• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.51-57
• /
• 2016

Acoustic noise during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the main source for patient discomfort. we report our preliminary experience with this technique in neuroimaging with regard to subjective and objective noise levels and image quality. 60 patients(29 males, 31 females, average age of 60.1) underwent routine brain MRI with 3.0 Tesla (MAGNETOM Tim Trio; Siemens, Germany) system and 12-channel head coil. Q-$T_2$ and $T_2$ sequence were performed. Measurement of sound pressure levels (SPL) and heart rate on Q-$T_2$ and $T_2$ was performed respectively. Quantitative analysis was carried out by measuring the SNR, CNR, and SIR values of Q-$T_2$, $T_2$ and a statistical analysis was performed using independent sample T-test. Qualitative analysis was evaluated by the eyes for the overall quality image of Q-$T_2$ and $T_2$. A 5-point evaluation scale was used, including excellent(5), good(4), fair(3), poor(2), and unacceptable(1). The average noise and peak noise decreased by $15dB_A$ and $10dB_A$ on $T_2$ and Q-$T_2$ test. Also, the average value of heartbeat rate was lower in Q-$T_2$ for 120 seconds in each test, but there was no statistical significance. The quantitative analysis showed that there was no significant difference between CNR and SIR, and there was a significant difference (p<0.05) as SNR had a lower average value on Q-$T_2$. According to the qualitative analysis, the overall quality image of 59 case $T_2$ and Q-$T_2$ was evaluated as excellent at 5 points, and 1 case was evaluated as good at 4 points due to a motion artifact. Q-$T_2$ is a promising technique for acoustic noise reduction and improved patient comfort.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.227-236
• /
• 2010

This study was conducted to develop an measuring system and method for fermentation degree of liquid swine manure by visible ray. The constituent changes of liquid swine manure were examined. pH gradually increased with time, but EC gradually decreased. Malodor strength decreased gradually with aeration treatment with time. Control needed more time to decrease malodor strength than aeration treatment. In aeration treatment, there was no germination of seeds (radish, chinese cabbage) up to 6 weeks and germination rate at 15th week was over 50%. However, in control, there was no germination up to end of experiment. Circular chromatography method showed that there was change after 10th week in aeration treatment but there was no change up to end of experiment in control. As a result, the fermentation degree of liquid swine manure would have relations among pH, EC, germination rate, malodor concentration, and reaction of circular chromatography. The simple analytical instrument for liquid swine manure consisted of a tungsten halogen and deuterium lamp for light source, a sample holder, a quartz cell, spectrometer for spectrum analyzer, a malodour measuring device, a software, etc. Results showed that the simple analytical instrument that was developed can approximately predict the fermentation degree of liquid swine manure by visible ray. Generally, the experiment proved that the simple analytical instrument was reliable, feasible and practical for analyzing the fermentation degree of liquid swine manure.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.7-15
• /
• 1998

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of some decontamination agents against skin contamination of $^{60}Co$ and $^{137}Cs$, the experiments were carried out in this study. In the experiments, pig skin was used instead of human skin , $^{60}CoC1_2$ and $^{137}CsCl$ were used the liquid sources of skin contamination. To examine the effectiveness of decontamination agents, skin decontamination was tried using soup, EDTA, KAERICON which was developed for decontamination of radionulides on the surface of building structure, and new decontamination agents such as IOCON, TRICON, and CHARCON, which were developed in this study. The absorption of radionuclides through the skin was evaluated by the gamma-tay detection on the surface of sample skin after radionuclides were penetrated into the skin during 16 hour soiling time. The results of this absorption experiment indicated that 11.5% and 3.2% of initial amounts of $^{137}Cs$ and $^{60}Co$, respectively, were panerated into the skin. In the experiment to remove the residual radioactivity fixed on the skin, KAERICON showed the decontamination rates up to 52.1%(decontamination factor of 2.1) and IOCON showed the equivalent decontamination rate (decontamination factor 1.9) for $^{137}Cs$. However, IOCON and CHARCON showed the poor decontamination rates of less than 20%(decontamination factor of 1.2) for $^{60}Co$, and KAERICON showed the poor decontamination rate (decontamination factor 1.1) for $^{60}Co$. For TRICON, the decontamination factors were 1.6 to 1.8 for $^{137}Cs$, and 1.0 to 1.2 for $^{60}Co$, respectively.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.189-195
• /
• 2013

