood-expectation maximization (ML-EM) is the statistical reconstruction algorithm derived from probabilistic model of the emission and detection processes. Although the ML-EM has many advantages in accuracy and utility, the use of the ML-EM is limited due to the computational burden of iterating processing on a CPU (central processing unit). In this study, we developed a parallel computing technique on GPU (graphic processing unit) for ML-EM algorithm. Materials and Methods: Using Geforce 9800 GTX+ graphic card and CUDA (compute unified device architecture) the projection and backprojection in ML-EM algorithm were parallelized by NVIDIA's technology. The time delay on computations for projection, errors between measured and estimated data and backprojection in an iteration were measured. Total time included the latency in data transmission between RAM and GPU memory. Results: The total computation time of the CPU- and GPU-based ML-EM with 32 iterations were 3.83 and 0.26 see, respectively. In this case, the computing speed was improved about 15 times on GPU. When the number of iterations increased into 1024, the CPU- and GPU-based computing took totally 18 min and 8 see, respectively. The improvement was about 135 times and was caused by delay on CPU-based computing after certain iterations. On the other hand, the GPU-based computation provided very small variation on time delay per iteration due to use of shared memory. Conclusion: The GPU-based parallel computation for ML-EM improved significantly the computing speed and stability. The developed GPU-based ML-EM algorithm could be easily modified for some other imaging geometries.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.818-824
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• 2003

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were performed to discriminate astragalus roots (Astragalus membranaceus) according to geographical origin (domestic or foreign). Two-hundred-and-four astragalus roots were extracted with 30% methanol in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) and separated in a uncoated fused-silica $(50\;{\mu}m{\times}27\;cm)$ capillary. Conditions for optimal analysis included: temperature $-45^{\circ}C$, voltage -14 kV, and pressure injection time -8 sec. The optimal separation buffer was 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 2.5) containing 40 mM hexane sulfonic acid with 20% 2-methoxy ethanol. Raw NIR spectra were obtained using NIRS, and modified partial least square regression was used to develop the prediction model. The correlation coefficient and standard error of prediction were 0.915 and 14.3%, respectively. Under the optimal conditions established for CE and NIRS, the geographical origins of the astragalus roots were correctly identified in 80 and 97%, respectively. Astragalus roots that were not discriminated by NIRS were correctly discriminated by CE. Hence, CE and NIRS are potential methods for discriminating the geographical origins of astragalus roots that complement one another.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.13-20
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• 2008

The flow rate measurements in a multi-phase flow pipeline were evaluated quantitatively by means of a clamp-on sealed radioisotope based on a cross correlation signal processing technique. The flow rates were calculated by a determination of the transit time between two sealed gamma sources by using a cross correlation function following FFT filtering, then corrected with vapor fraction in the pipeline which was measured by the ${\gamma}$-ray attenuation method. The pipeline model was manufactured by acrylic resin(ID. 8 cm, L=3.5 m, t=10 mm), and the multi-phase flow patterns were realized by an injection of compressed $N_2$ gas. Two sealed gamma sources of $^{137}Cs$ (E=0.662 MeV, ${\Gamma}$ $factor=0.326\;R{\cdot}h^{-1}{\cdot}m^2{\cdot}Ci^{-1}$) of 20 mCi and 17 mCi, and radiation detectors of $2"{\times}2"$ NaI(Tl) scintillation counter (Eberline, SP-3) were used for this study. Under the given conditions(the distance between two sources: 4D(D; inner diameter), N/S ratio: $0.12{\sim}0.15$, sampling time ${\Delta}t$: 4msec), the measured flow rates showed the maximum. relative error of 1.7 % when compared to the real ones through the vapor content corrections($6.1\;%{\sim}9.2\;%$). From a subsequent experiment, it was proven that the closer the distance between the two sealed sources is, the more precise the measured flow rates are. Provided additional studies related to the selection of radioisotopes their activity, and an optimization of the experimental geometry are carried out, it is anticipated that a radioisotope application for flow rate measurements can be used as an important tool for monitoring multi-phase facilities belonging to petrochemical and refinery industries and contributes economically in the light of maintenance and control of them.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.149-179
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• 2011

