• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.130-137
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• 2023

By using XRF (X-ray fluorescence), this study investigates the variation of chemical properties in cement pastes at elevated temperatures. High-temperature conditions were prepared by using an electric furnace, planning a total of 11 target temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1000 ℃. A standard library of geo-quant basic was applied for the analysis of 12 elements in cement paste, including Ca, Si, Al, Fe, S, Mg, Ti, Sr, P, Mn, Zn and K. The results revealed that, as the temperature increased, the proportion of each element in the cement paste also increased. With the exception of a few elements present in extremely low amounts in the cement pastes, the variation in the composition ratio of most elements exhibited a strong correlation with temperature, with an R-squared value exceeding 0.98. In this study, cement pastes exposed to normal and high-temperature environments were compared. The authors established that the reasons for the different results in this comparison can be explained from the same perspective as when comparing raw cement with cement paste. Furthermore, this study discussed the potentially most dominant parameter when investigating the properties of cement paste using XRF.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.271-278
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• 2023

In the present study, A356 melt degassing experiments were conducted under various impeller rotation speed and inert gas flow rate conditions to determine changes in the melt temperature, composition and density during a degassing treatment. The melt temperature was found to decrease gradually as the degassing time increased, but a clear correlation between the impeller rotation speed or inert gas flow rate and the melt heat loss could not be confirmed. Regardless of the impeller rotation speed or inert gas flow rate, the Mg and Ti contents in the A356 melt scarcely changed, even after degassing for more than 10 minutes, while Sr contents decreased at the maximum degassing rate of 70 ppm. From a quantitative analysis of the degassing rate under each experimental condition based on the hydrogen concentration in the melt derived from the melt density and the degassing model equation, the inert gas flow rate was found to affect the degassing rate rather than the impeller rotation speed under the degassing operation condition employed in the present study.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.978-986
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• 2020

Objective: To compare native and post-contrast T1 mapping with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging for detecting and measuring the microvascular obstruction (MVO) area in reperfused acute myocardial infarction (MI). Materials and Methods: This study included 20 patients with acute MI who had undergone 1.5T cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) after reperfusion therapy. CMR included cine imaging, LGE, and T1 mapping (modified look-locker inversion recovery). MI size was calculated from LGE by full-width at half-maximum technique. MVO was defined as an area with low signal intensity (LGE) or as a region of visually distinguishable T1 values (T1 maps) within infarcted myocardium. Regional T1 values were measured in MVO, infarcted, and remote myocardium on T1 maps. MVO area was measured on and compared among LGE, native, and post-contrast T1 maps. Results: The mean MI size was 27.1 ± 9.7% of the left ventricular mass. Of the 20 identified MVOs, 18 (90%) were detected on native T1 maps, while 10 (50%) were recognized on post-contrast T1 maps. The mean native T1 values of MVO, infarcted, and remote myocardium were 1013.5 ± 58.5, 1240.9 ± 55.8 (p < 0.001), and 1062.2 ± 55.8 ms (p = 0.169), respectively, while the mean post-contrast T1 values were 466.7 ± 26.8, 399.1 ± 21.3, and 585.2 ± 21.3 ms, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean MVO areas on LGE, native, and post-contrast T1 maps were 134.1 ± 81.2, 133.7 ± 80.4, and 117.1 ± 53.3 mm², respectively. The median (interquartile range) MVO areas on LGE, native, and post-contrast T1 maps were 128.0 (58.1-215.4), 110.5 (67.7-227.9), and 143.0 (76.7-155.3) mm², respectively (p = 0.002). Concordance correlation coefficients for the MVO area between LGE and native T1 maps, LGE and post-contrast T1 maps, and native and post-contrast T1 maps were 0.770, 0.375, and 0.565, respectively. Conclusion: MVO areas were accurately delineated on native T1 maps and showed high concordance with the areas measured on LGE. However, post-contrast T1 maps had low detection rates and underestimated MVO areas. Collectively, native T1 mapping is a useful tool for detecting MVO within the infarcted myocardium.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.96-109
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• 2024

