• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.429-440
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• 2023

This study explores recent research trends and potential applications of ultrasound optical imaging-based multimodal technology. Ultrasound imaging has been widely utilized in medical diagnostics due to its real-time capability and relative safety. However, the drawback of low resolution in ultrasound imaging has prompted active research on multimodal imaging techniques that combine ultrasound with other imaging modalities to enhance diagnostic accuracy. In particular, ultrasound optical imaging-based multimodal technology enables the utilization of each modality's advantages while compensating for their limitations, offering a means to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis. Various forms of multimodal imaging techniques have been proposed, including the fusion of optical coherence tomography, photoacoustic, fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime, and spectral technology with ultrasound. This study investigates recent research trends in ultrasound optical imaging-based multimodal technology, and its potential applications are demonstrated in the biomedical field. The ultrasound optical imaging-based multimodal technology provides insights into the progress of integrating ultrasound and optical technologies, laying the foundation for novel approaches to enhance diagnostic accuracy in the biomedical domain.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.501-508
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• 2013

This study was conducted to determine genetic correlations among carcass traits measured by ultrasound and real carcass measurements and to estimate indirect selection responses for real carcass traits based on ultrasound measurements in Hanwoo cows. To accomplish this, 22,080 ultrasound measurement records from 17,926 cows collected from 2001 to 2012 and 11,907 carcass records obtained from fattened cattle from 2008 to 2012 were used. Genetic parameters were estimated based on eye muscle area (EMA), backfat thickness (BF) and marbling score (MS) measured by ultrasound-scanning of live cows and using the official technique on chilled bovine half-carcasses after slaughtering. Heritability and genetic correlation for carcass traits were estimated using a mixed model equation that consisted of environmental effects as fixed parameters and additive genetic effects and residual effects as random parameters, assuming that traits were different between ultrasound and carcass measurements. This statistical method was applied to the average information restricted maximum likelihood method. The heritability of EMA, BF and MS measured by ultrasound were 0.33, 0.61 and 0.46, respectively, while the heritability estimates of the corresponding traits based on carcass measurements were 0.29, 0.40 and 0.38, respectively and the genetic correlation between ultrasound and carcass traits for EMA, BF and MS were 0.41, 0.78 and 0.67, respectively. The genetic correlation between ultrasound and carcass traits was highly positive. Additionally, the selection response for marbling score was estimated to be 0.42 per generation if the cows were selected based on the ultrasound scan marbling score with an assumed selection intensity of 0.8. Overall, these results indicate that the ultrasound scan technique would be applicable to judging cow selection for genetically improved meat quality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.914-920
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• 2012

We investigated the effects of heat treatment and extraction method on the antioxidant activities of five medicinal plants: Cyperus rotundus, Eucommia ulmoides, Bupleurum falcatum, Achyranthes japonica Nakai, and Akebia quinata. Extraction was performed with only ultrasound, ultrasound after heating at $130^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours, and reflux extraction with distilled water. The phenolic contents of reflux extraction and ultrasound extraction after heating were higher than only ultrasound extraction, and ultrasound extraction after heating samples was higher than reflux extraction except for Eucommia ulmoides and Cyperus rotundus. Total flavonoid content was higher in reflux and ultrasound extraction after heating samples than only ultrasound extraction, except for Cyperus rotundus. ABTS radical scavenging activity was higher in reflux extraction and ultrasound extraction after heating a sample, than only ultrasound extraction. DPPH radical scavenging activity was higher in reflux extraction except for Achyranthes japonica Nakai and Akebia quinata. The reducing power of ultrasound extraction after heating was higher with Achyranthes japonica Nakai. From the results of this study, we can expect to increase the antioxidant activity of medicinal plant extracts by applying suitable extraction and pretreatment conditions on the type of medicinal plant.

• Proceedings of the IEEK Conference
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• 2005.11a
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• pp.399-402
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• 2005

For efficient and accurate diagnosis of ultrasound images, the time gain compensation (TGC) and dynamic range (DR) control of the ultrasound echo signal are important. TGC is for compensating the attenuation of the ultrasound echo signal along the depth, and DR is used to control the image contrast. In this paper, we propose an algorithm for finding the optimized values of TGC and DR automatically. For TGC, the degree of compensation is determined along the depth based on the effective attenuation estimation of ultrasound signal. For DR optimization, we introduce a novel cost function on the basis of the characteristics of ultrasound image, which provides the minimum value at the optimal DR. Experiments have been performed by applying the proposed algorithm to a real US imaging system. The results show that the algorithm automatically can determine the values of TGC and DR in realtime so that the subjective quality of the corresponding US image may be good enough for diagnosis.

