• Title/Summary/Keyword: Benefit system

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Long-Term Management of Seizures after Surgical Treatment of Supratentorial Cavernous Malformations : A Retrospective Single Centre Study

  • Dziedzic, Tomasz A.;Koczyk, Kacper;Nowak, Arkadiusz;Maj, Edyta;Marchel, Andrzej
    • Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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    • v.65 no.3
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    • pp.415-421
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    • 2022
  • Objective : Seizure recurrence after the first-ever seizure in patients with a supratentorial cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is almost certain, so the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy is justified. The optimal method of management of these patients is still a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to identify factors associated with postoperative seizure control and assess the surgical morbidity rate. Methods : We retrospectively analysed 45 consecutive patients with a supratentorial CCM and symptomatic epilepsy in a single centre. Pre- and postoperative epidemiological data, seizure-related patient histories, neuroimaging results, surgery details and outcomes were obtained from hospital medical records. Seizure outcomes were assessed at least 12 months after surgery. Results : Thirty-five patients (77.8%) were seizure free at the long-term follow-up (Engel class I); six (13,3%) had rare, nocturnal seizures (Engel class II); and four (8.9%) showed meaningful improvement (Engel class III). In 15 patients (33%) in the Engel I group; it was possible to discontinue antiepileptic medication. Although there was not statistical significance, our results suggest that patients can benefit from early surgery. No deaths occurred in our study, and mild postoperative neurologic deficits were observed in two patients (4%) at the long-term follow-up. Conclusion : Surgical resection of CCMs should be considered in all patients with a supratentorial malformation and epilepsy due to the favourable surgical results in terms of the epileptic seizure control rate and low postoperative morbidity risk, despite the use of different predictors for the seizure outcome.

Assessment of public knowledge, perception, and acceptance of nuclear power in Bangladesh

  • Md Iqbal Hosan;Md Jafor Dewan;Md Hossain Sahadath;Debasish Roy;Drupada Roy
    • Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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    • v.55 no.4
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    • pp.1410-1419
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    • 2023
  • Public perception plays a crucial role in the successful completion of a nuclear power project. As a newcomer country to nuclear power, there are lots of misconceptions among the Bangladeshi people about nuclear energy. Consequently, it is crucial to minimize all the doubts among mass people and build up their positive outlook toward nuclear power. This demands a comprehensive survey to figure out the public opinion, concerns, false impressions, and knowledge gap regarding nuclear power. In the present study, these issues were addressed by a survey that was responded to by 661 persons for the 24 survey questions. The questions were categorized based on information, knowledge, faith, benefit, awareness, and technology. Feedback and responders' basic demographic and socioeconomic information were collected from various locations in Bangladesh through online and in-person surveys. The responses were analyzed in both statistical and descriptive ways. Some of the feedback was found to vary with age, sex, and education level while others were quite independent of these parameters. It is found that socioeconomic development and energy security can be achieved by the inclusion of nuclear energy in the power system master plan of the country. However, huge knowledge gaps and misconceptions were found among the public regarding nuclear energy. As per feedback, political instability and corruption may affect the national nuclear power project in Bangladesh. Low faith in the existing rules & regulations for nuclear power programs was also observed. The result of this study will be handy to develop the communication and public awareness strategy for a successful nuclear power project in Bangladesh.

Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Improvement and Effect through APMS (APMS 활용을 통한 항공기 연비향상 및 기대효과 )

