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Radiologic Features and Surgical Outcome of Juxtafacet Cyst Associated with Degenerative Lumbar Disease (퇴행성 요추 질환에서 발생한 후관절 근접 낭종의 방사선적 특징 및 수술의 결과)

  • Kim, Whoan Jeang;Chang, Shann Haw;Yang, Hwa Yeol;Kwon, Won Jo;Sung, Hwan Il;Park, Kyung Hoon;Choy, Won Sik
    • Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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    • v.52 no.1
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    • pp.65-72
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    • 2017
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic features of juxtafacet cyst and determine the correlation between these features and clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: We analyzed a total of 23 patients. The degree of facet joint degeneration was classified using the Fujiwara method. The facet joint angles were measured with an magnetic resonance imaging to determine whether there was a difference between the cystic lesion that was occupied and the cystic lesion that was not occupied. Disc degeneration was measured by the Pfirrmann classification method. The clinical result was evaluated using the Oswestry disability index score and visual analogue scale. Results: The L4-5 level of juxtafacet cyst was mostly affected, as found in previous studies. Facet joint arthritis was more severe within the side with the cystic lesion. Significant correlation was found between disc degeneration and juxtafacet joint cyst. All patients underwent wide decompression and fusion. Clinical result was excellent. No patients had signs of recurrence during the follow-up periods. Conclusion: Juxtafacet cyst has a significant correlation with facet joint degeneration. Therefore, aggressive surgical treatment-not just simple cyst excision-should be considered as the treatment option for juxtafacet cyst associated with degenerative lumbar disease.

A prospective clinical of lithium disilicate pressed zirconia and monolithic zirconia in posterior implant-supported prostheses: A 24-month follow-up (리튬 디실리케이트-지르코니아 이중도재관과 단일구조 지르코니아로 제작된 구치부 고정성 임플란트 지지 보철물의 전향적 임상연구: 24개월 추적관찰)

  • Roh, Kyoung-Woo;Jeon, Young-Chan;Jeong, Chang-Mo;Yun, Mi-Jung;Huh, Jung-Bo;Lee, So-Hyoun;Yang, Dong-Seok;Bae, Eun-Bin
    • The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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    • v.57 no.2
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    • pp.134-141
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    • 2019
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of lithium disilicate ceramic pressed zirconia prostheses and monolithic zirconia prostheses and to investigate the complications after two years of follow-up in posterior edentulous site. Materials and methods: A total 17 patients (male: 12, female: 5) were treated with 60 posterior fixed implant-supported prostheses (LP. lithium disilicate ceramic pressed zirconia prostheses: n = 30, MZ. monolithic zirconia prostheses: n = 30). After 24-month, clinical examination of Implant survival rate, marginal bone resorption, probing depth, plaque index, bleeding index, calculus and complications were evaluated. Results: There were no failed implants and all implants were normal in function without mobility. Marginal bone resorption was lower in LP group than MZ group at 12-month (P < .05), and 12-month probing depth and calculus deposit in LP group were significantly higher than MZ group (P < .05). Most common complications in MZ were marginal bone resorptions more than 1.5.mm and 2 chipping occurred in LP group. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, lithium disilicate ceramic pressed zirconia is considered as a predictable treatment option as much as monolithic zirconia in posterior fixed implant-supported prostheses.

Analysis of Anatomical Conformity of Straight Antegrade Humeral Intramedullary Nail in Korean (한국인에서의 직선형 전향적 상완골 골수 내 금속정의 해부학적 적합성 분석)

