• Title/Summary/Keyword: Improving Efficiency

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The Mechanisms of Resistance to TNF in TNF-Sensitive Cancer Cells Transfected with TNF-$\alpha$ Gene Using Retroviral Vector (암세포에서 Retroviral Vector를 이용한 종양괴사인자 유전자 이입후 획득된 종양괴사인자 내성의 기전)

  • Lee, Hyuk-Pyo;Oh, Yeon-Mok;Yoo, Chul-Gyu;Kim, Young-Whan;Shim, Young-Soo;Han, Sung-Koo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.44 no.3
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    • pp.547-558
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    • 1997
  • Background : Tumor necrosis factor(TNF) has been considered as an important candidate for cancer gene therapy based on its potent anti-tumor activity. However, since the efficiency of current techniques of gene transfer is not satisfactory, the majorities of current protocols is aiming the in vitro gene transfer to cancer cells and re-introducing genetically modified cancer cells to hoot. In previous study, it was shown that TNF-sensitive cancer cells transfected with TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA would become highly resistant to TNF. Understanding the mechanisms of TNF-resistance in TNF-$\alpha$ gene transfected cancer cells would be an important step for improving the efficacy of cancer gene therapy as well as for better understandings of tumor biology. This study was designed to evaluate the role of new protective protein synthesis in the acquired resistance to TNF of TNF-$\alpha$ gene transfected cancer cells. Method : We transfected TNF-$\alpha$ c-DNA to WEHI164, a murine fibrosarcoma cell line, using retroviral vector(pLT12SN(TNF)) and confirm the expression of TNF with PCR, ELISA, MIT assay. Then we determined the TNF resistance of TNF gene transfected cells(WEHI164-TNF) and the changes of TNF sensitivities after treatments with actinomycin D(transcription inhibitor) and cycloheximide ( translation inhibitor). Results : WEHI164 which was sensitive to TNF became resistant to TNF after being transfected with TNF-$\alpha$ gene and the resistance to TNF was partially reversed after treatment with actinomycin D, but not with cycloheximide. Conclusion : The acquired resistance to TNF after TNF-$\alpha$ gene transfection may be associated with synthesis of some protective proteins.

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The Role of MnSOD in the Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance to TNF (TNF에 대한 내성획득에서 MnSOD의 역할에 관한 연구)

  • Lee, Hyuk-Pyo;Yoo, Chul-Gyu;Kim, Young-Whan;Han, Sung-Koo;Shim, Young-Soo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.44 no.6
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    • pp.1353-1365
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    • 1997
  • Background : Tumor necrosis factor(TNF) has been considered as an important candidate for cancer gene therapy based on its potent anti-tumor activity. However, since the efficiency of current techniques of gene transfer is not satisfactory, the majority of current protocols is aiming the in vitro gene transfer to cancer cells and re-introducing genetically modified cancer cells to host. In the previous study, it was shown that TNF-sensitive cancer cells transfected with TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA would become highly resistant to TNF, and the probability was shown that the acquired resistance to TNF might be associated with synthesis of some protective protein. Understanding the mechanisms of TNF -resistance in TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA transfected cancer cells would be. an important step for improving the efficacy of cancer gene therapy as well as for better understandings of tumor biology. This study was designed to evaluate the role of MnSOD, an antioxidant enzyme, in the acquired resistance to TNF of TNF-$\alpha$ cDN A transfected cancer cells. Method : We transfected TNF-$\alpha$ c-DNA to WEHI164(murine fibrosarcoma cell line), NCI-H2058(human mesothelioma cell line), A549(human non-small cell lung cancer cell line), ME180(human cervix cancer cell line) cells using retroviral vector(pLT12SN(TNF)) and confirm the expression of TNF with PCR, ELISA, MIT assay. Then we determined the TNF resistance of TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA transfected cells(WEHI164-TNF, NCIH2058-TNF, A549-TNF, ME180-TNF) and the changes of MnSOD mRNA expressions with Northern blot analysis. Results : The MnSOD mRNA expressions of parental cells and genetically modified cells of WEHI164 and ME180 cells(both are naturally TNF sensitive) were not significantly different The MnSOD mRNA expressions of genetically modified cells of NCI-H2058 and A549(both are naturally TNF resistant) were higher than those of the parental cells, while those of parental cells with exogenous TNF were also elevated. Conclusion : The acquired resistance to TNF after TNF-$\alpha$ cDNA transfection may not be associated with the change in the MnSOD expression, but the difference in natural TNF sensitivity of each cell may be associated with the level of the MnSOD expression.

