• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2013

Purpose: Recently with CT developed, various studies for reduction of exposure dose is underway. Study of bismuth shields in these studies is actively underway, and has already been applied in the clinical. However, the application of the PET/CT examination was not activated. Therefore, through this study, depending on the application of bismuth shields in the PET/CT examination, we want to identify the quality of the image and the impact on the SUV. Materials and Methods: In this study, to apply to the shielding of the breast, by using the bismuth shields that contains 0.06 mmPb ingredients, was applied to the PET/CT GEMINI TF 64 (Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, USA). Phantom experiments using the NEMA IEC Body Phantom, images were acquired according to the presence or absence of bismuth shields apply. Also, When applying, images were obtained by varying the spacing 0, 1, 2 cm each image set to the interest range in the depth of the phantom by using EBW-NM ver.1.0. Results: When image of the PET Emission acquires, the SUV was in increased depending on the use of bismuth shields, difference in the depth to the surface from deep in the phantom increasingly SUV increased (P<0.005). Also, when using shields, as the more gab decreased, SUV is more increased (P<0.005). Conclusion: Through this study, PET/CT examination by using of bismuth shields which is used as purpose of reduction dose be considered. When using shields, the difference of SUV resulting from the application of bismuth shields exist and that difference is more decreased as gab of shields and surface is wider. Therefore, setting spacing of shield should be considered, if considering the reduction of the variation of SUV and image quality, disease of deep or other organs should be a priority rather than superficial disease. Through this study, when applying identified to clinical examination, the reduction of unnecessary exposure is considered.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.62-73
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• 2004

Purpose: The herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase gene(HSV1-tk) is an attractive candidate as a reporter gene in noninvasive reporter gene monitoring system. The HSV1-tk gene was chosen as a reporter gene, because it has been extensively studied, and there are appropriate reporter probes, substrates of HSV1-tk gene product, to apply for HSV1-tk gene imaging. We used radiolabeled 5-iodovinyl-2'-deoxyuridine (IVDU) and 5-iodovinyl-2'-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (IVFRU) as reporter probes for HSV1-tk gene monitoring system. Materials and Methods: We prepared HSV1-tk gene transduced Morris hepatoma cell line using retroviral vector, MOLTEN containing HSV1-tk gene. And we confirmed the HSV1-tk gene expression by Northern blotting and Western blotting. We compared in vitro uptakes of radioiodinated IVDU and IVFRU to monitor HSV1-tk gene expression in Morris hepatoma cell line (MCA) and HSV1-tk gene tranduced MCA (MCA-tk) cells until 480 minutes. We also peformed correlation analysis between percentage of HSV1-tk gene tranduced MCA cell % (MCA-tk%) and uptakes of radiolabeled IVDU or IVFRU. Results: MCA-tk cell expressed HSV1-tk mRNA and HSV1-TK protein. Two compounds showed minimal uptake in MCA, but increased uptake was observed in MCA-tk. IVDU showed 4-fold higher accumulation than IVFRU at 480 min in MCA-tk (p<0.01). Both IVDU and IVFRU uptake were linearly correlated ($R^2>0.96$) with increasing MCA-tk%. Conclusion: The radiolabeld IVDU and IVFRU showed higher specific accumulation in retrovirally HSV1-tk gene transfected Morris hepatoma cell line. Both IVDU and IVFRU could be used as good substrates for evaluation of HSV1-tk gene expression.

• Annals of Clinical Microbiology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2019

Background: The isolation of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) has become increasingly common. Continuous surveillance for these organisms is essential because their infections are closely related to outbreaks of illness and are associated with high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate multiplex PCR as a means of detecting several important CPE genes simultaneously. Methods: We aimed to develop a multiplex PCR that could detect seven CPE genes simultaneously. The multiplex PCR was composed of seven primer sets for the detection of KPC, IMP, VIM, NDM-1, GES, OXA-23, and OXA-48. We designed different PCR product sizes of at least 100 bp. We evaluated the performance of this new test using 69 CPE-positive clinical isolates. Also, we confirmed the specificity to rule out false-positive reactions by using 71 carbapenem-susceptible clinical strains. Results: A total of 69 CPE clinical isolates showed positive results and were correctly identified as KPC (N=14), IMP (N=13), OXA-23 (N=12), OXA-48 (N=11), VIM (N=9), GES (N=5), and NDM (N=5) by the multiplex PCR. All 71 carbapenem-susceptible clinical isolates, including Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, showed negative results. Conclusion: This multiplex PCR can detect seven CPE genes at a time and will be useful in clinical laboratories.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.185-189
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• 2007