  • Jae Leame Yoo
    • Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
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    • v.31 no.2
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    • pp.81-88
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    • 2023
  • SHM (Structural Health Monitoring) technique for monitoring aircraft structural health and damage, EHM (Engine Health Monitoring) for monitoring aircraft engine performance, and APM (Application Performance Management) is used for each function. APMS (Airplane Performance Monitoring System) is a program that comprehensively applies these techniques to identify the difference between the performance manual provided by the manufacturer and the actual fuel mileage of the aircraft and reflect it in the flight plan. The main purpose of using APMS is to understand the performance of each aircraft, to plan and execute flights in an optimal way, and consequently to reduce fuel consumption. First, it is to check the fuel efficiency trend of each aircraft, check the correlation between the maintenance work performed and the fuel mileage, find the cause of the fuel mileage increase/decrease, and take appropriate measures in response. Second, it is to find the cause of fuel mileage degradation in detail by checking the trends by engine performance and fuselage drag effect. Third, the APMS is to be used in making maintenance work decisions. Through APMS, aircraft with below average fuel mileage are identified, the cause of fuel mileage degradation is identified, and appropriate corrective actions are determined. Fourth, APMS data is used to analyze the economic analysis of equipment installation investment. The cost can be easily calculated as the equipment installation cost, but the benefit is fuel efficiency improvement, and the only way to check this is the manufacturer's theory. Therefore, verifying the effect after installation and verifying the economic analysis is to secure the appropriateness of the investment. Through this, proper investment in fuel efficiency improvement equipment will be made, and fuel efficiency will be improved.

Korean red ginseng water extract produces antidepressant-like effects through involving monoamines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rats

  • Tzu-wen Chou ;Huai-Syuan Huang;Suraphan Panyod ;Yun-Ju Huang ;Lee-Yan Sheen
    • Journal of Ginseng Research
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    • v.47 no.4
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    • pp.552-560
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    • 2023
  • Background: Ginseng Radix (Panax ginseng Meyer, Araliaceae) has been used medicinally to treat the brain and nervous system problems worldwide. Recent studies have revealed physiological effects that could potentially benefit cognitive performance or mood. The present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Korean red ginseng water extract (KGE) and its active component in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS)-induced animal model and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antidepressant potential of the UCMS model was evaluated using the sucrose preference test and open field tests. The behavioral findings were further corroborated by the assessment of neurotransmitters and their metabolites from the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of rats. Three doses of KGE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were orally administered during the experiment. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like action of KGE was examined by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/CREB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) proteins in the prefrontal cortex of UCMS-exposed rats. Results: KGE treatment normalized UCMS-induced depression-related behaviors. Neurotransmitter studies conducted after completing behavioral experiments demonstrated that KGE caused a reduction in the ratio of serotonin and dopamine, indicating a decrease in serotonin and dopamine turnover. Moreover, the expression of BDNF, Nrf2, Keap1 and AKT were markedly increased by KGE in the prefrontal cortex of depressed rats. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that KGE and its constituents exert antidepressant effects that mediate the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems and expression of BDNF protein in an animal model.

The Effect of Breast Cancer Survivors' Participation in Line Dance: A Phenomenological Study (유방암 생존자의 라인댄스 참여효과에 대한 현상학적 연구)

  • Kang, Min Jae;Byeon, Ji Yong;Park, Ji Hye;Yu, Mi-seong;Hwang, Seo-Hyeon;Jeon, Justin Y.
    • 한국체육학회지인문사회과학편
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    • v.56 no.6
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    • pp.541-559
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    • 2017
  • The purpose of this study was to understand breast cancer survivors' line dance program participation experience and their perceived effects. Nine participants were selected by the purposive sampling. In the current study, phenomenological research methods were used and qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and observation. The analyses indicated that participants's positive experiences were categorized into physical (physiological change, improved digestive system, sleep quality and cognitive function), psychological (pleasure, vigor, peace, self confidence, and satisfaction) and social (improved mood among family members, peer support and pleasure) benefit. Furthermore, participants enjoyed unique characteristics of line dance such as continuous music and nature of group exercise where they enjoy information sharing and peer support In summary, a line dance program was safe and beneficial for breast cancer survivors and should be recommended as one of exercise options for breast cancer survivors.

