• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.99-103
• /
• 2018

Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is based on optical coherence tomography (OCT), which is a noninvasive, high-resolution, cross-sectional imaging technique. In this paper, we have developed dynamic optical coherence elastography to measure elasticity, a mechanical property of tissue, by phase difference. A piezoelectric actuator was used for sinusoidal mechanical loading of samples. Before applying this method to biomaterial, we assessed the feasibility of OCE with samples of sponge, eraser, and sharp lead. Cross-sectional and phase-difference images of the sample were obtained under sinusoidal loading. The strain rate was calculated from the phase-difference information. To obtain the envelope of the phase-difference oscillations along the horizontal direction, Hilbert transformation was performed at each depth. The elevation of the envelope was represented by color mapping, and we could measure the relative elasticity within the sample by comparing the elevations. Finally, there was an advantage when we calculated the shear rate using self-interference in the sample arm, instead of the interference between sample and reference arms.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
• /
• 2004.05b
• /
• pp.804-806
• /
• 2004

As a noninvasive imaging meathod, optical coherence tomography system has been extensively studied because it has some advantage such as imaging of high resolution, low cost, and compace size configuration. The optical power of the sample signal reflected from an object is usually very small in optical coherence tomography(OCT) due to absorption and scattering in a sample material. Furthermore, there happens a serious loss of sample signal power in a fiber coupler because it does not transfer to a photodetector but return to the optical source. In order to improve the SNR of OCT system, basic Michelson and Mach-Zehnder interferometer types were configured then, we compared simulation with measurement of reference sample Therefore, an On in configuration of Math-Zehnder interferometer was demonstrated in order to improve the signal to noise ratio

• Food Engineering Progress
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.118-126
• /
• 2010

The fibrous material fraction as a by-product from the commercial aloe vera gel processing was obtained and freeze dried. The physicochemical characteristics such as the proximate composition, crystalline/surface structures and several physical functionalities including the water holding capacity (WHC), swelling capacity (SW), oil holding capacity (OHC), emulsion/foam properties and viscosity properties of this powdered sample (100 mesh) were investigated and analyzed by comparison with commercial $\alpha$-cellulose as a reference sample. The total dietary fiber content of powdered sample was very high as much as 87.5%, and the insoluble dietary and soluble dietary fiber content ratios were 77.6 and 22.4%, respectively. The FT-IR spectrum of powdered sample showed a typical polysaccharide property and exhibited a x-ray diffraction pattern for cellulose III and IV like structure. SW (8.24${\pm}$0.15 mL/g), WHC(6.40${\pm}$0.19 g water/g solid) and OHC(10.32${\pm}$0.29 g oil/g solid) of freeze dried aloe cellulose were about 3.3, 1.4 and 2 times higher than those of commercial $\alpha$-cellulose, respectively. Aloe cellulose (~2%, w/v) alone had no foam capacity while improved the foam stability of protein solution (1% albumin+0.5% $CaCl_{2}$) by factor of 300%. Emulsion capacity of 2%(w/v) aloe cellulose was about 70% level of 0.5%(w/v) xanthan gum, but its emulsion stability was about 1.2 times higher than that of xanthan gum. Also, aloe cellulose containing CMC (carboxyl methyl cellulose) of 0.3%(w/v) showed a very good dispersity. Aloe cellulose dispersion of above 1%(w/v) exhibited higher pseudoplasticity and concentration dependence than those of $\alpha$-cellulose dispersion, indicating the viscosity properties for new potential usage such as an excellent thickening agent.

• Progress in Superconductivity and Cryogenics
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.5-9
• /
• 2023

Lee, Kim, et al. reported in July 2023 that a modified lead apatite material, Pb_10-xCu_x(PO₄)₆O (0.9 < x < 1.1), exhibited superconductivity at room temperature and atmospheric pressure [1, 2]. However, their X-ray diffraction data clearly showed the presence of impurity phases, including Cu₂S, raising uncertainty about the sample quality. Subsequent studies have been conducted; however, different samples exhibited various physical properties. To verify the recipe for the sample growth process, we synthesized samples following the methodology outlined in the reference [1, 2]. An analysis of the structure and physical properties of the synthesized sample reaffirms the critical importance of high-quality sample growth.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.301-312
• /
• 1996

