• Journal of Naturopathy
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.53-62
• /
• 2019

Purpose: To investigate the healing effect of 21 patients with chronic back pain, shoulder pain, and knee arthritis by a Qigong. Methods: The study performed by hand injection of a Soojung Qi-therapy. Results: Ten patients (47.6%) had low back pain, eight (38%) had frozen shoulders, and three (14.3%) had knee arthritis. Satisfaction after five times of the Qi-healing was 72% in those who returned to normal and 14% in those who improved. When the maximum pain level set at 5.0, the difference between before and after healing was 3.33 in arthritis subjects, 3.75 in fifty shoulder subjects, and 3.80 in low back pain. In general, the degree of pain decreased as the number of healings increased. In particular, even after the first healing, the pain reduction of the subjects was high in arthritis, frozen shoulders, and low back pain. That is, there was a possibility of controlling pain with only one Qi-healing. Conclusions: Soojung Qi-therapy is one of the natural healing treatments because it reduces fast pains and accessible to handling anytime and anywhere. Conclusions: With Qi-therapy, arthritis, frozen shoulder, and lumbago patients almost recovered to their original shape. Therefore, Qi-therapy regarded as one of the useful natural healing therapies.

• Journal of the Korea Computer Graphics Society
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.21-30
• /
• 2023

Accurate segmentation of the kidney tumor is necessary to identify shape, location and safety margin of tumor in abdominal CT images for surgical planning before renal partial nephrectomy. However, kidney tumor segmentation is challenging task due to the various sizes and locations of the tumor for each patient and signal intensity similarity to surrounding organs such as intestine and spleen. In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised learning-based mean teacher network that utilizes both labeled and unlabeled data using a kidney local guided map including kidney local information to segment small-sized kidney tumors occurring at various locations in the kidney, and analyze the performance according to the kidney tumor size. As a result of the study, the proposed method showed an F1-score of 75.24% by considering local information of the kidney using a kidney local guide map to locate the tumor existing around the kidney. In particular, under-segmentation of small-sized tumors which are difficult to segment was improved, and showed a 13.9%p higher F1-score even though it used a smaller amount of labeled data than nnU-Net.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
• /
• v.9 no.6
• /
• pp.525-530
• /
• 2023

Digital drawing subjects require the subdivision of evaluation elements and the graduality of evaluation according to the recent movement of the innovative curriculum. The purpose of this paper is to present the criteria for evaluating the drawing and to propose it as a rubric evaluation. In the text, criteria for beginner evaluation were technical skills such as the accuracy and consistency of the line, the ratio and balance of the picture, and the ability to effectively utilize various brushes and tools at the intermediate levels. In the advanced evaluation section, it is a part of a new perspective or originality centered on creativity and originality, and a unique perspective or interpretation of a given subject. In addition, as an understanding of design principles, the evaluation of completeness was derived focusing on the ability to actively utilize various functions of digital drawing software through design principles such as placement, color, and shape. The importance of introducing rubric evaluation is to allow instructors to make objective and consistent evaluations, and the key to research in rubric evaluation in these art subjects is to help learners clearly grasp their strengths and weaknesses, and learners can identify what needs to be improved and develop better drawing skills accordingly through feedback on each item.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.22 no.8
• /
• pp.1323-1331
• /
• 2021

Objective: To identify the association between renal tumor complexity and pathologic renal sinus invasion (RSI) and evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography tumor features for predicting RSI in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 276 consecutive patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for RCC with a size of ≤ 7 cm between January 2014 and October 2017. Tumor complexity and anatomical renal sinus involvement were evaluated using two standardized scoring systems: the radius (R), exophytic or endophytic (E), nearness to collecting system or sinus (N), anterior or posterior (A), and location relative to polar lines (RENAL) nephrometry and preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomical classification (PADUA) system. CT-based tumor features, including shape, enhancement pattern, margin at the interface of the renal sinus (smooth vs. non-smooth), and finger-like projection of the mass, were also assessed by two independent radiologists. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of RSI. The positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy of anatomical renal sinus involvement, and tumor features were evaluated. Results: Eighty-one of 276 patients (29.3%) demonstrated RSI. Among highly complex tumors (RENAL or PADUA score ≥ 10), the frequencies of RSI were 42.4% (39/92) and 38.0% (71/187) using RENAL and PADUA scores, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that a non-smooth margin and the presence of a finger-like projection were significant predictors of RSI. Anatomical renal sinus involvement showed high NPVs (91.7% and 95.2%) but low accuracy (40.2% and 43.1%) for RSI, whereas the presence of a non-smooth margin or finger-like projection demonstrated comparably high NPVs (90.0% and 91.3% for both readers) and improved accuracy (67.0% and 73.9%, respectively). Conclusion: A non-smooth margin or the presence of a finger-like projection can be used as a preoperative CT-based tumor feature for predicting RSI in patients with RCC.