Statistics of aviation accident in Korea show that safety level of training flights is high. However, more than 80% of aviation accidents happen owing to human factors. And because most reasons of them are concerned with pilot error, it is very important for student pilots who will transport a lot of passengers to develop the knowledge of safety and abilities of risk management for preventing accidents. In this study, in order to investigate the Human Factors which affect safety in training student pilots for flight, verified the correlationbetween experiences of accident, the differences according to the experience level of training flight and the differences between college student pilots and ordinary student pilots on the basis of human factors that composes the SHELL models. For the study, Using SPSS 17.0, conducted Correlation Analysis, Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) and t-test. To sum up the result of this study, student pilot's ability and equipment in the cockpit are the important factors for safety when pilots are training flight. Also the analysis of the differences between human factors according to the characters of student pilots' groups shows that college student pilots are affected by immanent factors and organizational cultures. So far, there haven't been any accidents which is related with human casualties when training at the ATO(Approved Training Organization). But accidents can occur at any time and anywhere. Especially the human factors which comprises most of aviation accident have a wide reach and are impossible to be eliminated, therefore, it is best to minimize them. Because ATO is the starting point to lead the aviation industry of Korea, we will have to be aware of problems and improve education/training of human factors.

• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
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• v.4 no.11
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• pp.509-520
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• 2015

College Scholastic Ability Test(CSAT) is a primary test to evaluate the study achievement of high-school students and used by most universities for admission decision in South Korea. Because its level of difficulty is a significant issue to both students and universities, the government makes a huge effort to have a consistent difficulty level every year. However, the actual levels of difficulty have significantly fluctuated, which causes many problems with university admission. In this paper, we build two types of data-driven prediction models to predict correct answer rate and to identify significant factors for CSAT English test through accumulated test data of CSAT, unlike traditional methods depending on experts' judgments. Initially, we derive candidate question-specific factors that can influence the correct answer rate, such as the position, EBS-relation, readability, from the annual CSAT practices and CSAT for 10 years. In addition, we drive context-specific factors by employing topic modeling which identify the underlying topics over the text. Then, the correct answer rate is predicted by multiple linear regression and level of difficulty is predicted by classification tree. The experimental results show that 90% of accuracy can be achieved by the level of difficulty (difficult/easy) classification model, whereas the error rate for correct answer rate is below 16%. Points and problem category are found to be critical to predict the correct answer rate. In addition, the correct answer rate is also influenced by some of the topics discovered by topic modeling. Based on our study, it will be possible to predict the range of expected correct answer rate for both question-level and entire test-level, which will help CSAT examiners to control the level of difficulties.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of the Iterative Metal Artifact Reduction (IMAR) algorithm in correcting CT (computed tomography) images distorted due to a metal artifact and to evaluate the usefulness when proton therapy plan was plan using the images on which IMAR algorithm was applied. Materials and Methods: We used a CT simulator to capture the images when metal was not inserted in the CIRS model 062 Phantom and when metal was inserted in it and Artifact occurred. We compared the differences in the CT numbers from the images without metal, with a metal artifact, and with IMAR algorithm by setting ROI 1 and ROI 2 at the same position in the phantom. In addition, CT numbers of the tissue equivalents located near the metal were compared. For the evaluation of Rando Phantom, CT was taken by inserting a titanium rod into the spinal region of the Rando phantom modelling a patient who underwent spinal implant surgery. In addition, the same proton therapy plan was established for each image, and the differences in Range at three sites were compared. Results: In the evaluation of CIRS Phantom, the CT numbers were -6.5 HU at ROI 1 and -10.5 HU at ROI 2 in the absence of metal. In the presence of metal, Fe, Ti, and W were -148.1, -45.1 and -151.7 HU at ROI 1, respectively, and when the IMAR algorithm was applied, it increased to -0.9, -2.0, -1.9 HU. In the presence of metal, they were 171.8, 63.9 and 177.0 HU at ROI 2 and after the application of IMAR algorithm they decreased to 10.0 6,7 and 8.1 HU. The CT numbers of the tissue equivalents were corrected close to the original CT numbers except those in the lung located farthest. In the evaluation of the Rando Phantom, the mean CT numbers were 9.9, -202.8, and 35.1 HU at ROI 1, and 9.0, 107.1, and 29 HU at ROI 2 in the absence, presence of metal, and in the application of IMAR algorithm. The difference between the absence of metal and the range of proton beam in the therapy was reduced on the average by 0.26 cm at point 1, 0.20 cm at point 2, and 0.12 cm at point 3 when the IMAR algorithm was applied. Conclusion: By applying the IMAR algorithm, the CT numbers were corrected close to the original ones obtained in the absence of metal. In the beam profile of the proton therapy, the difference in Range after applying the IMAR algorithm was reduced by 0.01 to 3.6 mm. There were slight differences as compared to the images absence of metal but it was thought that the application of the IMAR algorithm could result in less error compared with the conventional therapy.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.25-30
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• 2008

