• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.192-205
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• 2023

Objectives: Previous studies have evaluated the association between mercury exposure and obesity but have yielded mixed conclusions. The aim of this study was to systematically review and summarize scientific evidence regarding the association between mercury exposure and obesity in the human population. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct for articles related to mercury exposure and obesity. Meta-analyses of the highest and lowest categories of mercury levels were evaluated using a random effects model. Begg's test was used to detect publication bias. Results: A total of 9 articles were included. The pooled random effects odds ratio (OR) for mercury exposure and obesity of all 9 studies was 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.38). This positive association was evident in adults (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.02-2.54) and among studies with Asian populations (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.53-2.59), but not among those with North America/African populations (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.50-1.65). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis identified a positive association between mercury exposure and obesity. These findings suggest that toxic environmental metals such as mercury may be an important risk factor for obesity along with dietary habits and lifestyles.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.327-334
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze for resonant frequency, vibration transmissibility and damping ratio of multi-layered corrugated structures using a random vibration test. Methods: The random vibration test was performed by the ASTM D4728 specifications using two paperboards (S120, K180) and two types of flutes (A/F, B/F). Damping ratio of the multi-layered corrugated structures was estimated using a theoretical equation derived from the measured resonant frequency and transmissibility. Results: The resonant frequency and vibration transmissibility of the multi-layered corrugated structures of K180 and B-flute were higher than those of S120 and A-flute, respectively; however, the damping ratio of each sample had the opposite tendency. The resonant frequency was inversely proportional to the sample thickness and static stress; vibration transmissibility and damping ratio were not correlated with sample thickness and static stress. In addition, we developed a mathematical model of the resonant frequency with variables of sample thickness and static stress. Conclusions: Results of this study can be useful for environment-friendly and optimal packaging design since vibration has been a key factor in cushioning packaging design.

• Geotechnical Engineering
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 1989

This study presents a probabilistic analysis of the stability of homogeneous soil slopes during earthquakes. The stability of the slope is measured through its probability of failure rather than the customary factor of safety. The maximum horizontal ground acceleration is deterimined with Donovan and McGuire equation. The earthquake magnitude (m) is a random variable the Probability density function f(m) has been obtained with a use of Richter law. The potential failure surfaces are taken to be of an exponential shape (log-spiral) , Uncertainties of the shear strength parameters along potential failure surface are expressed by one-dimensional random field model. From a first order analysis the mean and variance of safety margin is osculated. The dependence on significant seismic parameters of the probability of failure of the slope is examined and the results are presented in a number of graphs and tables. On the base of the results obtained in this study, it is concluled that (1) the present model is useful in assessing the reliability of soil slopes under both static and seismic conditions: and (2) the probability of failure of a soil slope is greatly affected by the values of the seismic parameters that are associated with it.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Illuminating and Electrical Installation Engineers
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.64-70
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• 2007

A voltage drop in the electrical circuit must be unavoidable. The voltage drop in the electrical circuit means a loss of heat. The heat lost would change the characteristics of the insulator and thus, the insulating performance would be towered resulting in electric leakage, electric shock, power failure, fire and other accidents. Hence, an optimized design against the voltage drop in the electrical circuit must be an important factor determining safety and economy of electrical facilities. This study analyzed the effects of voltage drop on the electrical circuit for such low-voltage electrical facilities requiring the public safety foremost and subject to multi-distributed random loads as street lamps, buildings and subway stations, and thereupon, developed an optimized voltage drop computation program to enhance safety and economy of those electrical facilities.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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• v.35 no.8
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• pp.35-46
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• 2019

This study started from the interest about a theme repeated in a similar way among a group of architects in Japan. They argue that a building composed of random elements can lead to discoverable functions rather than fixed functions. Their work supports this to a certain extent, but at the same time raises the following two research questions. Can 'formal randomness' and 'functional discoverability' be completely identical? Does such a form sufficiently fulfill other functions of the building? In order to answer these two research questions, this study analyzes the relationship between form and function in the 'Children's Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation' of Sou Fujimoto. The analysis proceeded in three steps. In the first step, I found that alcoves were the most important factor in functional discoverability by comparing scenarios with different conditions. At the same time, however, I could see that these alcoves were weakened in the process of functional adjustment. In the second step, I analyzed the final design and found Sou Fujimoto's response to the preceding problem. He thought that in-between alcoves created from formal randomness, were not enough and thus introduced a new method, cutting alcoves. This means that formal randomness alone does not fully guarantee both the functional discoverability and the fulfillment of the basic functions. In the third step, I searched for the significance of this problem through a brief comparison with other similar projects.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.32 no.9
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• pp.384-390
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• 2022

A spin coating process for RRAM, which is a TiN/TiO₂/FTO structure based on a PTC sol solution, was developed in this laboratory, a method which enables low-temperature and eco-friendly manufacturing. The RRAM corresponds to an OxRAM that operates through the formation and extinction of conductive filaments. Heat treatment was selected as a method of controlling oxygen vacancy (V_O), a major factor of the conductive filament. It was carried out at 100 ℃ under moisture removal conditions and at 300 ℃ and 500 ℃ for excellent phase stability. XRD analysis confirmed the anatase phase in the thin film increased as the heat treatment increased, and the Ti³⁺ and OH- groups were observed to decrease in the XPS analysis. In the I-V analysis, the device at 100 ℃ showed a low primary SET voltage of 5.1 V and a high ON/OFF ratio of 10⁴. The double-logarithmic plot of the I-V curve confirmed the device at 100 ℃ required a low operating voltage. As a result, the 100 ℃ heat treatment conditions were suitable for the low voltage driving and high ON/OFF ratio of TiN/TiO₂/FTO RRAM devices and these results suggest that the operating voltage and ON/OFF ratio required for OxRAM devices used in various fields under specific heat treatment conditions can be compromised.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.89-94
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• 2022