Animals must be inspected prior to and after slaughter to make certain they are free of diseases and unacceptable defects. Since meats are potentially hazardous foods, they should not be accept if there are any signs of contamination, temperature abuse, or spoilage. This survey was aimed to monitor the current situation of country-of-origin labels and sanitation for the meat markets in Seoul, Korea. The markets were divided into groups as to 25 territories in Seoul and the size of markets (large size, medium size, and small size). In terms of size distribution, small butcher shops occupied the highest percentage. On the itemized suitability test of unpacked and packed beer in Seoul, most butcher shops showed good evaluation. However, labels indicating the grade, storage and cooking instruction for unpacked beef were not properly posted on the products. The results of monitoring sanitation conditions for butcher shops in Seoul showed relatively low suitability. Especially, there were serious lack of knowledge about wearing the sanitation clothings, caps, and shoes. The problem with food safety is so complicated that producers, consumers, merchandisers, the press, the government and the scholar should try to solve the problems altogether. Also, it is important to educate and provide them with correct understanding and information for food hygiene and safety.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2022

Despite the recent increase in the consumption level of the processed meat-byproducts, the health and safety issue has consistently been raised in the processes of production, distribution and consumption. The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the microbiological hazard elements in the Korean sausage, "Sundae," to present not only the safety standard of meat by-product vendors based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), but also the quality control criteria and sanitary arrangements of small manufacturers. For the study, the microbiological hazards in 24 raw materials, 7 manufacturing processes, 40 facilities and tools, 17 workplace environment, and 12 workers were analyzed. The analysis revealed the hazardous elements in the initial stages with 6.28 and 4.07 log CFU/g of total aerobic count and coliforms, respectively, detected from the porcine blood and 3.23 log CFU/g of coliforms from the porcine small intestines. The result also showed that the total aerobic counts and coliforms in the process of mixing and filling process exceeds the standards in the hygiene guidelines by Natick with the total aerobic counts of 5.23, 5.45 log CFU/g, and the coliforms of 3.25, and 3.31 log CFU/g, respectively. Although the detected total aerobic count and the coliforms in the filling and washing rooms exceeded the standards, it was found that the total aerobic count was significantly reduced by 98% after cleaning and disinfecting and no coliforms was detected in any process thereafter. In order to achieve high level of safety in the manufacturing processes of Sundae, the separation of washing and disinfection room from the other sections and the sanitation control of the workers must be preceded, along with strict monitoring in the storage and distribution processes. The study raises necessity for additional studies for the safety evaluation of the processed meat-byproducts and further researches on the validity of the critical limits.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.77-90
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• 2023

This study aims to investigate the potential of alternative credit assessment through Social Networking Sites (SNS) as a complementary tool to conventional loan review processes. It seeks to discern the impact of SNS usage characteristics and loan product attributes on credit loan repayment. To achieve this objective, we conducted a binomial logistic regression analysis examining the influence of SNS usage patterns, loan characteristics, and personal attributes on credit loan conditions, utilizing data from Company A's credit loan program, which integrates SNS data into its actual loan review processes. Our findings reveal several noteworthy insights. Firstly, with respect to profile photos that reflect users' personalities and individual characteristics, individuals who choose to upload photos directly connected to their personal lives, such as images of themselves, their private circles (e.g., family and friends), and photos depicting social activities like hobbies, which tend to be favored by individuals with extroverted tendencies, as well as character and humor-themed photos, which are typically favored by individuals with conscientious traits, demonstrate a higher propensity for diligently repaying credit loans. Conversely, the utilization of photos like landscapes or images concealing one's identity did not exhibit a statistically significant causal relationship with loan repayment. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the extent of SNS usage and the likelihood of loan repayment. However, the level of SNS interaction did not exert a significant effect on the probability of loan repayment. This observation may be attributed to the passive nature of the interaction variable, which primarily involves expressing sympathy for other users' comments rather than generating original content. The study also unveiled the statistical significance of loan duration and the number of loans, representing key characteristics of loan portfolios, in influencing credit loan repayment. This underscores the importance of considering loan duration and the quantity of loans as crucial determinants in the design of microcredit products. Among the personal characteristic variables examined, only gender emerged as a significant factor. This implies that the loan program scrutinized in this analysis does not exhibit substantial discrimination based on age and credit scores, as its customer base predominantly consists of individuals in their twenties and thirties with low credit scores, who encounter challenges in securing loans from traditional financial institutions. This research stands out from prior studies by empirically exploring the relationship between SNS usage and credit loan repayment while incorporating variables not typically addressed in existing credit rating research, such as profile pictures. It underscores the significance of harnessing subjective, unstructured information from SNS for loan screening, offering the potential to mitigate the financial disadvantages faced by borrowers with low credit scores or those ensnared in short-term liquidity constraints due to limited credit history a group often referred to as "thin filers." By utilizing such information, these individuals can potentially reduce their credit costs, whereas they are supposed to accrue a more substantial financial history through credit transactions under conventional credit assessment system.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.27-39
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• 2009