• Journal of Appropriate Technology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2020

We developed the world's first wireless ultrasound diagnostic device. For the smooth delivery of pregnant women, the WHO requires four prior examinations, and the use of ultrasound diagnostic devices is essential for this purpose. However, income levels and medical facilities in developing countries are falling short. We conducted KOICA's CTS program in Vietnam using a self-developed radio ultrasound diagnostic device. We supplied Sonon300C, a portable wireless ultrasound diagnostic device, to health centers and hospitals in Huong-Hoa district, Vietnam, and conducted an outreach program in an effort to further enhance business performance. As a result, the rate of ultrasound diagnostics in the region reached 100% and the percentage of trained graduates increased to 59%.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Information and Commucation Sciences Conference
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• 2021.10a
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• pp.655-657
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• 2021

It is challenging to find breast ultrasound image training dataset to develop an accurate machine learning model due to various regulations, personal information issues, and expensiveness of acquiring the images. However, studies targeting transfer learning for ultrasound breast cancer images classification have not been able to achieve high performance compared to radiologists. Here, we propose an improved transfer learning model for ultrasound breast cancer classification using publicly available dataset. We argue that with a proper combination of ImageNet pre-trained model and optimizer, a better performing model for ultrasound breast cancer image classification can be achieved. The proposed model provided a preliminary test accuracy of 99.5%. With more experiments involving various hyperparameters, the model is expected to achieve higher performance when subjected to new instances.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.231-237
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• 2021

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of hospital hygiene and infection control in hospital settings. To raise hygiene awareness among ultrasound technicians, we evaluated the hygiene status of an ultrasound room, in comparison with that of objects used in daily life. Using the swab method, the following surfaces were examined: eight surfaces in the ultrasound room including the ultrasound probes (convex, linear, sector, 3D), ultrasound track ball, ultrasound keyboard, ultrasound gel (sealed and in use) and pillow as well as four surfaces of everyday objects including subway handles, common computer keyboards, common computer mouse, and cell phones. The streak plate technique was used for inoculation into media, which was observed for the formation of bacterial colonies following incubation for 24 h. Six bacterial strains were detected from objects used in the ultrasound room, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Four strains of bacteria were detected on surfaces of everyday objects. The equipment and accessories used in an ultrasound room can act as vehicles for infecting patients. Establishment of standardized hygiene protocols and periodic training of the staff are recommended to avoid cross-infection.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.336-340
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• 2010

Ultrasound thermography detects defects by radiating 20 ~ 30 kHz ultrasound waves to the samples and capturing the heat generated from the defects with the use of an infrared thermographic camera. This technology is being spotlighted as a next-generation NDE for the automobile and aerospace industries because it can test large areas and can detect defects such as cracks and exfoliations in real time. The heating mechanism of the ultrasound vibration has not been accurately determined, but the thermomechanical coupling effect and the surface or internal friction are estimated to be the main causes. When this heat is captured by an infrared thermographic camera, the defects inside or on the surface of objects can be quickly detected. Although this technology can construct a testing device relatively simply and can detect defects within a short time, there are no reliable data about the factors related to its detection ability. In this study, the ultrasound thermography technique was used to manufacture gasoline and diesel engine piston specimens, and nondestructive reliability tests to verify the applicability and validity of the ultrasound thermography technique.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.87-96
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• 2020

This study examined the hygiene management of ultrasound probes by examining the cleaning tools for hygiene management of ultrasound probes, the presence or absence of wearing glove as a personal protective equipment, and the awareness of ultrasound probe hygiene. Parts 154 questionnaire about people working in the ultrasound room were surveyed and analyzed. The single gel removal tool of the ultrasound probe was most frequently used with a 48.7% cotton towel, and for double gel removal tools, the first gel removal tool was 42.4% cotton towel and the second gel removal tool was used with 57.6% wet tissue. Antimicrobial wipes were the most commonly used drug and instrument used in ultrasound hygiene management at 58.4%. According to the survey of the presence or absence of wearing glove during ultrasound examination, 46.8% were found to be unworn. When examining the intracavity ultrasound, 30.9% of those who do not wear glove and 61.0% of hygiene awareness of ultrasound probes are 'normal'. According to age, ultrasound probe gel removal tool was not significant difference(p>0.05). According to the working organization and the working department, it was significant difference to wearing gloves during ultrasound examination(p<0.05). Therefore, in order to properly sanitize the ultrasound probe, it is considered that a guideline for hygiene management of the ultrasound probe that fits the situation in Korea is necessary, and it is considered that thorough hygiene management training for inspector is necessary for efficient hygiene management of the ultrasound probe.

• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.268-272
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• 2013

The aim of this study was to develop an ultrasonic tooth-whitening apparatus using piezoelectric transducers, which enhance bleaching efficiency by applying ultrasound, while performing a teeth whitening procedure. For this purpose, an ultrasonic transducer was designed and manufactured, and the effects of reduction in the whitening material's concentration and in the whitening treatment time through using the ultrasound cavitation phenomenon were confirmed. Also, the validity of this study was investigated by comparing the whitening performance with a commercialized optical whitener, through color comparison. The results revealed that the ultrasound whitener produced color values that were enhanced by as much as double that of the conventional LED light whitening method. Even when the operational time was reduced by half, the ultrasound method showed superior performance by over 54% compared to the conventional light whitener, revealing that the ultrasound method showed a remarkable treatment reduction effect.