  • Choi, Sung;Jee, Seungmin;Hwang, Seongmun;Shin, Dongju
    • Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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    • v.56 no.6
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    • pp.498-503
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    • 2021
  • Purpose: The aim of this study were to find ideal entry point of straight antegrade humeral intramedullary nail (SAHN) for the treatment of proximal humerus fracture in Korean and to analyze anatomical conformity using computed tomography. Materials and Methods: From May 2014 to October 2016, the study was conducted retrospectively on 74 Korean patients who had taken computed tomography on both normal and affected shoulder joint as result of shoulder injury. The mean age of the patients was 64.5 years (range, 22-95 years). Radiologic evaluation was done using multiplanar reconstruction technique of the computer tomography on normal proximal humerus. We located ideal entry point of SAHN as the point where humerus intramedullary center axis and humeral head meet. Distance between the entry point and local anatomical landmark was measured. We defined the critical distance as the distance between entry point and the most medial point of the supraspinatus attachment site. For adequate fixation and avoidance of injury to rotator cuff, critical distance should be over 8 mm according to Euler, and we defined the critical type when it is less than 8 mm. Critical distance, sex, age, height, body weight, body mass index was evaluated for the statistical significance. Results: The ideal entry point was as follows: the mean anteroposterior distance, the sagittal distance to the lateral margin of bicipital groove, was 11.5 mm and the mean mediolateral distance, the coronal distance to the lateral margin of grater tuberosity, was 20.5 mm. The mean critical distance, distance from the entry point to the just medial to insertion of the supraspinatus tendon, was 8.0 mm. Critical type with critical distance less than 8 mm was found in 41 in 74 patients (55.4%). Conclusion: The ideal entry point of SAHN in Korean was located on 11.5 mm posteriorly from the lateral margin of bicipital groove and 20.5 mm medially from lateral margin of greater tuberosity. More than half of the cases were critical type. Since critical type can possibly cause rotate cuff injury during nail insertion on entry point, surgeon should consider anatomical variance before choosing surgical option.

Suitability of Measuring a Kidney Depth with Assessment of Glomerular Filtration Rateusing 99mTc-DTPA in the Ectopic Kidney and Pediatric Patients (99mTc-DTPA를 이용한 사구체여과율 검사에서 이소성 신장과 소아 환자의 신장 깊이 측정방법의 적절성)

  • Choi, Jae Min;Lee, Young Hee;Shim, Dong Oh
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.18 no.2
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    • pp.62-67
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    • 2014
  • A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) study is a test that uses radioactive materials or tracers (radiopharmaceuticals) and a computer to see how well the kidneys are working. Asan Medical Center analyzed and compared data between kidney depth, acquired from kidney donors' CT image and acquired from Gates method's GFR value that are calculated by Tonnesen equation. This study was able to confirm that kidney depth measured from CT image was higher than the Gates Method's GFR value, which was calculated by Tonnessen equation; the direct relationship among pathologic results is confirmed. Particularly, kidney donor whose kidney was at the pelvic area had direct relationship with other clinical results. During the GFR test, it is necessary to confirm the location of kidney has no change with reference of CT image. If kidney depth is manually corrected using CT image when we measures GFR of deformed or horse-shoe kidney, it would be possible to acquire the compatible value which is equivalent to clinical result. There would be a possible issue of appropriateness that whether the applied GFR using CT image's kidney depth has clinical validity. In case of a pediatric patient, the GFR derived from Tonnesen was quiet underestimated while manual method and Gordon stay in normal range. Which results may be correct among them? There have been many reports about kidney depth, to be an accurate index of GFR in children. As one of the study performers, we should contemplate what the best option for pediatric patients would be.

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A Research on Perception of Leadership Affects Long-term Working Intention in the Beauty Service Employees (미용서비스종사자의 리더십 지각이 장기근속의도에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구)

  • Oh, Jin Sook;Youn, Chun Sung
    • Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.21-32
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    • 2012
  • The current beauty service of Korea is upgrading its outside appearance from traditional small-shop image and its speed of change and competition are more severe than ever before. The top priority trait of beauty management is based on man-power resource, and personnel-management is the most important thing that more than anything else. Compared with other arenas of business, personnel management plays a key role in beauty industry. As a result, this research begins with the issue of personnel management. In addition, I will show that the management leadership of beauty service affects organization civil actions and changing jobs in the beauty industry employees, and the leadership can lower changing job rate to some extent. The role and duty of business manager is very significant because the dependence of man-power resource is magnificent in beauty service. In spite of rapid changing of economic surroundings, the management of beauty service is still working without any detail plans. It is no exaggeration to say that the most of beauty service managers are lack of leadership conception. Although the demands of customers are changing everyday, the frequent changing of jobs among talented employees drops customers credibility and high-quality service. From a management viewpoint, re-training cost of employees leads to economic loss and the company suffers from financial problems. As a result, it creates vicious circle in the beauty industry. Today, the management atmosphere in the beauty service is hard to get its right track because of the cutthroat competitions of beauty industry and difficulties of hiring promising employees. It has been said that "Nothing ventured, Nothing gained" Above all, the beauty service requires job speciality and it produces economic profits. Therefore, the managers desperately need to change the way they regard those with job changers. In this research shows the principal index of the leadership type of beauty business managers how much affects its employees' long-term working condition. The new concept of leadership, such as alternative suggestions, setting goals, and organization civil action will reorganize the stereo-type frame. I will also investigate the factors of job changing and intention of the beauty service employees for the development option of the beauty industry.