Purpose: In this paper, we have analyzed the problems of the Oh's report which is used to the basic data for supply and demand of medical technicians and studied a proposal for improvement to control system and supply and demand of korean optometrists. Methods: We have analyzed errors of Oh's report including supply and demand for medical technicians and management policy, expecting number for future optician, inaccurate estimation by limited data (employment rate, retirement rate, mortality rate) and an incorrect method of measurement for future supply and demand. Results: Oh's report showed the 18% error for estimation of supply which exclude the irregular entrance students. The estimation of supply was calculated by graduation rate 62.6% (college and University of Technology are 78.9% and 85.98% respectively), employment rate 65.8% (the average employment between 2002 and 2007 is 73.96%) and retirement rate is 2.3% (the retirement of pharmacists is 1.3%) but it showed the significant differences to objective data. For estimate the suitable ratio of optometrists to the population, the ratio use of medical facilities by an age group was used, and suggested spectacle wearers 1,280 persons (populations 2,928 persons) per optometrist but the different from reference of Germany (4,706 persons), America (1,789 persons) and Korea (1,825 persons/an optometrist) are applied to estimation on supply. This report applied the low employment rate and argued that maintain the present situation, but claimed that utilize unemployment persons. The above result has induced double weighting effect on estimation of supply. Conclusions: To solve the related problems of supply and demand, we have to make a search for exact data and optimum application model, have to take an example of nation similar job category as Germany and the research result of the job satisfaction into consideration. After we get the integrated research result, we must carried out the policy with fairness and balance for the estimation of supply and demand. Therefore exact research is required prior to beginning policy establishment, government and related group have to make a clear long-term plan and permanent organization for medical technician to establish supply and demand of medical technician.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.30 no.3 s.58
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• pp.585-598
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• 1997

Background : Although there are growing concerns about the adverse health effect of air pollution, not much evidence on health effect of current air pollution level had been accumulated yet in Korea. This study was designed to evaluate the chronic health effect of ai. pollution using Korean Medical Insurance Corporation (KMIC) data and air quality data. Medical insurance data in Korea have some drawback in accuracy, but they do have some strength especially in their national coverage, in having unified ID system and individual information which enables various data linkage and chronic health effect study. Method : This study utilized the data of Korean Environmental Surveillance System Study (Surveillance Study), which consist of asthma, acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), cardiovascular diseases (congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease), all cancers, accidents and congenital anomaly, i. e., mainly potential environmental diseases. We reconstructed a nested case-control study wit5h Surveillance Study data and air pollution data in Korea. Among 1,037,210 insured who completed? questionnaire and physical examination in 1992, disease free (for chronic respiratory disease and cancer) persons, between the age of 35-64 with smoking status information were selected to reconstruct cohort of 564,991 persons. The cohort was followed-up to 1995 (1992-5) and the subjects who had the diseases in Surveillance Study were selected. Finally, the patients, with address information and available air pollution data, left to be 'final subjects' Cases were defined to all lung cancer cases (424) and COPD admission cases (89), while control groups are determined to all other patients than two case groups among 'final subjects'. That is, cases are putative chronic environmental diseases, while controls are mainly acute environmental diseases. for exposure, Air quality data in 73 monitoring sites between 1991 - 1993 were analyzed to surrogate air pollution exposure level of located areas (58 areas). Five major air pollutants data, TSP, $O_3,\;SO_2$, CO, NOx was available and the area means were applied to the residents of the local area. 3-year arithmetic mean value, the counts of days violating both long-term and shot-term standards during the period were used as indices of exposure. Multiple logistic regression model was applied. All analyses were performed adjusting for current and past smoking history, age, gender. Results : Plain arithmetic means of pollutants level did not succeed in revealing any relation to the risk of lung cancer or COPD, while the cumulative counts of non-at-tainment days did. All pollutants indices failed to show significant positive findings with COPD excess. Lung cancer risks were significantly and consistently associated with the increase of $O_3$ and CO exceedance counts (to corrected error level -0.017) and less strongly and consistently with $SO_2$ and TSP. $SO_2$ and TSP showed weaker and less consistent relationship. $O_3$ and CO were estimated to increase the risks of lung cancer by 2.04 and 1.46 respectively, the maximal probable risks, derived from comparing more polluted area (95%) with cleaner area (5%). Conclusions : Although not decisive due to potential misclassication of exposure, these results wert drawn by relatively conservative interpretation, and could be used as an evidence of chronic health effect especially for lung cancer. $O_3$ might be a candidate for promoter of lung cancer, while CO should be considered as surrogated measure of motor vehicle emissions. The control selection in this study could have been less appropriate for COPD, and further evaluation with another setting might be necessary.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.54 no.12
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• pp.1243-1254
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• 2021

