• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.sup3
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• pp.119-123
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• 2016

Thyroid cancer, the most common endocrine neoplasia, consists of four main types of carcinomas: papillary, follicular, and anaplastic, all with thyroid follicular origin, and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) related to para-follicular cells. Cronic diseases such as diverse cancers may be associated with cachexia, especially at advanced stage. Cancer-induced cachexia is associated with diminished quality of life, functional performance, reduced response to antitumor therapy, and increased morbidity and mortality. Myostatin (Mst) is one of the outstanding molecules in the skeletal muscle loss process in cancer and it may be released by both skeletal muscle and cachexia-inducing tumors. Recently changes in serum levels of Mst have been identified as an important factor of cancer-induced cachexia. The goal of this study was to assessserum Mst levels in MTC patients. In this descriptive and case-control study, 90 participants were selected, comprising 45 MTC patients (20 males, $29{\pm}13.9years$, 25 females, $29{\pm}14.5years$) and 45 control individuals (25 males, $23.1{\pm}11.6years$, 20 females, $31.5{\pm}14.4years$). Serum Mst was determined using an ELISA kit and body mass index (BMI) was calculated by weight and height measurements. The Kolmogorov Simonov test showed a normal distribution for log transformed Mst serum levels in both case and control groups. Geometric means were 5.9 and 8.2 ng/ml respectively, and a significant difference was found according to the independent t-test results (P<0.01). There was also a significant difference mean of Mst between females in control and MTC groups, but not for the males. Pearson correlation test showed no correlation between age and BMI with Mst serum levels. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that Mst serum levels may have a potential ability for early diagnosis of cachexia in MTC patients, especially in females.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.13 no.1 s.53
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• pp.97-105
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• 2009

Development and use of blended cement concrete is gaining more importance in the construction industry with reference to durability mainly due to the pore refinement and reduction in permeability. Cracks play a major role on important parameters like permeability, rate of chloride ingress, compressive strength and thus affect the reinforcement corrosion protection. Furthermore, when a crack occurs in the cover concrete, the corrosion of the steel reinforcement may be accelerated because the deterioration causing factors can pass through the crack. In recent years the effect of cracking on the penetration of concrete has been the subject of numerous investigations. Therefore assessing the service life using blended concrete becomes obviously in considering the durability. In the present study, the corrosion assessment of composite concrete beams with and without crack with of 0.3mm using OPC, 30% PFA, 60% GGBS, 10% SF was performed using half cell potential measurement, galvanic potential measurement, mass loss of steel over a period of 60days under marine environmental conditions and the results were discussed in detail.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.528-540
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In a healthy person, from 35 years of age, there is an annual loss of muscle mass at the rate of 1-2% and is associated with a decline in the quality of life. This study aimed to identify the particular dietary patterns associated with the risk of lower lean muscle mass in Korean postmenopausal women. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is a population-based, continuous cross-sectional annual survey. The participants of the KNHANES IV (2008-2009) and V (2010-2011) were considered for this study. The study sample consisted of 1548 postmenopausal women, aged 45-86 years. Lower lean muscle mass was defined as having appendicular skeletal muscle mass corrected for body weight less than 1 standard deviation of the young reference group aged 20 to 39 years in KNHANES IV and V. To identify the dietary pattern using factor analysis, 24-h recall data was used. RESULTS: The prevalence of lower lean muscle mass was 31.3% in this study population. Four dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis; 'Diverse', 'Western', 'Traditional', and 'Snacks and beverages'. The 'Western' pattern, highest factor loadings for flour and bread, potatoes, red meat, processed meat, eggs, and cheese, was significantly associated with a high (60%) risk of lower lean muscle mass (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.60 [1.07-2.39], P for trend = 0.01) after adjustments for potential covariates. The other 3 dietary patterns were not associated with lower lean muscle mass. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest that the 'Western' dietary pattern that includes flour and bread, potatoes, red meat, processed meat, eggs, and cheese, may be associated with a higher risk of lower lean muscle mass in Korean postmenopausal women.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 1998

In this research, we studied reach the conclusion with more probability for predicting the severity which based on fire cases in domestic department stores for last 30 years. Considering the number of yearly fire cases in department stores and the cost of damage, we set the risk level. Moreover, this research shows the severity of fire in department stores through its scenario applying to FPETOOL program which NIST in USA has developed. By the result of FPETOOL program operation, we could acquired information about the time reaching the point where people are in danger in temperature, smoke layer and gas concentration. When a fire breaks out in a department store, a great loss of property and life is significant, as well as the potential risk is awfully considerable. Therefore, we should prevent a five from occuring.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.229-235
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• 2011