Experiments for net cage culture at sea were conducted in each $2.4{\times}2.4$ m in area and took the samples from four different densities: 150, 300, 450 and 600 per cross-sectional area ($m^2$) of shelter. The same stocking densities applied to indoor tank culture to investigate the growth and survival rate. The size of juvenile abalone sample was $36.14{\pm}2.28$ mm for net cage culture and $38.62{\pm}3.22$ mm or indoor tank. Feed such as raw brown sea mustard, raw kelp and dried kelp was sufficiently provided to the abalone. In net cage culture experiment, the growth of the spat of juvenile abalone was the fastest $60.53{\pm}5.75$ mm in the 150 abalone cage per square meter ($m^2$), followed by the 300 abalone cage at $54.01{\pm}5.17$ mm, 450 abalone cage at $51.48{\pm}5.37$ mm and 600 abalone cage at $51.09{\pm}4.96$ mm in order. In the meantime, in the indoor tank experiment, the 150 abalone indoor tank was the fastest $47.50{\pm}6.31$ mm per square meter, followed by the 300 abalone tank at $45.92{\pm}5.23$ mm, the 450 abalone tank at $44.24{\pm}5.59$ mm and the 600 abalone tank at $43.62{\pm}4.44$ mm in order. The survival rate was more than 97.9% in all the experiments, not showing a significant difference.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.265-271
• /
• 2019

In general, specific gravity (SG) and urinary creatinine (CR) have been used to adjust urinary cadmium (Cd) concentrations. However, the validity of correction methods has been controversial. We compared the two adjustments to evaluate associations between urinary Cd and various renal damage markers and to evaluate the relationship between urinary Cd concentration and renal disease markers, such as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), in a relatively large general population sample. Among the 1,086 volunteers who were enrolled in this study, 862 healthy volunteers who did not have kidney disease were included in the final analysis. Urinary Cd, malondialdehyde (MDA), and N-acetyl-${\beta}$-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) concentrations were measured, the creatinine-based eGFR was calculated, and the relationships between these markers were subsequently analyzed. This study showed the use of urinary Cd concentration adjusted with SG rather than with urinary creatinine may be appropriate in studies evaluating renal function based on Cd exposure. Urinary Cd concentration adjusted with SG had a positive correlation with urinary MDA levels and a negative correlation with eGFR. This relationship was relatively stronger in women than in men. This study showed that urinary Cd level was associated with decreased eGFR in the general population, and oxidative stress was likely to act as an intermediator in this process. These results suggest that eGFR can be a very good indicator of kidney damage caused by Cd exposure in the general population.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.109 no.4
• /
• pp.492-503
• /
• 2020

This study was conducted to analyze stem decay in Quercus mongolica and Quercus variabilis in Korea. To ensure even allocation, a total of 5,005 sample trees (2,504 Q. mongolica and 2,501 Q. variabilis) were cut and collected in five regions and 27 subregions. The trees were then examined for stump decay and assigned to four classes based on the degree of scar, tissue decay and decolorization, splitting, and tree hollowing. The results show that the decay rate of Q. mongolica was 66.1%, at least twice as high as that of Q. variabilis, which was rated at 35% (χ2 = 631.15, p < 0.001). The comparison among regions indicated that the highest ratio of Q. mongolica occurs in the Central Regional Forest Service zone (76.5%), followed by the Northern zone (74.8%) and Eastern zone (65.7%). In contrast, the greatest proportion of Q. variabilis is found in the Northern Regional Forest Service zone (38.6%), followed by the Southern (32.9%) and Eastern (37.8%) zones. A statistically significant difference was seen among the five zones (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). There was also a clear tendency for the proportions for the two species to increase with a rise in the DBH. With respect to age, however, a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) only in Q. mongolica, whose rate increased with the increase in age. Our results show that as the DBH and age increases, the conditions of tissue decay and decolorization are manifested in Q. mongolica, whereas scars are common in Q. variabilis.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.183-193
• /
• 2022