• Atmosphere
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.305-317
• /
• 2024

The study examines the effects of parameters that define the characteristics of raindrops on the simulated precipitation during the summer season over Korea using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Double-Moment 6-class (WDM6) cloud microphysics scheme. Prescribed parameters, defining the characteristics of hydrometeors in the WDM6 scheme such as a_R, b_R, and f_R in the fall velocity (V_R) - diameter (D_R) relationship and shape parameter (𝜇_R) in the number concentration (N_R) - D_R relationship, presents different values compared to the observed data from Two-Dimensional Video Disdrometer (2DVD) at Boseong standard meteorological observatory during 2018~2019. Three experiments were designed for the heavy rainfall event on August 8, 2022 using WRF version 4.3. These include the control (CNTL) experiment with original parameters in the WDM6 scheme; the MUR experiment, adopting the 50th percentile observation value for 𝜇_R; and the MEDI experiment, which uses the same 𝜇_R as MUR, but also includes fitted values for a_R, b_R, and f_R from the 50th percentile of the observed V_R - D_R relationship. Both sensitivity experiments show improved precipitation simulation compared to the CNTL by reducing the bias and increasing the probability of detection and equitable threat scores. In these experiments, the raindrop mixing ratio increases and its number concentration decreases in the lower atmosphere. The microphysics budget analysis shows that the increase in the rain mixing ratio is due to enhanced source processes such as graupel melting, vapor condensation, and accretion between cloud water and rain. Our study also emphasizes that applying the solely observed 𝜇_R produces more positive impact in the precipitation simulation.

• International Journal of Heart Failure
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.56-69
• /
• 2024

Background and Objectives: The number of people with heart failure (HF) is increasing worldwide, and the social burden is increasing as HF has high mortality and morbidity. We aimed to provide updated trends on the epidemiology of HF in Korea to shape future social measures against HF. Methods: We used the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance Service to determine the prevalence, incidence, hospitalization rate, mortality rate, comorbidities, in-hospital mortality, and healthcare cost of patients with HF from 2002 to 2020 in Korea. Results: The prevalence of HF in the total Korean population rose from 0.77% in 2002 to 2.58% (1,326,886 people) in 2020. Although the age-standardized incidence of HF decreased over the past 18 years, the age-standardized prevalence increased. In 2020, the hospitalization rate for any cause in patients with HF was 1,166 per 100,000 persons, with a steady increase from 2002. In 2002, the HF mortality was 3.0 per 100,000 persons, which rose to 15.6 per 100,000 persons in 2020. While hospitalization rates and in-hospital mortality for patients with HF increased, the mortality rate for patients with HF did not (5.8% in 2020), and the one-year survival rate from the first diagnosis of HF improved. The total healthcare costs for patients with HF were approximately $2.4 billion in 2020, a 16-fold increase over the $0.15 billion in 2002. Conclusions: The study's results underscore the growing socioeconomic burden of HF in Korea, driven by an aging population and increasing HF prevalence.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.88-96
• /
• 2024

Lithium metal has garnered attention as a promising anode active material thanks to its high specific capacity, energy density, and the lowest reduction potential. However, the formation of dendrites, dendritic crystals that arise during the charge and discharge process, has posed safety and lifetime stability challenges. To resolve this, our study has introduced a novel separator design. This separator features a composite coating of vapor-grown carbon fiber, a conductive material in nanofibers, and silver. We have meticulously studied the impact of this innovative separator on the electrochemical properties of the lithium metal anode, unveiling promising results. To confirm the synergistic effect of VGCF and Ag, a separator with no surface treatment and a separator with only VGCF coated on one side were prepared and compared with the Ag-VGCF-separator. In the case of the bare separator, the Li metal surface is covered with dendrites during the initial charge and discharge process. In contrast, both the VGCF-separator and the Ag-VGCF-separator show Li precipitation inside the conductive coating layer coated on the separator surface. Additionally, the Ag-VGCF-separator showed a more uniform precipitate shape than the VGCF-separator. As a result, the Ag-VGCF-separators show improved electrochemical properties compared to the bare separators and the VGCF-separators.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.145-155
• /
• 2002