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Evaluation of changes in adhesive strength and cytotoxicity of a denture adhesive according to time (시간에 따른 의치접착제의 인장 결합강도와 세포독성의 변화)

  • Jung, Ha-Yoon;Kim, Jee-Hwan;Lee, Keun-Woo;Shim, June-Sung;Moon, Hong-Seok
    • The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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    • v.47 no.2
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    • pp.232-239
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    • 2009
  • Statements of the problem: Many denture wearers occasionally use denture adhesives to improve denture retention, stability and chewing efficiency. An ideal denture adhesive is nontoxic, non-irritating, and provides comfort to the oral mucosa. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and adhesive properties of a selected denture adhesive. Material and methods: To test cytotoxicity of the selected denture adhesive, mouse fibroblast cells were used in MTT testing. Cytotoxicity was examined according to the concentration of the denture adhesive and incubated for 1 to 4 days. To examine adhesive property, a denture base was fabricated on an edentulous dentiform. The adhesive was applied to the denture base, then tensile bond strength was measured, to evaluate the change in retention during 3 days. Results and Conclusion: 1. 1% and 2% concentration denture adhesive cream had no cytotoxicity. 2. The tensile bond strength of the group with both denture adhesive and artificial saliva was significantly higher than that of the group with only denture adhesive(P<.05). The tensile bond strength of the group with denture adhesive was significantly higher than that of with only artificial saliva(P<.05). 3. The tensile bond strength had no significant change during 1 hour, and then gradually decreased. After 1 day, it decrease to half. Within the limitation of this study, the tested denture adhesive had no cytotoxicilty and was effective in improving denture retention. The adhesive strength began to continuously decrease after 1 hour and it decreased to half at 1 day after application.

Effects of Fermented Sargassum thunbergii on Platelet Aggregation and Serum Lipid Levels in Obese Rat induced by High Fat Diet (발효 지충이가 고지방식이를 급여한 흰쥐의 혈청 내 지질 함량 및 혈소판 응집에 미치는 영향)

  • Cheon, Jihyeon;Lee, Juyeong;Kim, Jihye;Park, Mi-Hwa;Lee, Sang-Hyeon;Kong, Changsuk;Kim, Yuck Yong;Yu, Ki Hwan;Kim, Mihyang
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.25 no.4
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    • pp.456-462
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    • 2015
  • We investigated the effects of fermented Sargassum thunbergii (FST) on platelet aggregation and serum lipid levels in rats made obese by a high fat diet. Six-week-old male SD-rats were randomly assigned to four groups as CON, HF-CON induced by high fat diet (HF), ST supplemented with HF (HFST100), and the fermented ST supplemented with HF group (HF-FST100). After 6 weeks, the results showed that the final weight and weight gain had decreased in the HF- FST100 group compared to the HF-CON group. Also, the food efficiency ratio was significantly reduced in the HF-FST100 group compared to HF-CON. The organ weights other than heart and spleen were significantly lower in the HF-FST100 group than in the HF-CON group. The levels of serum GOT and GPT significantly decreased in the HF-FST100 group over the HF-CON group. In addition, the total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels were lower in the HF-FST100 group than in HF-CON, while the HDL-cholesterol level was higher in the HF-FST100. The ability of platelet aggregation of groups supplemented with FST was lower than the HF-CON group. These results suggest that FST may be beneficial in improving lipid profile and platelet aggregation in obesity.

