• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.74-83
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• 2022

Objective : Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is a surgical technique that utilizes a large interbody cage to indirectly decompress neural elements. The position of the cage relative to the vertebral body could affect the degree of foraminal decompression. Previous studies determined the position of the cage using plain radiographs, with conflicting results regarding the influence of the position of the cage to the degree of neural foramen decompression. Because of the cage obliquity, computed tomography (CT) has better accuracy than plain radiograph for the measurement of the obliquely inserted cage. The objective of this study is to find the correlation between the position of the OLIF cage with the degree of indirect decompression of foraminal stenosis using CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods : We review imaging of 46 patients who underwent OLIF from L2-L5 for 68 levels. Segmental lordosis (SL) was measured in a plain radiograph. The positions of the cage were measured in CT. Spinal canal cross-sectional area (SCSA), and foraminal crosssectional area (FSCA) measurements using MRI were taken into consideration. Results : Patients' mean age was 69.7 years. SL increases 3.0±5.1 degrees. Significant increases in SCSA (33.3%), FCSA (43.7% on the left and 45.0% on the right foramen) were found (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis shows putting the cage in the more posterior position correlated with more increase of FSCA and decreases SL correction. The position of the cage does not affect the degree of the central spinal canal decompression. Obliquity of the cage does not result in different degrees of foraminal decompression between right and left side neural foramen. Conclusion : Cage position near the posterior part of the vertebral body increases the decompression effect of the neural foramen while putting the cage in the more anterior position correlated with increases SL.

• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.345-349
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• 2023

In this paper, we propose a study on the development of deep learning structure for defective pixel detection of next-generation smart LED display board using imaging device. In this research, a technique utilizing imaging devices and deep learning is introduced to automatically detect defects in outdoor LED billboards. Through this approach, the effective management of LED billboards and the resolution of various errors and issues are aimed. The research process consists of three stages. Firstly, the planarized image data of the billboard is processed through calibration to completely remove the background and undergo necessary preprocessing to generate a training dataset. Secondly, the generated dataset is employed to train an object recognition network. This network is composed of a Backbone and a Head. The Backbone employs CSP-Darknet to extract feature maps, while the Head utilizes extracted feature maps as the basis for object detection. Throughout this process, the network is adjusted to align the Confidence score and Intersection over Union (IoU) error, sustaining continuous learning. In the third stage, the created model is employed to automatically detect defective pixels on actual outdoor LED billboards. The proposed method, applied in this paper, yielded results from accredited measurement experiments that achieved 100% detection of defective pixels on real LED billboards. This confirms the improved efficiency in managing and maintaining LED billboards. Such research findings are anticipated to bring about a revolutionary advancement in the management of LED billboards.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.8
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• pp.1266-1278
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• 2021

Objective: We aimed to compare the aortic valve area (AVA) calculated using fast high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) image acquisition with that of the conventional two-dimensional (2D) cine MR technique. Materials and Methods: We included 139 consecutive patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 68.5 ± 9.4 years) with aortic valvular stenosis (AS) and 21 asymptomatic controls (52.3 ± 14.2 years). High-resolution T2-prepared 3D steady-state free precession (SSFP) images (2.0 mm slice thickness, 10 contiguous slices) for 3D planimetry (3DP) were acquired with a single breath hold during mid-systole. 2D SSFP cine MR images (6.0 mm slice thickness) for 2D planimetry (2DP) were also obtained at three aortic valve levels. The calculations for the effective AVA based on the MR images were compared with the transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) measurements using the continuity equation. Results: The mean AVA ± SD derived by 3DP, 2DP, and TTE in the AS group were 0.81 ± 0.26 cm², 0.82 ± 0.34 cm², and 0.80 ± 0.26 cm², respectively (p = 0.366). The intra-observer agreement was higher for 3DP than 2DP in one observer: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-0.97) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82-0.91), respectively, for observer 1 and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96-0.98) and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97-0.99), respectively, for observer 2. Inter-observer agreement was similar between 3DP and 2DP, with the ICC of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.89-0.94) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.93), respectively. 3DP-derived AVA showed a slightly higher agreement with AVA measured by TTE than the 2DP-derived AVA, with the ICC of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82-0.91) vs. 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79-0.89). Conclusion: High-resolution 3D MR image acquisition, with single-breath-hold SSFP sequences, gave AVA measurement with low observer variability that correlated highly with those obtained by TTE.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 2000