The results of the present feasibility study are summarized as follows, 1. The three unit bridge of knitted material and UD fibre reinforcement has both the rigidity and the strength against a vertical occlusal load of 75N. 2. Stress concentration at the junctional area between the bridge and the abutments, i.e. between the pontic and the knitted caps was observed. In the case of the bridge with reinforcement straps, it was partly shown that the concentration problem could be improved by simply increasing the fillet size at the area. Further refining in the surface of the junctional area will be needed to ensure a further improvement in the stress distribution. This will require some trade off in the level of the stress and the available space. A parametric study will help to decide the appropriate size of the fillet. 3. Design refinement is a must to improve the stress distribution and realize the most favourable shape in terms of fabrication. The current straight bar with a constant cross section area can be redesigned to a tapered shape. The curve from the dental arch should also be placed on the pontic design. In accordance with design refinement, the resistance of the bridge frame to other load cases should be evaluated. 4. Although not included in the present feasibility study, it is estimated that bridges of the anterior teeth can be made strong enough with the knitted material without further reinforcement using unidirectional materials. In this regard, a feasibility study on design concepts and stress analysis for 3, 4, 5 unit bridge is suggested. 5. Two types of bridge were analysed in terms of fatigue. The safe life design concept, i.e. fatigue design concept, looks reasonable for the bridge where if cracks should form and propagate there is virtually nothing a dentist to do. The bridge must be designed so that no crack will be initiated during the life span. In the case of crowns, however, if constructed with composite resin with knitted materials, it might be possible to repair them, which in general is impossible for crowns of PFM or of metal. Therefore for composite resin crowns, a damage tolerance design concept can be applied and reasonably higher operational stresses can be allowed. In this case, of course, a periodic inspection program should be established in parallel. 6. Parts of future works in terms of structural viewpoint which need to be addressed are summarized as the following: 1) To develop processing technology to accommodate design concepts; 2) More realistic modelling of the bridge and analysis-geometry and loading condition. Thickness variation in the knitted material, taper in the pontic, design for anterior tooth bridge, the effect of combined loads, etc, will need to be included; 3) To develop appropriate design concepts and design goals for the fibre composite FPD aiming at taking the best advantage of knitted materials, including the damage tolerance design concept; 4) To develop testing method and perform test such as static ultimate load test, fatigue test, repair test, etc, as necessary.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.131-136
• /
• 2008

Growth and survival of the spat of arkshell, Scapharca broughtonii were investigated for the improvement of survival in intermediate culture with different shape of protective net and type of preventive net of spat loss. The growth performance of the spat of arkshell was observed for 60 days by using different forms of protective net, as the exposure form with an average shell length of $12.8{\pm}3.2$ mm(P<0.05), the fish pot form with $12.2{\pm}3.5$ mm, the cylinder form with $11.9{\pm}3.8$ mm and the last one is the rectangular form with $10.9{\pm}3.7$ mm. Their numerical value did not show any marked difference with each other. But in case of survival rate, the fish pot form showed highest survival rate which is 43.7% and the significantly lowest was showed by the exposure form, which is 5.4%(P<0.05). The cylinder form and rectangular form showed 41.2 and 31.6% respectively. And then the growth of the spat of arkshell was observed for 163 days by rearing in a sort of preventive net, the first group was in a blackout curtain with average shell length of $13.9{\pm}3.1$ mm, the next group was in a balsam pear net with $12.9{\pm}3.0$ mm, in a polyethylene net with $11.8{\pm}3.1$ mm and the control with $12.6{\pm}3.3$ mm which was not installed by preventive net of spat loss. The survival rate was 91.5% in a blackout curtain, 90.1% in a polyethylene net, 88.5% in a balsam pear net and 61.5% in a controlled group. It is seen that the highest growth and survival rate were observed in a fish pot form and cylinder form. These results were a little bit difference from those of the spat of arkshell cultured in the form of different preventive nets. There was no significant difference in survival rate in relation to the sorts of preventive net against carrying-away, but there was a difference in survival rate by more than 30% as against the non-installed controlled group. We expect that survival rate would be highly improved in intermediate culture carried out with fish pot form and cylinder form of protective net and preventive net of spat loss.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.51 no.6
• /
• pp.766-773
• /
• 2013

A transparent film was fabricated based on bacterial cellulose (BC), BC has excellent physical strength and stability at high temperature and it is an environmental friendly flexible material. In order to improve the conductivity, silver nanowire (AgNW) and/or graphene were introduced to the BC membrane. The aspect ratio of the AgNW synthesized in this study was 214, with a length of $15{\mu}m$ and width of 70 nm. The higher aspect ratio improved the conductivity by reducing the contact resistance. The thermal and electrical properties of 7 types of films prepared were investigated. Each film was fabricated with rectangular shape ($2mm{\times}2mm{\times}50{\mu}m$). The films were scored with a net shape by a knife, and filled with AgNW and graphene to bestow conductivity. The film filled with AgNW showed favorable electrical characteristics with a thickness of $350{\mu}m$, electron concentration of $1.53{\times}10^{19}$, electron mobility of $6.63{\times}10^5$, and resistivity of 0.28. The film filled with graphene had a thickness of $360{\mu}m$, electron concentration of $7.74{\times}10^{17}$, electron mobility of 0.17, and resistivity of 4.78. The transmittances at 550 nm were 98.1% and 80.9%, respectively. All the films were able to light LEDs bulbs although their brightness differed. A thermal stability test of the BC and PET films at $150{\pm}5^{\circ}C$ showed that the BC film was more stable, whereas the PET film was quickly banded. From these results, it was confirmed that there it is possible to fabricate new transparent conductivity films based on BC.