Behavior and Decomposition Velocity of Pollutants on Various Forms from Domestic Sewage in Small-scale Sewage Treatment Plant by Natural Purification Method (자연정화공법에 의한 농촌 전원독립가구 하수처리장에서 하수 중 오염물질의 존재형태별 거동과 분해속도)

  • Seo, Dong-Cheol;Kim, Hyung-Jun;Park, Woo-Young;Lim, Jong-Sir;Hwang, Seung-Ha;Park, Chan-Hoon;Choi, Jeong-Hwan;Lee, Hong-Jae;Lee, Do-Jin;Cho, Ju-Sik;Heo, Jong-Soo
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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    • v.27 no.1
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    • pp.18-26
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    • 2008
  • Behavior and decomposition velocity of pollutants on various forms from domestic sewage in sewage treatment plant were investigated in order to obtain the basic data for improving the removal efficiency of pollutants and to reduce the area in constructed wetland by natural purification method. The removal amounts of BODs and CODs in aerobic bed were significantly higher than those of the other beds. In aerobic bed, the removal amounts of IBOD and ICOD were more than those for SBOD and SCOD, respectively, whereas the removal amounts of BODs and CODs in anoxic and anaerobic beds were little different. The removal amounts of SSs in aerobic bed were also higher than those for the other beds, and the removal amounts of VSS in all beds were more than those for FSS. The removal amounts of DTN and DTP in all beds were more than those for STN and STP, respectively. In addition, the decomposition velocities of TBOD, TCOD and TSS in aerobic bed were 30.79, 17.15 and 29.96 $day^{-1}$. Moreover, the decomposition velocities of BODs, CODs and SSs in aerobic bed were very rapid than those in the other beds. On the other hand, the decomposition velocities of BODs, CODs and SSs in anoxic and anaerobic beds were a little different regardless of the forms of pollutant. The decomposition velocities constants of T-N in aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic beds were 4.78, 0.12 and 0.10 $day^{-1}$, respectively. Moreover, the decomposition velocities constants of T-P in aerobic, anoxic and anaerobic beds were 13.09, 0.12 and 0.13 $day^{-1}$ respectively. The decomposition velocity of T-Ns and T-Ps in aerobic bed were slightly rapid than those in the other beds, whereas the decomposition velocities of T-Ns and T-Ps in anoxic and anaerobic beds were slightly different regardless of the forms of pollutant.

Detection of Phantom Transaction using Data Mining: The Case of Agricultural Product Wholesale Market (데이터마이닝을 이용한 허위거래 예측 모형: 농산물 도매시장 사례)

