• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.1
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• pp.116-127
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• 2021

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of texture analysis of gray-scale ultrasound (US) images for staging of hepatic fibrosis. Materials and Methods Altogether, 167 patients who had undergone routine US and laboratory tests for a fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index were included. Texture parameters were measured using a dedicated in-house software. Regions of interest were placed in five different segments (3, 5, 6, 7, 8) for each patient. The FIB-4 index was used as the reference standard for hepatic fibrosis grade. Comparisons of the texture parameters between different fibrosis groups were performed with the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating curve analysis. Results The study population comprised of patients with no fibrosis (FIB-4 < 1.45, n = 50), mild fibrosis (1.45 ≤ FIB-4 ≤ 2.35, n = 37), moderate fibrosis (2.35 < FIB-4 ≤ 3.25, n = 27), and severe fibrosis (FIB-4 > 3.25, n = 53). Skewness in hepatic segment 5 showed a difference between patients with no fibrosis and mild fibrosis (0.2392 ± 0.3361, 0.4134 ± 0.3004, respectively, p = 0.0109). The area under the curve of skewness for discriminating patients with no fibrosis from those with mild fibrosis was 0.660 (95% confidence interval, 0.551-0.758), with an estimated accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of 64%, 87%, 48%, respectively. Conclusion A significant difference was observed regarding skewness in segment 5 between patients with no fibrosis and patients with mild fibrosis.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.225-237
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• 2024

In the analysis of competing risks data, some of covariates may not be fully observed for some subjects. In such cases, excluding subjects with missing covariate values from the analysis may result in biased estimates and loss of efficiency. In this paper, we studied multiple imputation and the augmented inverse probability weighting method for regression parameter estimation in the cause-specific proportional hazards model with missing covariates. The performance of estimators obtained from multiple imputation and the augmented inverse probability weighting method is evaluated by simulation studies, which show that those methods perform well. Multiple imputation and the augmented inverse probability weighting method were applied to investigate significant risk factors for the risk of death from breast cancer and from other causes for breast cancer data with missing values for tumor size obtained from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screen Trial Study. Under the cause-specific proportional hazards model, the methods show that race, marital status, stage, grade, and tumor size are significant risk factors for breast cancer mortality, and stage has the greatest effect on increasing the risk of breast cancer death. Age at diagnosis and tumor size have significant effects on increasing the risk of other-cause death.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.200-211
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to analyze Korean middle school student achievement in environmental science based on the TIMSS 2003 (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), a student comparison of 46 participating nations. Korea ranked the fourth with a mean score of 554 in environmental science. However, all 3 environment science topics assessed in TIMSS are not included in the Korean science curriculum through 8th grade, even though they are included in most other participating nations' curricula. The average percent correct of items was analyzed according to the main topic, the item type and the cognitive domain. Items that showed differences between the average percent correct of Korea and the international average as well as differences between the average percent correct of boys and girls were further analyzed. Results revealed that Korean students performed better than the international average, especially in 'use and conservation of natural resources', multiple-choice items, and items requiring 'factual knowledge'. Also, male students demonstrated significantly higher achievement than female students. On the other hand, Korean students showed relatively lower achievement in constructed-response items, items that contained content they had not learned in science lessons and items requiring descriptions of the uses and effect of science and technology. Moreover, Korean student lacked understanding about acid rain, global warming, and ozone layer destruction. Korean female students showed relatively lower environmental conceptions and lower performance on items requiring data analysis than Korean male students. On the basis of these results, this study suggested that topics of environmental science be included in the science curriculum and taught in the science classroom to help middle school students more fully comprehend environmental issues.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.791-800
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• 2019

Objective: To compare various models of diffusion-weighted imaging including monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), biexponential (fast diffusion coefficient [D_f], slow diffusion coefficient [D_s], and fraction of fast diffusion), stretched-exponential (distributed diffusion coefficient and anomalous exponent term [α]), and kurtosis (mean diffusivity and mean kurtosis [MK]) models in the differentiation of renal solid masses. Materials and Methods: A total of 81 patients (56 men and 25 women; mean age, 57 years; age range, 30-69 years) with 18 benign and 63 malignant lesions were imaged using 3T diffusion-weighted MRI. Diffusion model selection was investigated in each lesion using the Akaike information criteria. Mann-Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used for statistical evaluations. Results: Goodness-of-fit analysis showed that the stretched-exponential model had the highest voxel percentages in benign and malignant lesions (90.7% and 51.4%, respectively). ADC, D_s, and MK showed significant differences between benign and malignant lesions (p < 0.05) and between low- and high-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) (p < 0.05). α was significantly lower in the benign group than in the malignant group (p < 0.05). All diffusion measures showed significant differences between ccRCC and non-ccRCC (p < 0.05) except D_f and α (p = 0.143 and 0.112, respectively). α showed the highest diagnostic accuracy in differentiating benign and malignant lesions with an area under the ROC curve of 0.923, but none of the parameters from these advanced models revealed significantly better performance over ADC in discriminating subtypes or grades of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with conventional diffusion parameters, α may provide additional information for differentiating benign and malignant renal masses, while ADC remains the most valuable parameter for differentiation of RCC subtypes and for ccRCC grading.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.38-47
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• 2024