Morphological and Textural Characteristics of the Beach-dune System in South Korea, with the Possibility of a Dune Type Scheme Based on Grain-size Trend (국내 해안의 해빈-해안사구 지형 및 퇴적물 특성과 입도기반 사구유형 분석)

  • Rhew, Hosahng;Kang, Jihyun
    • Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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    • v.27 no.3
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    • pp.53-73
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    • 2020
  • Morphology and grain size distribution of coastal dunes should be well documented because they are critical to dune's buffering capacity and resilience against storm surges. The nationwide coastal dune survey produced the dataset, including beach-dune topographic profiles and grain size parameters for frontal beaches, foredunes, and inland dunes. This research investigated the dataset to describe geomorphic and textural properties of coastal dunes: foredune slopes, dune heights above approximately highest high water, mean size, and sorting, together with associated variables of coastal setting that influence coastal dunes. It also explores the possibility of a dune type scheme based on gran size trends. The results are as follows. First, the coast in which dunes are developed is the primary control on foredune morphology and sediment texture. Coastal dunes on the east coast were developed more alongshore rather than inland, with gentler slopes on the higher ground and out of coarser sand. The shore aspect contributes to this pattern because the east coast cannot benefit from prevailing northwesterly. Second, grain size trends from beaches through foredunes to inland dunes were little identified. Third, 12 dune types were identified from 69 dunes, showing the indicative capability for the status of beaches and dunes. We confirmed that the dataset could increase our understanding of the overall characteristics of coastal dune morphology and texture, though there is something to be improved, for example, establishing the refined and comprehensive field survey protocol.

Whom does Harry's Magic Power Benefit?: Imperialistic Ideas of Children in The Harry Potter Books ("누구를 위한 마법능력인가?" -『해리 포터』와 영국 제국주의 아동관)

  • Park, Sojin
    • Journal of English Language & Literature
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    • v.55 no.1
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    • pp.3-24
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    • 2009
  • The Harry Potter series is considered to represent the multicultural aspect of contemporary British society and to show critical perspectives of racism. This series, however, also includes many elements of British imperialism. This paper examines the ideas about education and Harry's role in relation to British imperialism. One of the main ideas prevalent in 19th century British boys' public schools was that people's blood origin is the most important element in determining their characteristics, ability and moral qualities. The students' inherited capacity and their family background are more highly regarded than their secondary learning and training. This reflects a 19th century concept that ultimately, inborn quality makes 'a hero', a truth presented in the educational policies of Hogwarts. Hogwarts' educational policies and systems can also be related to 'developmentalism', which defines children as imperfect, in-progress and incomplete, thus needing proper training and discipline. As this concept functioned to justify the control of children while educating them, Hogwarts adopts diverse controlling devices and oppressive policies, which are mainly justified in the name of education. On the one hand, child characters are controlled and oppressed by the school authorities, on the other hand, some of the students such as Harry have remarkable magic powers enough to resist the adult authority and even to save the magic society from the evil power. Harry plays dual roles, which the British boys of the Empire were assigned from their society; they are important heirs to conquer the 'evil' or 'barbarous' world but need to be obedient to a 'good' authority to achieve the mission. Harry's magic power and self-discipline ultimately contribute to fulfilling Dumbledore's mission, which mirrors 19th century British boys' roles as the heirs of the British Empire.

Discriminating Risky Drivers Using Driving Behavior Determinants (운전행동 결정요인을 이용한 위험운전자의 판별)

  • Ju Seok Oh ;Soon Chul Lee
    • Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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    • v.18 no.3
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    • pp.415-433
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    • 2012
  • This study was conducted in order to explain the effect of driving behavior determinants such as drivers' personality and attitude that may induce risky driving behavior and to develop a valid method for discriminating risky drivers using the determinants. In the results of surveying 534 adult drivers, 5 driving behavior determinants (avoidance of problems, benefit/stimulus seeking, interpersonal anxiety, interpersonal anger, and aggression) were found to have a statistically significant effect on drivers' various risky driving behaviors. Using these factors, drivers were grouped according to risk levels (normal drivers, unintentionally risky drivers, and intentionally risky drivers). This result suggests that drivers' dangerous behavior level can be predicted using psychological factors such as their personality and attitude. Accordingly, if the driving behavior determinant model and the base score system used in this study are improved through further research, they are expected to be useful in predicting drivers' recklessness in advance, identifying problems, and providing differentiated safe driving education services based on the results.