  • Lee, Seon Ah;Chang, Namsik
    • Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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    • v.21 no.1
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    • pp.161-177
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    • 2015
  • With the rapid evolution of technology, the size, number, and the type of databases has increased concomitantly, so data mining approaches face many challenging applications from databases. One such application is discovery of fraud patterns from agricultural product wholesale transaction instances. The agricultural product wholesale market in Korea is huge, and vast numbers of transactions have been made every day. The demand for agricultural products continues to grow, and the use of electronic auction systems raises the efficiency of operations of wholesale market. Certainly, the number of unusual transactions is also assumed to be increased in proportion to the trading amount, where an unusual transaction is often the first sign of fraud. However, it is very difficult to identify and detect these transactions and the corresponding fraud occurred in agricultural product wholesale market because the types of fraud are more intelligent than ever before. The fraud can be detected by verifying the overall transaction records manually, but it requires significant amount of human resources, and ultimately is not a practical approach. Frauds also can be revealed by victim's report or complaint. But there are usually no victims in the agricultural product wholesale frauds because they are committed by collusion of an auction company and an intermediary wholesaler. Nevertheless, it is required to monitor transaction records continuously and to make an effort to prevent any fraud, because the fraud not only disturbs the fair trade order of the market but also reduces the credibility of the market rapidly. Applying data mining to such an environment is very useful since it can discover unknown fraud patterns or features from a large volume of transaction data properly. The objective of this research is to empirically investigate the factors necessary to detect fraud transactions in an agricultural product wholesale market by developing a data mining based fraud detection model. One of major frauds is the phantom transaction, which is a colluding transaction by the seller(auction company or forwarder) and buyer(intermediary wholesaler) to commit the fraud transaction. They pretend to fulfill the transaction by recording false data in the online transaction processing system without actually selling products, and the seller receives money from the buyer. This leads to the overstatement of sales performance and illegal money transfers, which reduces the credibility of market. This paper reviews the environment of wholesale market such as types of transactions, roles of participants of the market, and various types and characteristics of frauds, and introduces the whole process of developing the phantom transaction detection model. The process consists of the following 4 modules: (1) Data cleaning and standardization (2) Statistical data analysis such as distribution and correlation analysis, (3) Construction of classification model using decision-tree induction approach, (4) Verification of the model in terms of hit ratio. We collected real data from 6 associations of agricultural producers in metropolitan markets. Final model with a decision-tree induction approach revealed that monthly average trading price of item offered by forwarders is a key variable in detecting the phantom transaction. The verification procedure also confirmed the suitability of the results. However, even though the performance of the results of this research is satisfactory, sensitive issues are still remained for improving classification accuracy and conciseness of rules. One such issue is the robustness of data mining model. Data mining is very much data-oriented, so data mining models tend to be very sensitive to changes of data or situations. Thus, it is evident that this non-robustness of data mining model requires continuous remodeling as data or situation changes. We hope that this paper suggest valuable guideline to organizations and companies that consider introducing or constructing a fraud detection model in the future.

A Feasibility Study on the Deep Soil Mixing Barrier to Control Contaminated Groundwater (오염지하수의 확산방지를 위한 대체 혼합차수재의 적용에 관한 연구)

  • 김윤희;임동희;이재영
    • Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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    • v.6 no.3
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    • pp.53-59
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    • 2001
  • There is a lot of method to manage the insanitary landfill but vertical cutoff walls have been widespreadly used and were installed into the subsurface to act as a barrier to horizontal groundwater flow, The stabilized material such as specialized cement or mixed soil with additives has been generally applied for the materials of the deep soil mixing barrier in korea. The amount of the stabilized material is dependent on the field conditions, because the mixing ratio of the material and the field soil should achieve a requirement in the coefficient of permeability, lower than 1.0$\times$$10^{7}$cm/sec. This study determined the quantity and optimized function ratio of the stabilized material in the formation process of the mixed barrier that was added with stabilized material on the field soil classified into SW-SC under USCS (Unified Soil Classification System). After that the fly ash and lime were selected as an additives an that could improve the function of the stabilized material and then the method to improve the functional progress in the usage of putting into the stabilized material as an appropriate ratio was studied and reviewed. The author used the flexible-wall permeameter for measuring the permeability and unconfined compressive strength tester for compressive strength, and in the view of environmental engineering the absorption test of heavy metals and leaching test regulated by Korean Waste Management Act were performed. As the results, the suitable mixing ratio of the stabilized material in the deep soil mixing barrier was determined as 13 percent. To make workability easy, the ratio of stabilized material and water was proven to be 1 : 1.5. With the results, the range of the portion of the additives(fly ash : lime= 70 : 30) was proven to be 20-40% for improving the function of the stabilized material, lowering of permeability. In heavy metal absorption assessment of the mixing barrier system with the additives, the result of heavy metal absorption was proved to be almost same with the case of the original stabilized material; high removal efficiency of heavy metals. In addition, the leaching concentration of heavy metals from the leaching test for the environmental hazard assessment showed lower than the regulated criteria.