Molybdenite is the primary molybdenum resource and is extracted via flotation due to its unique hydrophobic surface. Meanwhile, the grade and crystal size of mined molybdenite are decreasing. As a result, the size of the molybdenum ore required for liberation is decreasing, and the flotation process's feed size input is also decreasing. Therefore, in order to secure molybdenum, it is necessary to perform research on the flotation for the fine molybdenite. In this study, we developed a method to enhance the flotation efficiency of fine molybdenite particles in the range of 5-30 ㎛. The methodology involved implementing bubble size reduction and particle aggregation. Through simulations of bubble-particle collision probability and flotation experiments, we were able to find the ranges of bubble size and particle aggregate size that make fine particles float more effectively. This range provided the conditions for effective flotation of fine molybdenite particles. Therefore, we will implement the flotation conditions established in this study for fine molybdenum ore to improve the flotation process in molybdenum mineral processing plants in the future.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.963-974
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• 2005

This study was conducted to examine the growth performance, carcass characteristics, physico-chemical properties and fatty acid composition of muscle tissues of Hanwoo steers when they were fed diets containing four levels of E. ulmoides leaves. Steers were allotted to one of four dietary treatments, which were designed to progressively substitute Eucommia ulmoides for 0, 3, 5 and 10% of the rice straw in the basal diet. Seventy two Hanwoo steers (321±13kg) were used. Average daily gain (0.81-0.86kg) and feed conversion (10.05-10.59) were not changed by feeding E. ulmoides leaves. Emission of fecal ammonia gas was decreased by increasing substitution levels of E. ulmoides leaves. Emission of ammonia gas in feces of steers were significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the 5% and 10% treatments at 40℃ compared with in control (30.6ppm) and 3% treatment (29.8ppm), respectively 20.3 and 21.6ppm. Back fat thickness was higher (p<0.05) in steers fed control diet (15.0mm) than 5 and 10% E. ulmoides diets (10.2 and 10.5mm respectively). The grade ‘A’ appearances of meat yield of steers were increased up to 20% by the 3% substitution of E. ulmoides leaves, and the grades ‘1+’ and ‘1’ appearances of meat quality were significantly improved (p<0.05) by the 5 and 10% Eucommia ulmoides feeding. There was no statistical difference in meat color of loin and top round among all treatments. It appeared that the 5% and 10% E. ulmoides leaves feeding affected (p<0.05) a increase in oleic acid concentration in loin and top round muscles. The concentration of serum cholesterol was lower (p<0.05) in steers fed 10% E. ulmoides (53.3mg/100g) than that of the other treatments (55.7-57.0mg/100g). The diarrhea incidence was about 20.26% in control, while it was lower (p<0.05) in the 5 and 10% E. ulmoides leaves treatments (10.4-12.5%) than control. There was no statistical difference in the occurrences of respiratory disease among all treatments. It is concluded that E. ulmoides leaves should be a prospective feed additive because it contains various functional substances. It is likely that air-dried E. ulmoides leaves can reduce the back fat thickness of Hanwoo steers and the occurrences of diarrhea. Therefore, the 5 and 10% substitution of E. ulmoides for roughage are highly recommended to be used in practice.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.57-71
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• 2012