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of cerebral blood flow measurement applied to perfusion weighted image with short-scan time single shot gradient echo-planar technique in measuring cerebral blood volume(rCBV) of normal rabbits. Materials and methods : With 2.1-3.6 kg weighted rabbits, image is acquired when they are in supine position in children positioner. Perfusion weighted image is acquired to 44 seconds per 1 second successively. After 4 seconds later, Gd-DTPA 2ml are injected into int. jugular vein with 2 ml per second and normal saline is also injected after that. Same technique is applied 2 times per 30 minites in same rabbit. After Image is obtained in two part of cerebral cortex at vertex, convexity, in one of basal ganglia with choosing about $3-5{\textrm{mm}^2}$ areas. Curve of signal intensity changes in time sequence is drawn. After this images are transmitted by PC and software IDL, regional cerebral blood volume is measured with imaging processing program made by us. Results : With 22 of 24 rabbits, satisfactory 1-2 signal intensity versus time curve is made. Cerebral blood capacity and contrast media stay time (ST) is measured in two cerebral cortex and basal ganglia refering in parietal cerebral cortex. Mean focal cerebral blood flow capacity ratio in cortex was $0.97{\pm}0.35$ and in basal ganglia, $0.99{\pm}0.37$, mean contrast media stay time in cortex was $9.83{\pm}1.63$ sec and in basal gaiglia, $9.42{\pm}1.14$ sec, but there was no statistically significant difference between two areas ($\rho$=0.05). Conclusion : In cerebral cortex and basal ganglia, there is no difference in mean focal blood volume and mean contrast stay time. Therefore, PWI is useful in cerebral blood flow and early diagnosis, prognosis of cerebral ischemic disease. Hereafter, it is helpful in analysing cerebral blood flow changes with comparison difference in rCBV between normal tissue and ischemic tissue, and that with DWI finding in infarcted patient.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.6432-6439
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• 2014

The NAUT (Non-contact Air coupled Ultrasonic Testing) technique is one of the ultrasonic testing methods that enables non-contact ultrasonic testing by compensating for the energy loss caused by the difference in acoustic impedance of air with an ultrasonic pulser receiver, PRE-AMP and high-sensitivity transducer. As the NAUT is performed in a state of steady ultrasonic transmission and reception, testing can be performed on materials of high or low temperatures or specimens with a rough surface or narrow part, which could not have been tested using the conventional contact-type testing technique. For this study, the internal defects of spot weld, which are often applied to auto parts, and CFRP parts, were tested to determine if it is practical to make the NAUT technique commercial. As the spot welded part had a high ultrasonic transmissivity, the result was shown as red. On the other hand, the part with an internal defect had a layer of air and low transmissivity, which was shown as blue. In addition, depending on the PRF (Pulse Repetition Frequency), an important factor that determines the measurement speed, the color sharpness showed differences. With the images obtained from CFRP specimens or an imaging device, it was possible to identify the shape, size and position of the internal defect within a short period of time. In this paper, it was confirmed in the above-described experiment that both internal defect detection and image processing of the defect could be possible using the NAUT technique. Moreover, it was possible to apply NAUT to the detection of internal defects in the spot welded parts or in CFRP parts, and commercialize its practical application to various fields.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.151-156
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• 2014

Purpose : Spin-echo (SE) technique is most commonly used pulse sequence for T1-weighted MR imaging. T1-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T1FLAIR) is a relatively new pulse sequence and it provides higher tissue contrast between the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) of the brain than T1-weighted SE (T1SE) sequence. However, there has been controversy for the evaluation of enhancing brain tumors with T1FLAIR compared to T1SE. The purpose of this study was to compare T1FLAIR and T1SE sequences for the evaluation of enhancing intracranial tumors. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two patients with enhancing brain tumors were evaluated with contrast-enhanced (CE) T1SE and T1FLAIR imaging. Eight quantitative criteria were calculated: lesion-to-WM contrast ratio (CR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), lesion-to-GM CR and CNR, lesion-to-CSF CR and CNR, and WM-to-GM CR and CNR. For qualitative evaluation, two radiologists assessed lesion conspicuity on CE T1SE and T1FLAIR sequences with three-scale: 1, T1SE superior; 2, sequence equal; T1FLAIR superior. Results: Seventy-nine tumors (31 primaries, 48 metastases) were assessed. For quantitative measurement, the T1FLAIR lesion-to-GM, lesion-to-CSF, WM-to-GM CR and CNR values were comparable and statistically superior to those of the T1SE images (p < 0.001 in all). However, lesion-to-WM CR and CNR were similar on both two sequences without statistically significant difference (p = 0.661, 0.662, respectively). For qualitative evaluation, both radiologists assessed that T1FLAIR images were superior to T1SE images for the evaluation of lesion conspicuity. Conclusion: For the evaluation of enhancing intracranial tumors, T1FLAIR sequence was superior or comparable to T1SE sequence.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.1109-1119
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• 2018

