• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.2137-2140
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• 2016

Background: Gall bladder cancer (GBC) usually presents as unresectable or metastatic disease. We conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the effect of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) on radiologic downstaging and resectability in unresectable GBC cases. Materials and Methods: Patients with locally advanced disease were treated with chemoradiotherapy [CTRT] ( external radiotherapy (45Gy) along with weekly concurrent cisplatin $35mg/m^2$ and 5-FU 500 mg) and those with positive paraaortic nodes were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy [NACT (cisplatin $25mg/m^2$ and gemcitabine $1gm/m^2$ day 1 and 8, 3 weekly for 3 cycles). Radiological assessment was according to RECIST criteria by evaluating downstaging of liver involvement and lymphadenopathy into complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Results: A total of 40 patients were evaluated from January 2012 to December 2014 (CTRT=25, NACT=15). Pretreatment CT scans revealed involvement of hilum (19), liver infiltration (38), duodenum involvement (n=22), colon involvement (n=11), N1 involvement (n=11), N2 disease (n=8), paraaortic LN (n=15), and no lymphadenopathy (n=6). After neoadjuvant therapy, liver involvement showed CR in 11(30%), PR in 4 (10.5%), SD in 15 (39.4%) and lymph node involvement showed CR in 17 (50%), PR in 6 (17.6%), SD in 4 (11.7 %). Six patients (CTRT=2, NACT=4) with 66.6 % and 83% downstaging of liver and lymphnodes respectively underwent extended cholecystectomy. There was 16.6 % and 83.3% rates of histopathological CR of liver and lymph nodes. All resections were R0. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant therapy in unresectable gall bladder cancer results in a 15% resectability rate. This approach has a strong potential in achieving R0 and node negative disease. Radiologic downstaging (CR+PR) of liver involvement is 40.5% and lymphadenopathy is 67.5%. Nodal regression could serve as a predictor of response to neoadjuvant therapy.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.676-693
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• 2016

Although the methodology and models to assess the economic value of technology assets such as patents are being presented in various ways, there does not exist a structured assessment model which enables to objectively assess a database property's value, and thus there is a need to enhance the application feasibility of practical purposes such as licensing of DB assets, commercialization transfer, security, etc., through the establishment of the valuation model and the life-cycle decision logic. In this study, during the valuation process of DB assets, the size of customer demand group expected and the amount of demand, the size and importance of data sets, the approximate degree of database' contribution to the sales performance of a company, the life-cycle of database assets, etc. will be analyzed whether they are appropriate as input variables or not. As for most of DB assets, due to irregular updates there are hardly cases their life-cycle expires, and thus software package's persisting period, ie. 5 years, is often considered the standard. We herein propose the life-cycle estimation logic and valuation models of DB assets based on the concept of half life for DB usage frequency under the condition that DB assets' value decays and there occurs no data update over time.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.197-205
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• 2020

Compared to aerial photogrammetry, UAV photogrammetry has advantages in acquiring and utilizing high-resolution images more quickly. The production of 3D models using UAV photogrammetry has become an important issue at a time when the applications of 3D spatial information are proliferating. Therefore, this study assessed the feasibility of utilizing 3D models produced by UAV photogrammetry through quantitative and qualitative analyses. The qualitative analysis was performed in accordance with the LODs (Level of Details) specified in the 3D Land Spatial Information Construction Regulation. The results showed that the features on planes have a high LoD while features with elevation differences have a low LoD due to the occlusion area and parallax. Quantitative analysis was performed using the 3D coordinates obtained from the CPs (Checkpoints) and edges of nearby structures. The mean errors for residuals at CPs were 0.042 m to 0.059 m in the horizontal and 0.050 m to 0.161 m in the vertical coordinates while the mean errors in the structure's edges were 0.068 m and 0.071 m in horizontal and vertical coordinates, respectively. Therefore, this study confirmed the potential of 3D models from UAV photogrammetry for analyzing the digital twin and slope as well as BIM (Building Information Modeling).