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Feeding Effects of Whole Crop Rice based TMR on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Hanwoo Steers (사료용 벼 위주 TMR 급여가 거세 한우의 생장 능력 및 도체 특성에 미치는 영향)

  • Kim, Jong Geun;Zhao, Guoqiang;Liu, Chang;Nan, Wei Sheng;Kim, Hak Jin;Kim, Kyoung Hoon;Ahn, Eok Geun;Min, Hyung-Gyu
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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    • v.39 no.2
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    • pp.97-104
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    • 2019
  • This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of whole crop rice (WCR) based TMR on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers. WCR "Yeongwoo"was harvested at yellow ripen stage and ensiled for 60 days. The crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and total digestible nutrient (TDN) content was 8.4 %, 28.0 %, 53.8 %, 72.4 % and 66.8 %, respectively. For silage quality, pH was 4.37 and lactic and butyric acid content were 2.84 and 0.04 % in DM. Sixteen Hanwoo steers (8-mon-old) were allocated into either a control (commercial TMR) and WCR-TMR (WCR-based TMR) group. The TMR were fed according to the feeding stage phase: growing (Initiate~14 month), early fattening (15 month~21 month) and late fattening (22 month~30 month). The body weight of control group increased (P<0.05) until early fattening stage, but late growing stage of WCR-TMR group was higher than that of control (P<0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) was significantly greater (P<0.05) in WCR-TMR group (total 0.78 kg/head) compared to control (total 0.66 kg/head) except for late fattening stage. The marketing weight and carcass weight were higher in WCR-TMR group (726 vs 765 kg; 417.8 vs 450.4 kg). The back fat thickness (11.75 vs 13.00 mm), Longissimus dorsi area (88.00 vs $89.88cm^2$) and yield index (65.87 vs 64.30) were not different between the two groups (P>0.05) and also no difference in meat yield grade (A : B : C = 2 : 4 : 2). Marbling score (4.00 vs 4.13), meat color (4.75 vs 4.75), fat color (3.13 vs 2.88), texture (1.25 vs 1.50) and maturity (2.00 vs 2.00) were not significant difference between the two groups and meat quality grade ($1^{{+}{+}}:1^+:1:2:3=0:2:4:2:0$) was also not different. In conclusion, TMR feeding based on WCR silage showed superiority in carcass yield and ADG compared to control TMR. It is considered that the use of WCR for feed is a necessary option for the substitution of the imported forages and the government's policy for rice production adjustment.

Multicenter Evaluation on the Efficacy of N-Acetyl Cystine in Relieving the Symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (인후두 역류질환에서 N-Acetyl Cysteine의 증상 개선 효과에 대한 다기관 평가)

  • Kim, So Yean;Kwon, Tack Kyun;Kim, Han Su;Son, Young Ik;Woo, Seung Hoon;Woo, Jeong-Soo;Lee, Seung Won;Lim, Jae Yol;Chung, Man Ki;Joo, Young Hoon;Cha, Wonjae;Choi, Seung Ho;Hong, Hyun Jun;Lee, Sang Hyuk
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.87-93
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    • 2018
  • Background and Objectives : Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is relatively common disease. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has both mucolytic and antioxidant effect, also may be beneficial in inflammatory airway diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of inhaled NAC therapy in LPRD. Materials and Method : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 525 LPRD patients at 12 medical centers. Finally 401 patients subjected to inhaled NAC therapy for 2 months were enrolled in the study. We analyzed the change of Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) after use of NAC for 4 weeks and 8 weeks in addition to the patient's compliance of the treatment. Results : The RSI score significantly decreased from $19.87{\pm}6.34$ to $12.78{\pm}6.93$ after 4 weeks and to $10.65{\pm}7.47$ after 8 weeks. The RFS score also significantly decreased from $9.29{\pm}3.4$ to $7.17{\pm}3.41$ after 4 weeks and to $6.1{\pm}3.73$ after 8 weeks (p<0.05). During the treatment periods, 42 patients (10.4%) reported to have 80 episodes of discomfort. Throat discomfort (33%) and nausea (28%) were most common complaints, but the duration of discomfort was usually less than 4 weeks. Conclusion : Inhaled NAC treatment is highly effective for the reduction of both subjective and objective findings in LPRD patients. This study will provide the evidence of new treatment option for patients with LPRD. However, further studies will be needs to assess the real effect of inhaled NAC therapy as a standard treatment regimen of LPRD.