The purpose of this study is to propose a method for evaluating the similarity of Show gardens using Deep Learning models, specifically VGG-16 and ResNet50. A model for judging the similarity of show gardens based on VGG-16 and ResNet50 models was developed, and was referred to as DRG (Deep Recognition of similarity in show Garden design). An algorithm utilizing GAP and Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to construct the model, and the accuracy of similarity was analyzed by comparing the total number of similar images derived at 1st (Top1), 3rd (Top3), and 5th (Top5) ranks with the original images. The image data used for the DRG model consisted of a total of 278 works from the Le Festival International des Jardins de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 27 works from the Seoul International Garden Show, and 17 works from the Korea Garden Show. Image analysis was conducted using the DRG model for both the same group and different groups, resulting in the establishment of guidelines for assessing show garden similarity. First, overall image similarity analysis was best suited for applying data augmentation techniques based on the ResNet50 model. Second, for image analysis focusing on internal structure and outer form, it was effective to apply a certain size filter (16cm × 16cm) to generate images emphasizing form and then compare similarity using the VGG-16 model. It was suggested that an image size of 448 × 448 pixels and the original image in full color are the optimal settings. Based on these research findings, a quantitative method for assessing show gardens is proposed and it is expected to contribute to the continuous development of garden culture through interdisciplinary research moving forward.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.105-119
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• 2024

Purpose: The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is gaining recognition as a superior predictor of coronary artery disease. This study examined the relationship between the AIP and the intake of various food groups in Korean adults, using the baseline data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study-The Health Examinees (KoGES-HEXA) study. Methods: This study included 133,381 adults (46,288 men, 87,093 women) who completed the nutrition survey and biochemical tests of the KoGES-HEXA study. The AIP was calculated as the log (triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) and was divided into quintiles according to sex for further analysis. Data on food group intake were obtained using the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and daily food group intake (g/d) was evaluated for each individual. The association between the food group intake and the AIP was examined using the linear regression analysis after adjusting for the confounding variables. Results: In this study population, there was a positive correlation between energy intake and the AIP in men whereas an inverse assocation was shown in women (p < 0.001). In women, a rise in the AIP significantly correlated with an increased percentage of energy intake derived from carbohydrates but decreased percentages of energy from protein and fat (p < 0.001). In men and women, the consumption of grains and kimchi/pickles increased as the AIP rose, while the intake of legumes, nuts, meat and its products, eggs, fish, and milk and dairy products decreased. Among men, individuals in the highest AIP group showed higher intake of wheat products than those in the lowest group of the AIP. In women, the AIP was inversely correlated with potatoes and beverages consumption. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of a balanced diet, including various protein sources, milk and dairy products, legumes, and nuts, for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Further research into sex-specific dietary patterns is essential for tailoring appropriate dietary recommendations.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.43.1-43.14
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• 2021

Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3), which express IL-22 and IL-17A, has been introduced as one of pathologic cells in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Dyslipidaemia should be managed in axSpA patients to reduce cardiovascular disease, and dyslipidaemia promotes inflammation. This study aimed to reveal the role of circulating ILC3 in axSpA and the impact of dyslipidaemia on axSpA pathogenesis. AxSpA patients with or without dyslipidaemia and healthy control were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected, and flow cytometry analysis of circulating ILC3 and CD4⁺ T cells was performed. The correlation between Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS)-C-reactive protein (CRP) and circulating immune cells was evaluated. The effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (oxLDL-C) on immune cell differentiation was confirmed. AxSpA human monocytes were cultured with with oxLDL-C, IL-22, or oxLDL-C plus IL-22 to evaluate osteoclastogenesis using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and real-time quantitative PCR of osteoclast-related gene expression. Total of 34 axSpA patients (13 with dyslipidaemia and 21 without) were included in the analysis. Circulating IL-22⁺ ILC3 and Th17 were significantly elevated in axSpA patients with dyslipidaemia (p=0.001 and p=0.034, respectively), and circulating IL-22⁺ ILC3 significantly correlated with ASDAS-CRP (Rho=0.4198 and p=0.0367). Stimulation with oxLDL-C significantly increased IL-22⁺ ILC3, NKp44^- ILC3, and Th17 cells, and these were reversed by CD36 blocking agent. IL-22 and oxLDL-C increased TRAP⁺ cells and osteoclast-related gene expression. This study suggested potential role of circulating IL-22⁺ ILC3 as biomarker in axSpA. Furthermore, dyslipidaemia augmented IL-22⁺ ILC3 differentiation, and oxLDL-C and IL-22 markedly increased osteoclastogenesis of axSpA.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between job stress and burnout among primary healthcare practitioners during COVID-19 pandemic through mixed methods study. Methods: Data were collected from October to November 2022 using Qualtrix, a web-based survey platform. 1,082 primary health care practitioners participated in the survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation analysis using IBM SPSS/WIN 27.0. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis through open-ended questions. Results: Job stress and burnout among primary healthcare practitioners during COVID-19 were positively correlated. Four categories and seven subcategories were identified. Conclusion: Based on these findings, it is necessary to develop a support system for primary healthcare practitioners according to the type of residential area and the number of peopleto reduce job stress and burnout.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.677-692
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• 2005

The assessment of sodium intake is complex because of the variety and nature of dietary sodium. This study intended to develop a dish frequency questionnaire (DFQ) for estimating the habitual sodium intake and a short DFQ for screening subjects with high or low sodium intake. For DFQ112, one hundred and twelve dish items were selected based on the information of sodium content of the one serving size and consumption frequency. Frequency of consumption was determined through nine categories ranging from more than 3 times a day to almost never to indicate how often the specified amount of each food item was consumed during the past 6 months. One hundred seventy one adults (male: 78, female: 93) who visited hypertension or health examination clinic participated in the validation study. DFQ55 was developed from DFQ112 by omitting the food items not frequently consumed, selecting the dish items that showed higher sodium content per one portion size and higher consumption frequency. To develop a short DFQs for classifying subjects with low or high sodium intakes, the weighed score according to the sodium content of one protion size was given to each dish item of DFQ25 or DFQ14 and multiplied with the consumption frequency score. A sum index of all the dish items was formed and called sodium index (Na index). For validation study the DFQ112, 2-day diet record and one 24-hour urine collection were analyzed to estimate sodium intakes. The sodium intakes estimated with DFQ112 and 24-h urine analysis showed $65\%$ agreement to be classified into the same quartile and showed significant correlation (r=0.563 p<0.05). However, the actual amount of sodium intake estimated with DFQ112 (male: 6221.9mg, female: 6127.6mg) showed substantial difference with that of 24-h urine analysis (male: 4556.9mg, female: 5107.4mg). The sodium intake estimated with DFQ55 (male: 4848.5mg, female: 4884.3mg) showed small difference from that estimated with 24-h urine analysis, higher proportion to be classfied into the same quartile and higher correlation with the sodium intakes estimated with 24-h urine analysis and systolic blood pressure. It seems DFQ55 can be used as a tool for quantitative estimation of sodium intake. Na index25 or Na index14 showed $39\~50\%$ agreement to be classified into the same quartile, substantial correlations with the sodium intake estimated with DFQ55 and significant correlations with the sodium intake estimated with 24-h urine analysis. When point 119 for Na index25 was used as a criterion of low sodium intake, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value was $62.5\%,\;81.8\%\;and\;53.2\%$, respectively. When point 102 for Na index14 was used as a criterion of high sodium intake, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were $73.8\%,\;84.0\%,\;62.0\%$, respectively. It seems the short DFQs using Na index 14 or Na index25 are simple, easy and proper instruments to classify the low or high sodium intake group.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.430-437
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• 2005