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Progesterone assays as an aid for improving reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle V. Plasma progesterone determination as applied to the differential diagnosis of reproductive disorders and judgement of treatment responses to PGF2α or GnRH treatment (Progesterone 농도측정(濃度測定)에 의한 유우(乳牛)의 번식효율증진(繁殖效率增進)에 관한 연구(硏究) V. 혈장(血漿) progesterone 농도측정(濃度測定)에 의한 무발정(無發情)의 감별진단(鑑別診斷) 및 PGF2α 또는 GnRH 치료효과(治療效果)의 판정(判定))

  • Kang, Byong-kyu;Choi, Han-sun;Son, Chang-ho;Oh, Ki-seok;Kang, Hyun-ku;Kim, Sam-ju;Kim, Hyek-jin;Kim, Nam-ki
    • Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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    • v.35 no.3
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    • pp.603-613
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    • 1995
  • Plasma progesterone($P_4$) assay has been introduced to apply to the differential diagnosis of reproductive disorders and the monitoring of responses of ovarian dysfunction to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ or GnRH treatment in the 204 postpartum and postinsemination subestrus dairy cows. 1. The incidence rate of reproductive disorders in 204 subestrus cows, diagnosed by palpation per rectum and plasma $P_4$ determination using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 10) were as follows; silent heat or error of estrus detection 110(53.9%), persistent corpus luteum 26(12.7%), follicular cyst 16(7.8%), inactive ovary 12(5.9%), luteal cyst 11(5.4%), granulosa cell tumor of ovary 1(0.5%), fetal mummification 1(0.5%), endometritis 15(7.4%) and pyometra 12(5.9%), respectively. 2. After the $PGF_2{\alpha}$ treatment to the 76 cows with silent heat or error of estrus detection, persistent corpus luteum, or luteal cyst, plasma $P_4$ concentrations at day 3 post treatment using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 3) remained low(<1.0ng/ml) in all 76 cows. Therefore all 76 cows responded positively to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ treatment. Seventeen cows with follicular cyst or inactive ovary were treated with GnRH. All 7 cows with follicular cyst and 4 cows with inactive ovary remained high($${\geq_-}1.0ng/ml$$) a plasma $P_4$ concentrations at day 12 post treatment using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 12), but 6 cows with inactive ovary remained low(<1.0ng/ml) a plasma $P_4$ concentrations. Therefore all 7 cows with follicular cyst and 4 cows with inactive ovary responded positively, but 6 cows with inactive ovary responded negatively to GnRH treatment. 3. The mean days from treatment to first service, number of cows conceived on first service(%), mean number of services per conception, mean days from initial treatment to conception, and mean number of cows conceived by 100 days post treatment(%) were 5.0 and 26.2 days, 45(59.2%) and 6(35.3%) cows, 1.5 and 1.7 services, 13.6 and 22.6 days, and 62(81.6%) and 9(52.9%) cows in group of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and GnRH treatment, respectively. These results indicated that plasma $P_4$ assay was practical as an aid to diagnosing reproductive disorders and to monitoring responses of ovarian dysfunction to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and GnRH treatment in subestrus cows.

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Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on the Yield and Effective Components of Chrysanthemum boreale M. (질소시비가 산국의 수량과 유효성분에 미치는 영향)

  • Lee, Kyung-Dong;Yang, Min-Suk;Lee, Young-Bok;Kim, Pil-Joo
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.35 no.1
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    • pp.38-46
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    • 2002
  • Chrysanthemum boreale M. (hereafter, C. boreale M.), a perennial flower, has been historically used as a natural medicine in Korea. With increasing concerns for health-improving foods, the demand for C. boreale M. has become higher than ever. Howevr, the amount of wild C. boreale M. collected from mountainous areas is not enough to cover all demands. The cultivation system and fertilization strategy are required to meet increasing demand on C. boreale M. with a good quality. We investigated the effects of nitrogen application on plant growth and effective components of C. boreale M. to suggest optimum rate of nitrogen fertilization. C. boreale M. was cultivated in a pot scale (1/2000a scale), and nitrogen applied with rate of 0(N0), 50(N50), 100(N100), 150(N150), 200(N200), and $250(N250)kg\;ha^{-1}$. Phosphate and potassium were applied at the same level ($P_2O_5-K_2O=80-80kg\;ha^{-1}$) in all treatments. Maximum yield achieved in 246 and $226kg\;ha^{-1}$ N treatment on the whole plant and the flower part, a valuable part as a herbal medicine, respectively. Proline was the most abundant amino acid in the flower of C boreal M. and the contents of amino acids increased with increasing nitrogen application rate in flower. Nitrogen recovery efficiency was high more than 41% in all nitrogen treatments and increased to 61.8% in nitrogen N100 treatment. From the nitrogen content, the high nitrogen uptake, the low residue of mineral N and the reasonably good apparent fertilizer recovery, it can be inferred that C. boreale M. made efficient use of the available nitrogen. In flower, contents of Cumambrin A. which is a sesquiterpene compound and has the effect of blood-pressure reduction, decreased with increasing nitrogen application. However, the amount of Cumambrin A in flower increased as nitrogen rate increased, because of increasing flower yield. Conclusively, nitrogen fertilization could increase yields and enhance quality. The optimum nitrogen application rate might be on the range of $225{\sim}250kg\;ha^{-1}$ in a mountainous soil.