Objectives: This study examines the situation regarding smoking among high school students in Seoul Province and identifies smoking-related factors. Methods: The study sample consisted of 1,000 high school second-grade students from 6 high schools in Seoul. The PRECEDE model was used to assess the students' needs. We carried out an educational diagnosis on attitudes, outcome expectations and social norms. Date were collected from June. 7 to 21, 2011, and were analyzed using SPSS-15.0 according to the study objectives. Results: Of 906 respondents, 9.4% had experiences to smoking: 12.7% were male and 5.7% were female. Smoking-related factors from among general characteristics were statistically significant depending on the degree of gender($x^2$=14.515, p=.001), school performance($x^2$=40.289, p=.001) and friends 'smoking status($x^2$=88.615, p=.001). Factors concerning attitudes toward smoking were statistically significant depending on the students' perceptions as follows: 'Smoking is fun(t=-14.801, p=.000)', 'Smoking looks cool(t=-10.349, p=.000)', 'People who smoke have more friends(t=-11.295, p=.000)', 'Smoking helps me manage stress(t=-15.059, p=.000)' and 'Smoking is not harmful to the body if you exercise(t=-6.388, p=.000)'. Factors concerning outcome expectations were statistically significant depending on their perceptions as follows: 'Tobacco smells good(t=-8.939, p=.000)' and 'Smoking helps in weight management (t=-7.304, p=.000)'. Factors concerning social norms were statistically significant depending on the following perception: 'My friends will not like it if I smoke(t=4.605, p=.000)'. The following influence high school students attitudes toward smoking: School performance (OR=11.66, 95%CI=1.67~81.37; OR=18.27, 95%CI=2.58~129.24; OR=26.74, 95%CI=3.06~233.79), Friends smoking status(OR=80.05, 95%CI=6.94~922.77), 'Smoking is fun(OR=12.90, 95%CI=3.87~43.04; OR=63.41, 95%CI=10.66~377.09)', 'Smoking looks cool(OR=0.15, 95%CI=0.03~0.64)', 'Smoking is not harmful to the body if you exercise(OR=1.44, 95%CI=0.03~0.62)', 'When there is no work to do, smoking is a good way to pass the time(OR=21.68, 95%CI=4.27~109.90)', 'When you are angry, smoking calms you down.(OR=13.39, 95%CI=3.92~45.65; OR=8.69, 95%CI=1.67~45.13)' and 'My parents consider it important that I do not smoke(OR=10.05, 95%CI=1.00~100.43)'. Conclusions: The study suggests that effective ways to discourage of high school students from smoking are changing their attitudes toward smoking, reducing the motivation to smoke, and controlling the number of cigarettes. Therefore, aiming at preventive education. Schools must provide accurate information about the effects of smoking. Thus, health education should actively involve preventive education not only in schools but also at home, the societal and national levels. Cooperation between various sectors of society is required for this.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.463-477
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate the teaching-learning effects in the experimental classes for the 'Redox' unit of science textbook of 11th grade using self-regulated learning strategy. Simultaneously, the effects of teaching-learning through the student's characteristics of the scientific high school were also included. The experimental and the controlled groups were selected by the teaching-learning method established on self-regulated learning strategy and regular laboratory activity based on the teacher' instruction, respectively. The questionaries of the scientific inquiry and scientific attitude were examined by the student. For their achievement, the total score which was obtained from the formative evaluation and performance assessment was utilized. After the laboratory activity for the unit grounded on the self-regulated learning strategy, the mean values of the scientific inquiry, scientific attitude, and achievement by the experimental group were higher than those of the controlled group. There was significant difference between the two groups in the post-test. By the results of the post-test for the experimental group, there has been somewhat relationship between the self-regulated learning strategy and the scientific inquiry, the scientific attitude, and the scientific achievement.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2002

Purpose : This study was undertaken to analyze the efficacy and sphincter preservation rate of platinum based neoadjuvant chemotherapy Plus radiotherapy versus abdominoperineal resection and Postoperative radiotherapy for anal cancer. Materials and Methods : Data of forty-two patients with anal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Among thirty-eight patients with epidermoid histology, four patients received radiotherapy, and nineteen patients received abdominoperineal resection and adjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy $(APR+RT{\pm}CT)$, and fifteen patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (CRT). The CRT regimen was composed of three cycles of 5-fluorouracil $(1,000\;mg/m^2\;bolus\;on\;D1\~5)$ and cisplatin $(60\;mg/m^2\;bolus\;on\;D1)$ followed by 50.4 Gy to the tumor bed and regional lymphatics over 5.5 weeks. Both inguinal lymphatics were treated with an identical dose schedule. Residual disease was treated with an additional three cycles of identical adjuvant chemotherapy. An identical dose schedule was used for post-operative radiotherapy. Median follow-up period was eighty-five months. Results : Overall five-year survival rates were $80.3\%$, 88.9 and $79.4\%$ for entire patients, $APR+RT{\pm}CT$ group, and the CRT group, respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups (p=0.49). Anus preservation rate for the CRT group was $86.7\%$. Age (0=0.0164) and performance status (p=0.0007) were found to be significant prognostic factors by univariate analysis. Age (p=0.0426), performance status (p=0.0008), and inguinal lymph node metastasis (e=0.0093) were statistically significant prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. No case of RTOG grade 3 complication or higher was reported. Conclusion : This and other recent studies have shown that combined chemotherapy plus radiotherapy for anal cancer results in a high rate of anal sphincter preservation as well as local control and survival. Furthermore, neoadjuvant use of chemotherapy with a cisplatin based regimen rather than a concurrent regimen may lead to a decrease in complications.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.223-228
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• 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fermented spent mushroom substrates (F-SMS) of Flammulina velutipes on growth performance, carcass traits, and economic characteristics of Hanwoo steers. A yeast strain (Saccharomyces sp. UJ14) and Bacillus strain (Bacillus sp. UJ03) isolated from fresh spent mushroom substrates of Flammulina velutipes were used as probiotics to prepare F-SMS. Twenty-four Hanwoo steers (14 months old) were allocated to three dietary treatments via a randomized block design and were slaughtered at 30 months of age. These treatment groups included Control (TMR), T1 (TMR containing 10% of F-SMS) group, and T2 (TMR containing 30% of F-SMS). Body weight gain was not influenced by the experimental diets. DM and TDN intakes in the finishing period were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in group T1 than in other groups. CP intake was significantly (p < 0.05) greater in group T2 than in other groups during the whole experimental period. Among carcass traits, rib-eye area and back fat thickness tended to increase with F-SMS supplementation. The appearance rate (%) of a meat yield more than grade A was the highest in group T1. The net profits increased by 1.2% and 13.3% in groups T1 and T2, respectively. In conclusion, if a proper feeding program (including feed safety) can be ensured, spent mushroom substrates of Flammulina velutipes can prove to be a highly profitable feed source for Hanwoo steers.