In this paper, we report the development of a nondestructive prediction model for lean meat percentage (LMP) in Korean pig carcasses and in the major cuts using a machine vision technique. A popular vision system in the meat industry, the VCS2000 was installed in a modern Korean slaughterhouse, and the images of half carcasses were captured using three cameras from 175 selected pork carcasses (86 castrated males and 89 females). The imaged carcasses were divided into calibration (n=135) and validation (n=39) sets and a multilinear regression (MLR) analysis was utilized to develop the prediction equation from the calibration set. The efficiency of the prediction equation was then evaluated by an independent validation set. We found that the prediction equation - developed to estimate LMP in whole carcasses based on six variables - was characterized by a coefficient of determination ($R^2_v$) value of 0.77 (root-mean square error [RMSEV] of 2.12%). In addition, the predicted LMP values for the major cuts: ham, belly, and shoulder exhibited $R^2_v$ values${\geq}0.8$ (0.73 for loin parts) with low RMSEV values. However, lower accuracy ($R^2_v=0.67$) was achieved for tenderloin cuts. These results indicate that the LMP in Korean pig carcasses and major cuts can be predicted successfully using the VCS2000-based prediction equation developed here. The ultimate advantages of this technique are compatibility and speed, as the VCS2000 imaging system can be installed in any slaughterhouse with minor modifications to facilitate the on-line and real-time prediction of LMP in pig carcasses.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.137-141
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• 2003

Purpose: To evaluate the precision of measurements taken of dental implants in bucco-lingually sectioned views of the maxilla by linear tomograms of the panorama and to assess the visibility of the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus. Materials and Methods : Eighty sites prepared with implants of gutta percha cone in the sockets of the upper premolars and molars of 10 dry skulls were radiographically examined using linear tomograms of panorama, and scanned coronally and axially by computed tomography. The differences in mm between the measurements in bucco-lingually sectioned images of maxillary alveolar bone and the true length and width of the implanted gutta percha cones were compared as mean values (mean) and standard deviations (SD) for each radiographic technique. Linear tomography of panorama was compared with computed tomography for visualization of the relationship between the inferior wall of maxillary sinus and the end of each implant. Results: The deviations between the actual implant length and the measured values taken from the linear tomograms (0.44±0.39 mm) was significantly less than the measured values from the multiplanar reconstructed images of the axially scanned computed tomogram (1.21 ± 0.90 mm). There was statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between two techniques in the differences between the measurements and true implant length. The relationship of the inferior border of maxillary sinus with end of implant was worse identified with the linear tomogram of panorama (68%) than the multiplanar reconstructed image of axially scanned computed tomogram (99%). Conclusion: We could not find any differences in the accuracy of length measurement between the linear tomogram of panorama and computed tomogram, but computed tomogram allowed for a better visualization of the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus than the linear tomogram.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.1-12
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• 2006

Remote sensing cannot provide a direct measurement of vegetation index (VI) but it can provide a reasonably good estimate of vegetation index, defined as the ratio of satellite bands. The monitoring of vegetation in nearby urban regions is made difficult by the low spatial resolution and temporal resolution image captures. In this study, enhancing spatial resolution method is adapted as to improve a low spatial resolution. Recent studies have successfully estimated normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) using improved resolution method such as from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard EOS Terra satellite. Image enhancing spatial resolution is an important tool in remote sensing, as many Earth observation satellites provide both high-resolution and low-resolution multi-spectral images. Examples of enhancement of a MODIS multi-spectral image and a MODIS NDVI image of Cheongju using a Landsat TM high-resolution multi-spectral image are presented. The results are compared with that of the IHS technique is presented for enhancing spatial resolution of multi-spectral bands using a higher resolution data set. To provide a continuous monitoring capability for NDVI, in situ measurements of NDVI from paddy field was carried out in 2004 for comparison with remotely sensed MODIS data. We compare and discuss NDVI estimates from MODIS sensors and in-situ spectroradiometer data over Ochang plain region. These results indicate that the MODIS NDVI is underestimated by approximately 50%.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.573-586
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• 2011

The MTF(modulation transfer function) is one of parameters to evaluate the performance of imaging systems. Also, it can be used to restore information that is lost by a harsh space environment (radioactivity, extreme cold/heat condition and electromagnetic field etc.), atmospheric effects and falloff of system performance etc. This paper evaluated the MTF values of images taken by DubaiSat-1 satellite which was launched in 2009 by EIAST(Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology) and Satrec Initiative. Generally, the MTF was assessed using various methods such as a point source method and a knife-edge method. This paper used the slanted-edge method. The slantededge method is the ISO 12233 standard for the MTF measurement of electronic still-picture cameras. The method is adapted to estimate the MTF values of line-scanning telescopes. After assessing the MTF, we performed the MTF compensation by generating a MTF convolution kernel based on the PSF(point spread function) with image denoising to enhance the image quality.