For water resources operation or agricultural water management, it is important to accurately predict evapotranspiration for a long-term future over a seasonal or monthly basis. In this study, reference evapotranspiration forecast (up to 12 months in advance) was performed using statistically predicted monthly temperatures and temperature-based Hamon method for the Han River basin. First, the daily maximum and minimum temperature data for 15 meterological stations in the basin were derived by spatial-temporal downscaling the monthly temperature forecasts. The results of goodness-of-fit test for the downscaled temperature data at each site showed that the percent bias (PBIAS) ranged from 1.3 to 6.9%, the ratio of the root mean square error to the standard deviation of the observations (RSR) ranged from 0.22 to 0.27, the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) ranged from 0.93 to 0.95, and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) ranged from 0.97 to 0.98 for the monthly average daily maximum temperature. And for the monthly average daily minimum temperature, PBIAS was 7.8 to 44.7%, RSR was 0.21 to 0.25, NSE was 0.94 to 0.96, and r was 0.98 to 0.99. The difference by site was not large, and the downscaled results were similar to the observations. In the results of comparing the forecasted reference evapotranspiration calculated using the downscaled data with the observed values for the entire region, PBIAS was 2.2 to 5.4%, RSR was 0.21 to 0.28, NSE was 0.92 to 0.96, and r was 0.96 to 0.98, indicating a very high fit. Due to the characteristics of the statistical models and uncertainty in the downscaling process, the predicted reference evapotranspiration may slightly deviate from the observed value in some periods when temperatures completely different from the past are observed. However, considering that it is a forecast result for the future period, it will be sufficiently useful as information for the evaluation or operation of water resources in the future.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.73-89
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• 2021

The handysize bulk carriers are capable of transporting a variety of cargo that cannot be transported by mid-large size ship, and the spot chartering market is active, and it is a market that is independent of mid-large size market, and is more risky due to market conditions and charterage variability. In this study, Granger causality test, the Impulse Response Function(IRF) and Forecast Error Variance Decomposition(FEVD) were performed using monthly time series data. As a result of Granger causality test, coal price for coke making, Japan steel plate commodity price, hot rolled steel sheet price, fleet volume and bunker price have causality to Baltic Handysize Index(BHSI) and charterage. After confirming the appropriate lag and stability of the Vector Autoregressive model(VAR), IRF and FEVD were analyzed. As a result of IRF, the three variables of coal price for coke making, hot rolled steel sheet price and bunker price were found to have significant at both upper and lower limit of the confidence interval. Among them, the impulse of hot rolled steel sheet price was found to have the most significant effect. As a result of FEVD, the explanatory power that affects BHSI and charterage is the same in the order of hot rolled steel sheet price, coal price for coke making, bunker price, Japan steel plate price, and fleet volume. It was found that it gradually increased, affecting BHSI by 30% and charterage by 26%. In order to differentiate from previous studies and to find out the effect of short term lag, analysis was performed using monthly price data of major cargoes for Handysize bulk carriers, and meaningful results were derived that can predict monthly market conditions. This study can be helpful in predicting the short term market conditions for shipping companies that operate Handysize bulk carriers and concerned parties in the handysize chartering market.