Purpose: The objectives of this study were - First, to determine the normal range of left ventricular end diastolic volume (EDV), end systolic volume (ESV) and election fraction (EF) from gated myocardial perfusion SPECT for Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS) and 4D-MSPECT (4DM), respectively. Second, to evaluate the relationships between values produced by both software packages. Materials & Methods: Tc-99m MIBI gated myocardial perfusion SPECT were performed for 77 patients (mean age: $49.6{\pm}13.7y$, n=37(M), 40(F)) with a low likelihood (<10%) of coronary artery disease (CAD) using dual head gamma camera (E.CAM, Siemens, USA). Left ventricular EDV, ESV and EF were automatically measured by means of QGS and 4DM, respectively. Results: in QGS, the mean EDV, ESV and EF for all patients were $78.2{\pm}25.2ml,\;27.4{\pm}12.9ml\;and\;66.6{\pm}8.0%$ at stress test respectively, not different from rest test (p>0.05). In 4DM, the mean EDV, ESV and EF for all patients were $89.1{\pm}26.4ml,\;29.1{\pm}12.8ml\;and\;68.5{\pm}6.7%$ at stress test. Most cases in 4DM, there was no significant difference statistically between stress and rest test (p>0.05). But statistically significant difference was found in EF ($68.5{\pm}6.7%$ at stress vs $70.9{\pm}8.0%$ at rest, p<0.05). Correlation coefficients between the methods for EDV, ESV and EF were comparatively high (0.95, 0.93, 0.71 at stress test and 0.95, 0.90, 0.69 at rest test, respectively). However, Bland-Altman plots showed a large range of the limit value of agreement for EDV, ESV and EF between both methods ($-30ml{\sim}10ml,\;-12ml{\sim}8ml,\;-14%{\sim}11%$ at stress test and $-32ml{\sim}5ml,\;-13ml{\sim}13ml,\;-18%{\sim}12%$ at rest test). Conclusion: We found the normal ranges of EDV, ESV and EF for patients with a low likelihood of CAD in both methods. We expect these values will be a good reference to interpret gated myocardial perfusion SPECT. Although good correlation was observed between both methods, they should not be used interchangeably. Therefore, when both programs are used at the same site, it will be important to apply normal limits specific to each method.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.8
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• pp.846-856
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• 2005

Purpose : To measure the peak myocardial tissue velocities and patterns of longitudinal motion of atrioventricular(AV) annuli and assess body weight and heart rates-related changes in normal children. Methods : Using pulsed wave Tissue Doppler Imaging(TDI), we measured peak systolic, early and late diastolic myocardial velocities in 72 normal children at six different sites in apical-4 chamber (A4C) view and at four different sites in apical-2 chamber(A2C) view and compared those values with each other, also observing effects with body weights and heart rates. Longitudinal motions of the AV annuli were measured at three different sites in A4C. Results : There were no significant differences of the TDI parameters between gender, ECHO-machines and among the three Doctors performing TDI. Peak myocardial velocities were significantly higher at the base of the heart than in the mid-ventricular region and in the right lateral ventricular wall than in the left lateral ventricular wall or IVS. The TDI parameters showed no significant correlation with fractional shortening(%). Peak systolic and early diastolic myocardial velocities had no correlation with heart rates, but peak late diastolic velocities and A/E ratio correlated positively with heart rates. Correlations between the TDI parameters and body weight were inconsistent. Absolute longitudinal displacement and % displacement were not differ between gender and not correlated with the TDI parameters. Conclusion : We measured the peak myocardial velocities with TDI and the longitudinal motion of the AV annuli using M-mode echocardiography in normal children. With more large scale evaluation, we may establish reference values in normal children and broaden clinical applicabilities in congenital and acquired heart diseases.