• Journal of Energy Engineering
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.9-16
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• 2015

As electricity is an indispensable input to human's existence and industrial production, economic benefits arise from consumption. The economic benefits of the electricity consumption are useful information in various fields of electricity-related policy. Therefore, this study attempts to value the economic benefits from electricity use. The economic benefit of electricity consumed is the area under the demand curve which made of the sum of the actual consumer expenditure and the consumer surplus. Consumer expenditure can be easily observed but the information on price elasticity of demand is necessarily required to compute consumer surplus. This study derives the estimates for price elasticities through literature review. The price elasticities of the electricity demand for residence, industry, and commercial are estimated to be -0.332, -0.351, and -0.263, respectively. Because the consumer surplus of the electricity consumption for residence, industry, and commercial are computed to be 191.54, 143.44, and 231.91 won per kWh, respectively. Given that average prices of electricity use were 127.02, 100.70, and 121.98 won per kWh for the year 2013, the economic benefit are calculated to be 318.56, 244.14, and 353.89 won per kWh, respectively. We can convert the values to 321.96, 246.75, and 357.67 won per kWh in 2014 constant price, respectively, using consumer price index. They can be used in the economic feasibility analysis of a new electricity supply project.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.619-624
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• 2007

Sedum sarmentosum, also blown as stonecrop (dolnamul), is a widely consumed herb, and is used as an ingredient in salads in Korea. Unfortunately, sedum is perishable and vulnerable to tissue damage during preservation. Therefore, this feasibility study was performed in order to increase the availability of sedum and increase its value. Various concentrations of sedum extract (0.5-3%) were added to gelatin jelly, and their physicochemical properties were determined. The ascorbic acid content of the sedum jelly increased in proportion to the sedum extract concentration. Calcium content of the sedum jelly was 4 to 28 times higher than that of the control. Contrary to the control, iron was detected in the sedum jelly (0.023-1.031 mg/100 g dry weight). Furthermore, magnesium and potassium levels were higher in the sedum extract groups. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in greenness (a value) and yellowness (b value) between the control and the sedum extract groups. However, significant differences between the 2% and 3% sedum extract groups were not detected. As sedum extract concentration increased, the pH level of soft jellies (solid state) decreased. Therefore, hardness and gumminess were decreased significantly. These results are in agreement with the sensory evaluation. According to sensory tests, the values for palatability, appearance, and color in the 2% sedum extract group were higher than those of the 0.5-1% and 3% sedum extract groups.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.10 no.11
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• pp.3418-3426
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of field operation protocol for cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) in person with non-traumatic arrest. This study was performed from May 1 through June 27, 2008, and subjects were 150 students who are attending the department of Emergency Medical Service in J and K universities which located in Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do areas. Practical conformance was verified using by nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. This study divided into two groups; experimental group that employed field operation protocol and control group that applied conventional CPR protocol, and comparative analyzed statistically the necessary time of the items of each protocol. The results indicated that each performance time of 18 items was reduced over 3 seconds except 5 items(assessment of consciousness, airway control, two times of artificial respiration, check of circulation, and five cycles of CPR). And time of 6 items(intubation, peripheral intravenous line, reassessment of consciousness, pupil reaction, carotid artery pulse, and vital sign) was minimized more than 60 seconds, and total performing time was shortened 110.85 seconds. The results suggested that total performing time in pre and post test where the protocol was applied for two groups showed a statistically significant decrease(t=-6.580, p=.000). Consequently, field operation protocol for cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) in person with non-traumatic arrest will be a available manual which support prompt and accurate decision making, and improve emergency medical service.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.49-59
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• 2014

Rainfall-induced landslides are caused by reduction of effective stress and shear strength due to rainfall infiltration. In order to analyze the susceptibility of landslides, the statistical analysis approach has been used widely but this approach has the limitation which cannot take into account of landslide triggering mechanism. Therefore, the physically based model which can consider the process of landslide occurrence was proposed and commonly used. However, the most previous physically based model analyses evaluate and consider the strength characteristics for saturated soil only in the susceptibility analysis. But the strength parameters for unsaturated soil such as matric suction should be considered with the strength parameters for saturated soil since the shear strength in unsaturated soil also plays important role in the stability of slope. Consequently this study suggested the modified physically based slope model which can evaluate strength characteristics for both of saturated and unsaturated soils. In addition, this study evaluated the thickness of saturated part in slope with rainfall intensity and hydraulic characteristics of slope on the basis of physically based model. In order to evaluate the feasibility, the proposed model was applied to practical example in Jinbu area, Gangwon-do, which was experienced large amount of landslides in July 2006. The ROC graph analysis was used to evaluate the validation of the model, and the analysis results were compared with the results of the previous analysis approach.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2010