The W-band (75-110GHz) is a band that can utilize at least 10 times more bandwidth than the existing 5G band. Therefore, it is one of the bands suitable for future mobile communication that requires high speed and low latency, such as virtual and augmented reality. However, since the wavelength is short, it has a high path loss and is very sensitive to the atmospheric environment. Therefore, in order to develop a W-band communication system in the future, it is necessary to analyze the characteristics of path loss according to the channel environment. In this paper, to analyze the characteristics of the W-band path loss, the random forest technique was used, and the influence of the channel parameters according to the distance section was analyzed through the path loss data according to various channel environment parameters. As a result of the simulation, the distance has the highest influence on the path loss in the short distance, and the other channel environment factor is almost ignored. However, as the distance section became longer, the influence of distance decreased while the impact of clutter and rainfall increased.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.283-289
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• 2023

Erwinia amylovora , which causes fire blight disease on apple and pear trees, is one of the most important phytopathogens because of its devastating impact. Currently, the only way to effectively control fire blight disease is through the use of antibiotics such as streptomycin, kasugamycin, or oxytetracycline. However, problems with the occurrence of resistant strains due to the overuse of antibiotics are constantly being raised. It is therefore necessary to develop novel disease control methods through an advanced understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism of E. amylovora . To better understand the pathogenesis of E. amylovora , we investigated unknown virulence factors by random mutagenesis and screening. Random mutants were generated by Tn5 transposon insertion, and the pathogenicity of the mutants was assessed by inoculation of the mutants on apple fruitlets. A total of 17 avirulent mutants were found through screening of 960 random mutants. Among them, 14 mutants were already reported as non-pathogenic strains, while three mutants, TS3128_M2899 (ΔSUFU ), TS3128_M2939 (ΔwcaG ), and TS3128_M3747 (ΔrecB ), were not reported. Further study of the association between E. amylovora pathogenicity and these 3 novel genes may provide new insight into the development of control methods for fire blight disease.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.263-273
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• 2017

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the relations between class distracting factors and class satisfaction of the dental technology students and then provide a primary data to help further related studies and develop educational programs with which instructors can efficiently manage their classroom. Methods: For this study we have conducted a survey started from the beginning of May 2017 to the end of June. The subjects of the survey were Dental Technology students of D-city, K-city, W-city, selected by random sampling method. The questionnaire was self-administrated and 437 valid results were chosen for our analysis among 450 distributed questionnaires. Results: The results of the research was as follows. Firstly, The overall average point of class distracting factors was 2.5 point. The environmental factors were the highest point as 2.59 and as for the subcategories tiredness and drowsiness was the highest point as 2.76. Secondly, The overall average point of class satisfaction turned out 3,88 point and compliance with class and attitude factors gained the highest point as 4.06. Of the subcategories strict roll checking was the highest point as 4.17. Thirdly, As for class distracting factors from general characteristics a statistical significance was shown as follows; 'instructor factor'(p<.01), 'learner factor'(p<.05), 'total class distracting factor'(p<.05) in the area of gender, 'environmental factor'(p<.001), 'total class distracting factor'(p<.01), 'learner factor'(p<.05), 'instructor factor'(p<.05) in the area of gender 'learner factor'(p<.001), 'instructor factor'(p<.001), 'environmental factor'(p<.001), 'total class distracting factor'(p<.01) in the area of class grade, 'environmental factor'(p<.05) in GPA. Fourthly, A statistical significance, a negative correlation (p<.01) were shown between class distracting factors and class satisfaction. Class distracting factor that especially affects the class satisfaction was instructor factor(p<.001) and the explanatory power of the model turned out 14.7%, which was statistically meaningful (p<.001). Conclusion : Results of this study reveal that instructor factor is the key to class satisfaction of the students. So it is crucial that the instructor faithfully prepare for the class to reinforce the students' learning. Additionally further studies should be followed with more subjects and newer perspectives to develop innovative teaching methodology.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.127-135
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• 1983

A new approach is developed to analyze the reliability of the earth retaining wall using the concept of probability of failure, instead of conventional factor of safety. Many uncertainties, which are included in the conventional stability analysis, can be excluded by using the stochastic approach. And the reliability, more consistent with the reality, can be obtained by the simulation. The strength parameters of soil properties are assumed to be random variables to follow a generalized beta distribution. The interval [A, B] of the random variables could be determined using the maximum likelihood estimation. The pseudo-random values corresponding to the proposed beta distribution are generated using the rejection method. The probability of failure defined as follows, is obtained by using the Monte Carlo Method. $$P_f=\frac{M}{N}$$ where, $P_f$ : Probability of failure N : Total number of trials M : Total number of failure out of N A computer program is developed for the computation procedure mentioned above. Finally, a numerical example is solved using the developed program.