This study was performed to search a optimal analyzing method of cadmium in whole-blood. Cadmium was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry(GFAAS). We investigated the effect of ashing temperature on the absorbance of cadmium in a simple dilution(ten-fold) method with triton X-100 and matrix modifier methods treated with $NH_4H_2PO_4$(1 and 3%) and $Pd(NO_3)_2$(0.00l and 0.005%) as matrix modifier. We also compared the reported reference values of standard blood with values resulted from optimal analyzing conditions of this study. In case of a simple dilution method, when ashing temperature was set at $450^{\circ}C$, the absorbance of sample and background were $0.334{\pm}0.012$ and $1.382{\pm}0.245$, respectively. Background level was higher than the value(0.8) that can be corrected by $D_2$ background correction method. As ashing temperature was rised to $500^{\circ}C$, the absorbance of sample and background were $0.178{\pm}0.008$ and $0.711{\pm}0.223$ respectively. The higher ashing temperature($450^{\circ}C-650^{\circ}C$) was, the lower the absorbance of sample was. In case of a matrix modifier method with $NH_4H_2PO_4$(1 and 3%), when ashing temperature was rised from $500^{\circ}C$ to $650^{\circ}C$, the absorbance of sample slightly changed. The absorbances of sample at $600^{\circ}C$ were $0.230{\pm}0.017$ and $0.137{\pm}0.012$, respectively. These values were larger than that of simple dilution method. But the absorbance of background was higher than the level that can be corrected by $D_2$ method. In case of a matrix modifier method with $Pd(NO_3)_2$(0.001 and 0.005%), the absorbance of sample and background were higher than those of other methods and were stable and reproducible. When ashing temperature was over $550^{\circ}C$, the absorbance of sample was significantly decreased. In case of 0.005% $Pd(NO_3)_2$ carbon residue remained in graphite tube affected the absorbance of sample and background. From these results, We propose that in case of a simple dilution(ten-fold) method with triton X-100 ashing temperature must be maintained below $400^{\circ}C$. In order to diminish the absorbance of background, the alternative method is attenuation of injection volume or multiplication of dilution ratio. We recommend $Pd(NO_3)_2$ than $NH_4H_2PO_4$ as a matrix modifier. In case of a matrix modifier method with $Pd(NO_3)_2$ ashing temperature might be maintained below $550^{\circ}C$.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.153-161
• /
• 1996

A curd yogurt was prepared from egg white powder (EWP) and casein added with sugars (glucose, fructose, lactose). The effects of sugar addition on acid production and growth of Lactobacillus were studied. The effects of sugar addition on sensory property and volatile aroma compounds were also studied. Acid production by L. acidophilus in EWP 2％ (W/V), casein 3％ (w/v) and sugar 0.5,1 or 2％ W/V) was lower than that of L. acidophilus in milk (control). Acid production in sample added with glucose or fructose of 1％ or 2% (W/V) was higher than that of 0.5% (W/V), while acid production in lactose added sample was not affected with the concentration of lactose. Number of viable cells of L. acidophilus at 24 hr in milk, glucose added sample, fructose added sample and lactose added sample was 3.6${\times}$10/Sup 9/, 5.6${\times}$10$\^$8/, 6.0${\times}$10$\^$8/,and 3.2${\times}$10$\^$7/, respectively. Through 30hr fermentation, acid production and number of viable cells of L. acidophilus in milk were higher than those of sugar added samples. Sensory property of fructose added sample was slightly better than that of milk yogurt (reference), while that of lactose added sample was significantly inferior. Though the composition of volatile aroma compounds was slightly different according to sample, gas chromatographic analysis detected acetone, ethanol, diacetyl and acetoin in samples fermented by L. acidophilus.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.117-124
• /
• 2006

The analytical measurement range (AMR) is the range of analyte values that a method can directly measure on a specimen without any dilution, concentration, or other pretreatment not part of the usual assay process. The linearity of the AMR is its ability to obtain test results which are directly proportional to the concentration of analyte in the sample from the upper and lower limit of the AMR. The AMR validation is the process of confirming that the assay system will correctly recover the concentration or activity of the analyte over the AMR. The test specimen must have analyte values which, at a minimum, are near the low, midpoint, and high values of the AMR. The AMR must be revalidated at least every six months, at changes in major system components, and when a complete change in reagents for a procesure is introduced; unless the laboratory can demonstrate that changing the reagent lot number does not affect the range used to report patient test results. The AMR linearity was total protein (0-16.6), albumin (0-8.1), total bilirubin (0-18.1), alkaline phosphatase (0-1244.3), aspartate aminotransferase (0-1527.9), alanine aminotransferase (0-1107.9), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (0-1527.7), creatine kinase (0-1666.6), lactate dehydrogenase (0-1342), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.3-154.3), sodium (35.4-309), creatinine (0-19.2), blood urea nitrogen (0.5-206.2), uric acid (0-23.9), total cholesterol (-0.3-510), triglycerides (0.7-539.6), glucose (0-672.7), amylase (0-1595.3), calcium (0-23.9), inorganic phosphorus (0.03-17.0), potassium (0.1-116.5), chloride (3.3-278.7). We are sure that materials for the AMR affect the evaluation of the upper limit of the AMR in the process system.