Background and Objectives : Transient minor voice changes after thyroidectomy are not infrequent complaints even in cases without any evidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage. However, clinical course, diagnosis and management of such voice changes are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of minor voice changes after thyroidectomy. We also tried to assess the significance and feasibility of superior laryngeal nerve monitoring and to find out the optimal evaluation tools for such voice changes after thyroidectomy. Materials and Method : Nine adult patients who received total thyroidectomy without evidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were enrolled for this prospective study. Voice evaluations were performed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively ; acoustic analyses including voice range profile, aerodynamic study, stroboscopic evaluation and subjective voice assessment with questionnaires. The external branch of superior laryngeal nerve was monitored by nerve stimulator after ligation of superior thyroidal vessels. Results: Four of nine patients complained their voice change at 3 months after the surgery. Three of them reported complete recovery of their voice at 6 months after the surgery. Acoustic analysis revealed significant decrease in their phonatory range especially with high tone loss. Questionnaires related to singing was more sensitive than previously well-known "voice handicap index". Stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve was feasible in most of the cases (94.4%), but it failed to show any correlation with minor voice changes after thyroidectomy. Conclusion : Minor voice changes were not rare events during the first 6 month after thyroidectomy. Decrease in phonatory range with high tone loss and therefore, discomfort in singing was the most common finding. Superior laryngeal monitoring was feasible but it was not a sensitive tool for the prediction of minor voice change after thyroidectomy.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.1-15
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of massive clinical research and to make a basic analysis on the effectiveness and safety of moxibustion treatment on knee osteoarthritis compared to usual care. Methods and Results : This study is a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. Forty participants are assigned to the moxibustion group (n=20) and usual care group (n=20). Participants assigned to the moxibustion group receive moxibustion treatment on the affected knee(s) at six standard acupuncture points (ST36, ST35, ST34, SP9, Ex-LE04 and SP10) three times per week for four weeks (total of 12 sessions). Participants in the usual care group don't receive moxibustion treatment during the study period and follow-up are made on the 5th, 9th and 13th weeks after random allocation. Both groups are allowed to use any kind of treatment, including surgery, conventional medication, physical treatment, acupuncture, herbal medicine, over-the-counter drugs and other active treatments. Education material that explains knee osteoarthritis and current management options and self-exercise is provided for each group. The pain scale of the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Questionnaire (K-WOMAC) is the primary outcome measurement used in this study. Other subscales of the K-WOMAC, the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Physical Function test, Patient Global Assessment, and Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) are used as outcome variables to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture. Safety is assessed at every visit. Conclusions : The result of this trial will provide a basis for the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2017

Background: Different cases exist in the measurement of thyroid radiobioassays owing to the individual characteristics of the subjects, especially the potential variation in the counting efficiency. An In situ Object Counting System (ISOCS) was developed to perform an efficiency calibration based on the Monte Carlo calculation, as an alternative to conventional calibration methods. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of ISOCS to thyroid radiobioassays by comparison with a conventional thyroid monitoring system. Materials and Methods: The efficiency calibration of a portable high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector was performed using ISOCS software. In contrast, the conventional efficiency calibration, which needed a radioactive material, was applied to a scintillator-based thyroid monitor. Four radioiodine samples that contained $^{125}I$ and $^{131}I$ in both aqueous solution and gel forms were measured to evaluate radioactivity in the thyroid. ANSI/HPS N13.30 performance criteria, which included the relative bias, relative precision, and root-mean-squared error, were applied to evaluate the performance of the measurement system. Results and Discussion: The portable HPGe detector could measure both radioiodines with ISOCS but the thyroid monitor could not measure $^{125}I$ because of the limited energy resolution of the NaI(Tl) scintillator. The $^{131}I$ results from both detectors agreed to within 5% with the certified results. Moreover, the $^{125}I$ results from the portable HPGe detector agreed to within 10% with the certified results. All measurement results complied with the ANSI/HPS N13.30 performance criteria. Conclusion: The results of the intercomparison program indicated the feasibility of applying ISOCS software to direct thyroid radiobioassays. The portable HPGe detector with ISOCS software can provide the convenience of efficiency calibration and higher energy resolution for identifying photopeaks, compared with a conventional thyroid monitor with a NaI(Tl) scintillator. The application of ISOCS software in a radiation emergency can improve the response in terms of internal contamination monitoring.