PURPOSE. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate cumulative survival rate (CSR) of Implantium implants followed for 5 years and association between risk factors and the CSR. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of two hundred forty-nine Implantium Implants System (Dentium, Seoul, Korea) placed in ninety-five patients from 2004 to 2009 were investigated with several identified risk factors (sex, systemic disease, smoking, alchohol, reason of tooth loss, length, arch (maxilla or mandible), replace tooth type (incisor, canine, premolar or molar) Kennedy classification, prosthodontic type, prosthodontic design, opposite dentition, abutment type, occlusal material, occlusal unit, splint to tooth, cantilever, other surgery). Clinical examination (mobility, percussion, screw loosening, discomfort, etc.) and radiographic examination data were collected from patient records including all problems during follow-up period according to protocols described earlier. Life table analysis was undertaken to examine the CSR. Cox regression method was conducted to assess the association between potential risk factors and overall CSR. RESULTS. Five of 249 implants were failed. Four of these were lost before loading. The 5-year implant cumulative survival rate was 97.37%. Cox regression analysis demonstrated a significant predictive association between overall CSR and systemic disease, smoking, reason of tooth loss, arch, Kennedy classification and prosthodontic design (P<.05). The screw related complication was rare. Two abutment screw fractures were found. Another complications of prosthetic components were porcelain fracture, resin facing fracture and denture fracture (n=19). CONCLUSION. The 5-year CSR of Implantium implants was 97.37 %. Implant survival may be dependent upon systemic disease, smoking reason of tooth loss, arch, Kennedy classification and prosthodontic design (P<.05). The presence of systemic diseases and combination of other surgical procedures may be associated with increased implant failure.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
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• v.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2006

Recent warnings indicate that there is a potential risk of massive earthquake in Japan within 30 years. These earthquakes could produce large-scale tsunamis. Tsunamis are very powerful and can be traveled thousands of miles and caused damage in many countries. Consideration of the effect of tsunami to the moored ship is very important because it brings the loss of life and vast property damage. In this paper, the numerical simulation procedure to analyze the motions of a moored ship due to the observed waves of tsunami, Tokachi-off earthquake tsunami profile in northern Pacific coasts of Japan on September 26 in 2003. And the effects on the motions and mooring loads are investigated by numerical simulation. Numerical simulations consist of hydrodynamic analyses in a frequency domain and ship motion analyses in a time domain as the motions of moored ships are examined. As the process begins, the hydrodynamic and waveexciting forces for moored ships must be calculated. Ship motions and mooring forces can then be calculated by solving the equations of motion. In order to investigate the safety evaluation on the motions of moored ship by tsunami attack, we applied a numerical simulation procedure to a 135,000m3 LNG carrier moored at an offshore sea berth.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.237-246
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• 2024

In recent years, the frequent occurrence of fire accidents in university libraries has posed significant threats to the safety of students' lives and property, alongside negative social impacts. Accurately analyzing the factors affecting evacuation during library fires and proposing optimized measures for safe evacuation is thus crucial. This paper utilizes a specific university library as a case study, simulating fire evacuation scenarios using the Pathfinder software, to assess and validate evacuation strategies and propose relevant optimizations. Pathfinder, developed by Thunderhead Engineering in the United States, is an intuitive and straightforward personnel emergency evacuation assessment system, offering advanced visualization interfaces and 3D animation effects. This study aims to construct evacuation models and perform simulation analysis for the selected university library using Pathfinder. The library's structural layout, people flow characteristics, and the nature of fire and smoke spread are considered in the analysis. Additionally, evacuation scenarios involving different fire outbreak locations and the status of emergency exits are examined. The findings underscore the importance of effective evacuation in fire situations, highlighting how environmental conditions, individual characteristics, and behavioral patterns significantly influence evacuation efficiency. Through these investigations, the study enhances understanding and optimization of evacuation strategies in fire scenarios, thereby improving safety and efficiency. The research not only provides concrete and practical guidelines for building design, management, and emergency response planning in libraries but also offers valuable insights for the design and management of effective evacuation systems in buildings, crucial for ensuring occupant safety and minimizing loss of life in potential hazard situations

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.209-217
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• 2024