The association between adverse childhood experiences and self-harm among South Korean children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

  • Scott Seung W. Choi;Jeong-Kyu Sakong;Hyo Ju Woo;Sang-Kyu Lee;Boung Chul Lee;Hyung-Jun Yoon;Jong-Chul Yang;Min Sohn
    • Child Health Nursing Research
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    • v.29 no.4
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    • pp.271-279
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    • 2023
  • Purpose: Adolescent self-harm is a public health problem. Research suggests a link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and self-destructive behaviors. Few studies, however, have examined the effects of ACEs on self-harm among Asian adolescents. This study explored the association between lifetime ACEs and a history of self-harm among Korean children and adolescents in elementary, middle, and high schools. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective medical record review was conducted on a dataset of a national psychiatrist advisory service for school counselors who participated in the Wee Doctor Service from January 1 to December 31, 2020. The data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression to predict self-harm. Results: Student cases (n=171) were referred to psychiatrists by school counselors for remote consultation. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds of self-harm were higher among high school students (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.94-12.76), those with two or more ACEs (aOR=3.27; 95% CI=1.43-7.47), and those with depression (aOR=3.06; 95% CI=1.32-7.10). Conclusion: The study's findings provide compelling evidence that exposure to ACEs can increase vulnerability to self-harm among Korean students. Students with a history of ACEs and depression, as well as high school students, require increased attention during counseling. School counselors can benefit from incorporating screening assessment tools that include questions related to ACEs and depression. Establishing a systematic referral system to connect students with experts can enhance the likelihood of identifying self-harm tendencies and offering the essential support to prevent self-harm.

Prediction of Venous Trans-Stenotic Pressure Gradient Using Shape Features Derived From Magnetic Resonance Venography in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Patients

  • Chao Ma;Haoyu Zhu;Shikai Liang;Yuzhou Chang;Dapeng Mo;Chuhan Jiang;Yupeng Zhang
    • Korean Journal of Radiology
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    • v.25 no.1
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    • pp.74-85
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    • 2024
  • Objective: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of unknown etiology associated with venous sinus stenosis. This study aimed to develop a magnetic resonance venography (MRV)-based radiomics model for predicting a high trans-stenotic pressure gradient (TPG) in IIH patients diagnosed with venous sinus stenosis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 105 IIH patients (median age [interquartile range], 35 years [27-42 years]; female:male, 82:23) who underwent MRV and catheter venography complemented by venous manometry. Contrast enhanced-MRV was conducted under 1.5 Tesla system, and the images were reconstructed using a standard algorithm. Shape features were derived from MRV images via the PyRadiomics package and selected by utilizing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. A radiomics score for predicting high TPG (≥ 8 mmHg) in IIH patients was formulated using multivariable logistic regression; its discrimination performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). A nomogram was constructed by incorporating the radiomics scores and clinical features. Results: Data from 105 patients were randomly divided into two distinct datasets for model training (n = 73; 50 and 23 with and without high TPG, respectively) and testing (n = 32; 22 and 10 with and without high TPG, respectively). Three informative shape features were identified in the training datasets: least axis length, sphericity, and maximum three-dimensional diameter. The radiomics score for predicting high TPG in IIH patients demonstrated an AUROC of 0.906 (95% confidence interval, 0.836-0.976) in the training dataset and 0.877 (95% confidence interval, 0.755-0.999) in the test dataset. The nomogram showed good calibration. Conclusion: Our study presents the feasibility of a novel model for predicting high TPG in IIH patients using radiomics analysis of noninvasive MRV-based shape features. This information may aid clinicians in identifying patients who may benefit from stenting.