The growth inhibitory effect of Microcystis aeruginosa according to the ultrasonic irradiation time was evaluated using a large algae sample volume (10 L) for various ultrasonic irradiation times (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 hr) at a laboratory scale. Based on the analysis of Chl-a and cell number of M. aerginosa, algae growth inhibition was observed with the decrease in Chl-a and cell number in all experimental groups after the ultrasonic irradiation. For the experimental group (T_B, T_C, T_D) with an ultrasonic irradiation time of less than 2 hours, rapid regrowth of algae was observed after growth inhibition, but the experimental group (T_E, T_F, T_G) with an irradiation time of more than 2 hours successfully inhibited algal growth lasting one or two more days. Based on the comparison of the recovery time to initial cell number the experimental group (T_B, T_C, T_D) took less than 20 days whereas the experimental group (T_E, T_F, T_G) took about 30 days. Correspondingly, the experimental group showed a high first order decay rate (𝜅) in proportion to the ultrasonic irradiation time during the growth inhibition period. Additionally, the specific growth rates (𝜇) during regrowth in the experimental group with irradiation time of more than 2 hours were relatively low compared to those in the experimental group with less than 2 hours. Therefore, ultrasonic irradiation for more than 2 hours is required for long-term (30 days) inhibition of algal growth in stagnant waters. However, the appropriate ultrasonic irradiation time for algae growth inhibition should be determined according to various field conditions such as the volume of stagnant water, water depth, flow rate, algae concentration, etc. Finally, damages to the algal cell surface and cell membrane were clearly observed, and both destruction and disturbance of gas vesicles of M. aeruginosa in the experimental group were discovered, indicating the growth inhibitory effect of Microcystis aeruginosa according to the ultrasonic irradiation time was confirmed.

• Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.69-81
• /
• 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity and periodontitis based on depression status in a representative sample of Korean adults. Methods: A total of 12,689 subjects who participated in the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018) were examined. Depression was defined as a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10. Periodontal status was assessed using the community periodontal index, with periodontitis defined as a code ≥ 3. Physical activity categories were divided into a physical activity group and a non-physical activity group, considering the number of days and minutes spent on moderate and vigorous activities. Moderate activity was defined as causing slight breathlessness or a slightly elevated heart rate, while vigorous activity was defined as causing significant breathlessness or a rapid heart rate. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education level, and household income), oral and general health behaviors (use of floss and interdental proximal brush, current smoking), and systemic health status (diabetes and hypertension). All analyses utilized a complex sampling design, and subgroup analysis was performed to estimate associations stratified by depression (PHQ-9 ≤ 9 and ≥ 10). Results: Multivariable regression analysis revealed that among participants with depression, those who did not engage in physical activity were 2.65 times more likely to have periodontitis (odds ratio = 2.65, 95% confidence interval = 1.17-6.01). Conclusion: The study findings suggest that individuals who participate in any form of physical activity may be significantly less likely to develop periodontitis, particularly within the group experiencing depression.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.90-97
• /
• 2018

Purpose The lung segment ratio which is obtained through quantitative analyses of lung perfusion scan images is calculated to evaluate the lung function pre and post surgery. In this Study, the planar image production methods by using Q-Metrix (GE Healthcare, USA) program capable of not only quantitative analysis but also computation of the segment ratio after having performed SPECT/CT are comparatively evaluated. Materials and Methods Lung perfusion scan and SPECT/CT were performed on 50 lung cancer patients prior to surgery who visited our hospital from May 1, 2015 to September 13, 2016 by using Discovery 670(GE Healthcare, USA) equipment. AP(Anterior Posterior)method that uses planar image divided the frontal and rear images into three rectangular portions by means of ROI tool while PO(Posterior Oblique)method computed the segment ratio by dividing the right lobe into three parts and the left lobe into two parts on the oblique image. Segment ratio was computed by setting the ROI and VOI in the CT image by using Q-Metrix program and statistically analysis was performed with SPSS Ver. 23. Results Regarding the correlation concordance rate of Q-Metrix and AP methods, RUL(Right upper lobe), RML(Right middle lobe) and RLL(Right lower lobe) were 0.224, 0.035 and 0.447. LUL(Left upper lobe) and LLL(Left lower lobe) were found to be 0.643 and 0.456, respectively. In the PO method, the right lobe were 0.663, 0.623 and 0.702, respectively, while the left lobe were 0.754 and 0.823. When comparison was made by using the Paired sample T-test, Right lobe were $11.6{\pm}4.5$, $26.9{\pm}6.2$ and $17.8{\pm}4.2$, respectively in the AP method. Left lobe were $28.4{\pm}4.8$ and $15.4{\pm}5.6$. The right lobe of PO had values of $17.4{\pm}5.0$, $10.5{\pm}3.6$ and $27.3{\pm}6.0$, while the left lobe had values of $21.6{\pm}4.8$ and $23.1{\pm}6.6$, thereby having statistically significant difference in comparison to the Q-Metrix method for each of the lobes (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in Right middle lobe (P>0.05). Conclusion The AP method showed low concordance rate in correlation with the Q-Metrix method. However, PO method displayed high concordance rate overall. although AP method had significant differences in all lobes, there was no significant difference in Right middle lobe of PO method. Therefore, at the time of production of lung perfusion scan results, utilization of Q-Metrix method of SPECT/CT would be useful in computation of accurate resultant values. Moreover, it is deemed possible to expect obtain more practical sectional computation result values by using PO method at the time of planar image acquisition.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.53-69
• /
• 2011