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.466-472
• /
• 2018

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with negative neonatal and obstetric outcomes. Large differences in thyroid function reference intervals exist across different populations. These differences can be explained by population-specific factors, such as iodine status. Many countries in Latin America report iodine sufficiency, but relatively few countries have published up-to-date data on iodine levels and thyroid function in the overall population, and especially in pregnant women. We evaluated the iodine status of pregnant women in Chile and determined thyroid hormone reference ranges in this population. Methods: This was a prospective observational study of healthy Chilean women at their first prenatal visit before week 14. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine ($T_4$), free $T_4$, antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and iodine levels from spot urine samples were measured. Iodine status and the reference ranges for TSH were calculated. Results: A total of 1,022 pregnant women in the first trimester were selected. Urinary iodine levels were measured in 302 randomly-selected women. The median urinary iodine concentration was $173.45{\mu}g/L$ (interquartile range, 108.11 to 249.35).The reference ranges of TSH were calculated in 670 patients selected according to the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry guidelines. The median TSH level was $1.88{\mu}IU/mL$ (2.5th percentile: 0.13 to 97.5th percentile: 5.37). Using the reference range in the 1,022 women, the prevalence of clinical hypothyroidism was 1.76%, and that of subclinical hypothyroidism was 3.92%. TPOAb positivity was more common in women with TSH levels above $3.5{\mu}IU/mL$. Conclusion: We found adequate iodine intake and a right-shifted distribution of serum TSH levels in pregnant women in Chile. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in our sample of pregnant women was higher than has been described in the literature.

• Asia Marketing Journal
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.33-49
• /
• 2014

Environmental concern has been an important issue for a few decades, and the extent of consumer demand for eco-friendly consumption has been increased. This study seeks to investigate consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for eco-friendly cosmetics. This study evaluates how much more a consumer is willing to pay for eco-friendly cosmetics and examines significant factors influencing consumers' WTP for eco-friendly cosmetics. Consumers' WTP is measured using four different ecofriendly cosmetics: low-priced skin care cosmetics, low-priced makeup cosmetics, high-priced skin care cosmetics, and high-priced makeup cosmetics. This study uses the contingent valuation method (CVM) to estimate consumer's WTP for eco-friendly cosmetics. Survey questions were designed using both dichotomous choice and payment card method of CVM. Through face to face interviews and on-line surveys, the data were collected from women between 20 and 49 years old residing in Seoul and Kyeonggi area, Korea, in May 2010. A total of 226 questionnaires (132 from interviews and 94 from on-line) were included for the analytical sample in this study. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, T-test and Log-Logit analysis. The findings are as follows: First, the WTP measured by dichotomous choice method was estimated using the Log-Logit analysis. The results showed that the estimated WTP for low-priced skin care cosmetics was 19,152 won, which was 27.7% higher than the reference price, 15,000 won. For low-priced makeup cosmetics, the estimated WTP was 18,524 won, and its green premium was 21.0%. The estimated WTP for high-priced skin care cosmetics was 59,128 won, which was 18.3% higher than the reference price, 50,000 won. For high-priced makeup cosmetics was 57,666 won, and its green premium was 15.3%. Second, the WTP measure by payment card method was estimated using descriptive analysis. The results showed that the respondents were willing to pay 17,955 won for low-priced skin care cosmetics, which was 19.7% higher than the reference price, 15,000 won and 17,595 won for low-priced makeup cosmetics, which was 17.3% higher than the reference price. For high-priced skin care cosmetics, the average WTP was 56,950 won which was 13.9% higher than the reference price, 50,000 won. For high-priced makeup cosmetics, the average WTP was 55,650 won, which was 11.3% higher than the reference price. Overall, the WTP was higher in order of low-priced skin care, low-priced makeup, high-priced skin care, and high-priced makeup. It means that consumers decide degree of premium based on the price and the attributes of eco-friendly products. Third, the findings showed that age, monthly income, and having children or not were statistically significant factors that influenced consumers' willingness to pay for eco-friendly cosmetics. Other explanatory variables such as education, marital status, job, purchase experience of eco-friendly products, and environmental concerns did not show any statistical significance. The major contribution of this study is the investigation of the value of green attributes of the products by using CVM. Unlike most previous researches, this research used two methods of CVM, the dichotomous choice and the payment card, so it enhanced the reliability of research. According to this study, consumers showed price sensitivity when they pay green premium. These findings can be used as useful information to establish marketing strategies for green cosmetics.

• International Journal of Contents
• /
• v.4 no.3
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2008

The Korean life insurance industry has undergone profound changes, such as the beginning of the variable insurance in July 2001 and the bancassurance enforcement in August 2003. However, little empirical research has analyzed data that includes the bancassurance of life insurance companies operating in Korea. In response to this lack of research, this paper applies DEA (data envelopment analysis) models to measure and decompose their efficiency. We discovered that life insurance companies operating in Korea are a little different in their composition ratio of inputs and outputs, due to the increased variety of distribution channels and new products. We provided efficiency scores, return to scale, and reference frequencies. We also decomposed CCR, BCC, and SBM efficiency into scale efficiency and MIX efficiency. So, we try to investigate whether the sources of inefficiency were caused by the inefficient operation of DMU, disadvantageous conditions, the difference of the composition ratio in inputs and outputs with reference sets, or any combination of the above. Most companies in the sample display had either constant or decreasing returns to scale. The efficiency rankings were less consistent among models and efficient DMUs. In response to this problem, we used the super-efficiency model to rank them and then compared the rankings of the DMUs among the various models. It was also concluded that the availability of panel data, rather than cross-sectional data, would greatly improve the validity of the efficiency estimates.