The main objective of this study is to investigate the characteristics of combustion by analyzing fuel gases from a combustion equipment with various combustion conditions for refuse-derived fuels (RDFs). CO gas is a parameter for indicating of incomplete combustion during a combustion process. The lowest CO gas was produced when the experiment conditions were m=2 under air-fuel condition and $800^{\circ}C$. $CO_2$ gas is a final product after complete combustions. The highest amount of $CO_2$ gas was produced when the experiment conditions were m=2 under air-fuel condition and $800^{\circ}C$. The highest level of $SO_2$ gas was produced in S.1 sample containing the highest sulfur. The highest level of NOx gas was produced in S.1 sample with the highest nitrogen content and air-fuel condition of m=2 under temperature of $800^{\circ}C$. HCl gas that is generated by reacting with metals catalyst through oxygen catalyst reaction during combustion process is a precursor of dioxin formation. The higher level of HCl gas was produced in the sample with higher chlorine content. The lowest level of HCl gas was produced when the experiment conditions were air-fuel condition of m=2 and $800^{\circ}C$. The lowest level of $NH_3$ gas was generated when the experiment condition was m=2 under air-fuel condition and after 3 minutes. Air-fuel condition is more important to create $NH_3$ gas than operating temperatures. Higher level of $H_2S$ gas was generated in S.1 sample with the higher sulfur content and was created in RDFs that contain higher mixture ratios of sewage sludge and food wastes. A result of combustion, gases and gases levels from the combustion of S.1 and S.2 were very similar to the combustion of a stone coal. As results of this research, when evaluating the feasibility of the RDFs, the RDFs could be used as auxiliary and main fuels.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.11
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• pp.1249-1259
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• 2009

Purpose:From a societal perspective, we evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a novel sustained-release injection of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) administered on a weekly basis compared with that of the present daily GH injection for the treatment of children with GH deficiency. Methods:Health-related utility for GH therapy was measured based on the visual analogue scale. During July 2008, caregivers of 149 children receiving GH therapy form 2 study sites participated in a web-based questionnaire survey. The survey required the caregivers to rate their current subjective utility with daily GH injections or expected utility of weekly GH injections. Because there was no difference in the costs of the daily and weekly therapies, for the purposes of this study, only drug acquisition costs were considered. Results:Switching from daily to weekly injection of GH increased the utility from 0.584 to 0.784 and incurred an extra cost of 4,060,811 Korean won (KW) per year. The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) for a base case was 20,305,055 KW per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Scenario analyses showed that the ICUR ranged from 15,751,198 to 25,489,929 KW per QALY. Conclusion:The ICUR for a base case and worst case scenario analyses ranged from 0.85 to 1.37-times per capita gross domestic product of Korea, which is considered to be within the generally accepted willingness-to-pay threshold. Thus, it is concluded that switching from daily to weekly injection of GH would be cost-effective.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.319-327
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• 2020

Particulate matters (PM) are small particulate pollution that decrease the function of skin barrier, which causes inflammatory skin diseases and extrinsic aging. In this study, we evaluated the effect of preventing the adherence of PMs from several cosmetic products applied to human skin using iron oxide black. The PM floating chamber consists of skin exposure area, PM inlet, floating power device, and an outlet so that PM can be naturally attached to the skin while floating in the chamber. The change in skin brightness according to the floating concentration of alternative fine dust was checked to confirm the optimal floating concentration conditions. The intensity difference (before-after intensity, Δ) before and after adhesion of iron oxide black was proportional to the amount of PM adhered. The anti-adherence effect of iron oxide black on five cosmetic products were evaluated through 20 each subjects by comparing the amount of iron oxide black adhered on the control and treatment. The difference in brightness before and after the iron oxide black attached to the skin was calculated and compared with the control group(p < 0.05). When over 150 mg of iron oxide black was adhered on the skin, the interference of intensity was low and clearly showed the skin adhered pattern. According to the application of the five cosmetics, the intensity difference was significantly lower than the control group. This means that depending on the product, it prevented the attachment of iron oxide black. This study is a safe and useful method to confirm the prevention of PM skin adherence. In conclusion, cosmetics can prevent the adherence of PM on the skin according to the formulation or ingredients characteristics.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.49-58
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• 1989

For the effective utilization of anchovy as a food source, this work was undertaken the com-parison in food quality of anchovy snacks and its changes during storage at room temperature ($24\pm4^{\circ}C$). Chopped anchovy was mixed with soft flour($340.0\%$, w/w), corn starch($10.0\%$, w/w), sodium chloride($2.5\%$, w/w), monosodium glutamate($0.1\%$, w/w), sodium bicarbonate ($2.5\%$, w/w), water($5.6\%$, w/w), onion powder($0.3\%$, w/w), garlic powder($0.3\%$, w/w), red pepper powder($0.3\%$, w/w) and sodium erythorbate($0.2\%$, w/w), The mixture were rolled, aged, co沇ed, dried and finally parched or deep-fried at $190\pm10^{\circ}C$. The anchovy snacks were packed in the casted polypropylene film bag ($16cm{\times}14cm$), The changes in moisture contents, water activity, pH, volatile basic nitrogen, contents of amino acid and color values of products were negligible during storage. The results of TBA value and peroxide value showed that lipid oxidation can be retarded by adding antioxidant and spices. Judging from contents of amino acid and mineral, the products were more nutritive than the sold shrimp snack on the market. From the results of sensory evaluation and chemical experiments, the product prepared with sodium erythorbate could be preserved in good quality during storage of 120 days.