Vision and voice-based technologies are commonly utilized for human-robot interaction. But it is widely recognized that the performance of vision and voice-based interaction systems is deteriorated by a large margin in the real-world situations due to environmental and user variances. Human users need to be very cooperative to get reasonable performance, which significantly limits the usability of the vision and voice-based human-robot interaction technologies. As a result, touch screens are still the major medium of human-robot interaction for the real-world applications. To empower the usability of robots for various services, alternative interaction technologies should be developed to complement the problems of vision and voice-based technologies. In this paper, we propose the use of accelerometer-based gesture interface as one of the alternative technologies, because accelerometers are effective in detecting the movements of human body, while their performance is not limited by environmental contexts such as lighting conditions or camera's field-of-view. Moreover, accelerometers are widely available nowadays in many mobile devices. We tackle the problem of classifying acceleration signal patterns of 26 English alphabets, which is one of the essential repertoires for the realization of education services based on robots. Recognizing 26 English handwriting patterns based on accelerometers is a very difficult task to take over because of its large scale of pattern classes and the complexity of each pattern. The most difficult problem that has been undertaken which is similar to our problem was recognizing acceleration signal patterns of 10 handwritten digits. Most previous studies dealt with pattern sets of 8~10 simple and easily distinguishable gestures that are useful for controlling home appliances, computer applications, robots etc. Good features are essential for the success of pattern recognition. To promote the discriminative power upon complex English alphabet patterns, we extracted 'motion trajectories' out of input acceleration signal and used them as the main feature. Investigative experiments showed that classifiers based on trajectory performed 3%~5% better than those with raw features e.g. acceleration signal itself or statistical figures. To minimize the distortion of trajectories, we applied a simple but effective set of smoothing filters and band-pass filters. It is well known that acceleration patterns for the same gesture is very different among different performers. To tackle the problem, online incremental learning is applied for our system to make it adaptive to the users' distinctive motion properties. Our system is based on instance-based learning (IBL) where each training sample is memorized as a reference pattern. Brute-force incremental learning in IBL continuously accumulates reference patterns, which is a problem because it not only slows down the classification but also downgrades the recall performance. Regarding the latter phenomenon, we observed a tendency that as the number of reference patterns grows, some reference patterns contribute more to the false positive classification. Thus, we devised an algorithm for optimizing the reference pattern set based on the positive and negative contribution of each reference pattern. The algorithm is performed periodically to remove reference patterns that have a very low positive contribution or a high negative contribution. Experiments were performed on 6500 gesture patterns collected from 50 adults of 30~50 years old. Each alphabet was performed 5 times per participant using $Nintendo{(R)}$ $Wii^{TM}$ remote. Acceleration signal was sampled in 100hz on 3 axes. Mean recall rate for all the alphabets was 95.48%. Some alphabets recorded very low recall rate and exhibited very high pairwise confusion rate. Major confusion pairs are D(88%) and P(74%), I(81%) and U(75%), N(88%) and W(100%). Though W was recalled perfectly, it contributed much to the false positive classification of N. By comparison with major previous results from VTT (96% for 8 control gestures), CMU (97% for 10 control gestures) and Samsung Electronics(97% for 10 digits and a control gesture), we could find that the performance of our system is superior regarding the number of pattern classes and the complexity of patterns. Using our gesture interaction system, we conducted 2 case studies of robot-based edutainment services. The services were implemented on various robot platforms and mobile devices including $iPhone^{TM}$. The participating children exhibited improved concentration and active reaction on the service with our gesture interface. To prove the effectiveness of our gesture interface, a test was taken by the children after experiencing an English teaching service. The test result showed that those who played with the gesture interface-based robot content marked 10% better score than those with conventional teaching. We conclude that the accelerometer-based gesture interface is a promising technology for flourishing real-world robot-based services and content by complementing the limits of today's conventional interfaces e.g. touch screen, vision and voice.