Recent years have seen a notable increase in fire incidents in university cafeterias, yet the social attention to these occurrences remains limited. Despite quick responses to these incidents preventing loss of life, the need for large-scale evacuation in such high foot traffic areas can cause significant disruptions, economic losses, and panic among students. The potential for stampedes and unpredictable damage during inadequate evacuations underscores the importance of fire safety and evacuation research in these settings. Previous studies have explored evacuation models in various university environments, emphasizing the influence of environmental conditions, personal characteristics, and behavioral patterns on evacuation efficiency. However, research specifically focusing on university cafeterias is scarce. This paper addresses this gap by employing Pathfinder software to analyze fire spread and evacuation safety in a university cafeteria. Pathfinder, an advanced emergency evacuation assessment system, offers realistic 3D simulations, crucial for intuitive and scientific evacuation analysis. The studied cafeteria, encompassing three floors and various functional areas, often exceeds a capacity of 1500 people, primarily students, during peak times. The study includes constructing a model of the cafeteria in Pathfinder and analyzing evacuation scenarios under different fire outbreak conditions on each floor. The paper sets standard safe evacuation criteria (ASET > RSET) and formulates three distinct evacuation scenarios, considering different fire outbreak locations and initial evacuation times on each floor. The simulation results reveal the impact of the fire's location and the evacuation preparation time on the overall evacuation process, highlighting that fires on higher floors or longer evacuation preparation times tend to reduce overall evacuation time.In conclusion, the study emphasizes a multifaceted approach to improve evacuation safety and efficiency in educational settings. Recommendations include expanding staircase widths, optimizing evacuation routes, conducting regular drills, strengthening command during evacuations, and upgrading emergency facilities. The use of information and communication technology for managing emergencies is also suggested. These measures collectively form a comprehensive framework for ensuring safety in educational institutions during fire emergencies.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.337-347
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• 2018

The government has been operating residential improvement projects through the "Act on the Maintenance and Improvement of Urban Areas and Dwelling Conditions for Residents" as a type of a remedial measure for deteriorated residential areas. However, in recent years, the residential improvement projects have experienced difficulties due to the effects of various factors including the slowdown in economic growth. After observing the depression in a number of projects, various studies have been carried out to investigate the causality and improve the promotion of the residential improvement projects. In the trend of research, this study aims to analyze the effects of land and building characteristics on the improvement projects of Busan Metropolitan City. The dependent variables of the study represent different phases of improvement project as specified in the "Act on the Maintenance and Improvement of Urban Areas and Dwelling Conditions for Residents". The independent variables represent land and building characteristics which refer to the criteria used in the designation process of maintenance area according to the act. The empirical analysis uses the ordered logit model. The results from the analysis suggest that geographical condition, factors related to the number of union members, factors related to the parcel price and condition of a location have impact on the promotion of the improvement project. The results of the analysis show that majority of the factors are related to the economic feasibility of the projects. Residential improvement project is a part of urban planning projects that rehabilitates deteriorated residential environment, and it is closely associated with the quality of life of public. Accordingly, we hope that such projects are reasonable and take effective approach to those with urgent needs rather than to focus on profitability. Also, potential administrative and economical loss should be avoided by taking necessary planning measures in advance.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.170-178
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• 2007

Background : The incidence of acute hepatitis A in adults has recently been increasing. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of acute hepatitis A in Daegu province over the past 10 years. Materials and Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 55 patients (male/female: 34/21), who were diagnosed with acute hepatitis A by confirmation of the IgM anti-HAV between January 1998 and June 2007. Results : The mean age was $29.7{\pm}10.3$ years (range; 17-65 years). The incidence was most common between March and June (56.1%), in the third and fourth decades of life (78.2%) and 90.9% (50/55) of the patients were diagnosed from 2003 to present. The common symptoms included anorexia, nausea or vomiting (69.1%), fever and chills (49.1%), myalgia (47.3%), weight loss (47.3%), fatigue (40.0%), abdominal pain (36.4%), diarrhea (9.1%) and pruritus (5.5%). The mean duration of hospital stay was $8.6{\pm}3.4$ days (range; 3-20 days). The route of transmission was identified in only 11 patients (20.0%); 7 patients (12.7%) traveled (abroad or domestic), 2 patients (3.6%) ingested raw food and 2 patients (3.6%) had friends with acute hepatitis A. Fifty four patients recovered without complication; one patient developed fulminant hepatitis and recovered after a liver transplantation. Conclusion : The incidence of acute hepatitis A in adults is increasing. Because of the cost of treatment and potential for serious disease, persons, under 40 are recommened to have hepatitis A vaccination and confirmation of IgG anti-HAV.