Development of the Model for Total Quality Management and Cost of Quality using Activity Based Costing in the Hospital (병원의 활동기준원가를 이용한 총체적 질관리 모형 및 질비용 산출 모형 개발)

  • 조우현;전기홍;이해종;박은철;김병조;김보경;이상규
    • Health Policy and Management
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    • v.11 no.2
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    • pp.141-168
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    • 2001
  • Healthcare service organizations can apply the cost of quality(COQ) model as a method to evaluate a service quality improvement project such as Total Quality Management (TQM). COQ model has been used to quantify and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of TQM project through estimation between cost and benefit in intervention for a quality Improvement to provide satisfied services for a customer, and to identify a non value added process. For estimating cost of quality, We used activities and activity costs based on Activity Based Costing(ABC) system. These procedures let the researchers know whether the process is value-added by each activity, and identify a process to require improvement in TQM project. Through the series of procedures, health care organizations are service organizations can identify a problem in their quality improvement programs, solve the problem, and improve their quality of care for their costumers with optimized cost. The study subject was a quality improvement program of the department of radiology department in a hospital with n bed sizes in Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The principal source of data for developing the COQ model was total cases of retaking shots for diagnoses during five months period from December of the 1998 to April of the 1999 in the department. First of the procedures, for estimating activity based cost of the department of diagnostic radiology, the researchers analyzed total department health insurance claims to identify activities and activity costs using one year period health insurance claims from September of the 1998 to August of the 1999. COQ model in this study applied Simpson & Multher's COQ(SM's COQ) model, and SM's COQ model divided cost of quality into failure cost with external and internal failure cost, and evaluation/prevention cost. The researchers identified contents for cost of quality, defined activities and activity costs for each content with the SM's COQ model, and finally made the formula for estimating activity costs relating to implementing service quality improvement program. The results from the formula for estimating cost of quality were following: 1. The reasons for retaking shots were largely classified into technique, appliances, patients, quality management, non-appliances, doctors, and unclassified. These classifications by reasons were allocated into each office doing re-taking shots. Therefore, total retaking shots categorized by reasons and offices, the researchers identified internal and external failure costs based on these categories. 2. The researchers have developed cost of quality (COQ) model, identified activities by content for cost of quality, assessed activity driving factors and activity contribution rate, and calculated total cost by each content for cost for quality, except for activity cost. 3. According to estimation of cost of quality for retaking shots in department of diagnostic radiology, the failure cost was ₩35,880, evaluation/preventive cost was ₩72,521, two times as much as failure cost. The proportion between internal failure cost and external failure cost in failure cost is similar. The study cannot identify trends on input cost and quality improving in cost of qualify over the time, because the study employs cross-sectional design. Even with this limitation, results of this study are much meaningful. This study shows possibility to evaluate value on the process of TQM subjects using activities and activity costs by ABC system, and this study can objectively evaluate quality improvement program through quantitative comparing input costs with marginal benefits in quality improvement.

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