Multi-Institute, Single Group, Prospective Observational Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Mucomyst® in Relieving Symptoms of Globus Pharyngeus Refractory to Proton Pump Inhibitor (양성자펌프억제제에 반응하지 않는 인두이물감 환자에서 "뮤코미스트Mucomyst®" 객담제거 및 상기도 염증치료를 통한 증상개선효과 평가 다기관, 단일군, 전향적 관찰 연구)

  • Park, Hannah;Park, Il-Seok;Lee, Sang Hyuk;Lee, Seung-Won;Lee, Sang Joon;Lee, Byung-Joo;Cheon, Yong-Il;Park, Jun-Ook;Oh, Kyoung Ho;Shin, Yoo Seob
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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    • v.33 no.1
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    • pp.20-25
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    • 2022
  • Background and Objectives Globus pharyngeus is one of the most common symptoms of patients visiting otorhinolaryngology out-patient clinic, and usually long-lasting, difficult to treat, and frequently recurrent. Mucomyst®, N-acetyl cysteine is an inhalation agent mainly used for mucolysis and reducing inflammation in airway via antioxidative effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inhaled Mucomyst® treatment in patients with globus pharyngeus refractory to proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Materials and Method We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of Mucomyst® in relieving symptoms of globus pharyngeus refractory to PPI in nine medical centers. Three hundred and three patients enrolled and finally 229 patients finished the inhaled Mucomyst® therapy for 8 weeks. We analyzed the change of Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Score (RFS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for globus, and Globus Pharyngeus Symptom Scale (GPS) after use of Mucomyst® for 4 and 8 weeks. Results The GPS, RSI, RFS, and VAS score significantly decreased serially in patients who finished 8 week-inhalation treatment. The GPS improvement gap was significantly correlated with initial GPS (p<0.001) in multiple regression analysis. Conclusion Inhaled Mucomyst® therapy was effective for the reduction of both subjective and objective findings in refractory globus patients. This study might suggest new treatment option for patients with globus. However, further thorough studies would be needed to assess the real effect of inhaled Mucomyst® treatment as a standard treatment for globus.

Physiological and Growth Responses of M. thunbergii to Different Levels of Fertilization (시비처리에 따른 후박나무의 생리 및 생장 반응)

  • Jung-Won Sung;Yeong Geun Song;Haeun Koo;Hyeon Hwa Kim;Se Min Byun;Chae Rim Lee;Seok-Gon Park;Kyeong Cheol Lee
    • Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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    • v.36 no.2
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    • pp.172-180
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    • 2023
  • In the current study, four groups; control, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/L, were treated to investigate the effects of physiological and growth characteristics on Machilus thunbergii under various fertilization levels. As a result of the physiological response to the fertilization treatment, the fertilized group demonstrated relatively higher levels of A, ITE, WUEi, Vcamx, PIabs, and SFIabs in comparison to the control. The best photosynthetic mechanism was most clearly seen at 1000 mg/L, which involved gas exchange through active stomatal opening and closing. For a productive photosynthetic mechanism. As seen in the growth response of M. thunbergii to fertilization treatment, the fertilized group has significantly higher height, DRC, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, total dry weight, LWR, and SWR than the control group. A healthy seedling quality index was particularly evident at 1000 mg/L, and other growth indicators were also at a decent level. 500 mg /L also demonstrated growth characteristics that were comparable to those at 1000 mg/L. As a result, M. thunbergii featured the best physiological and growth characteristics in response to the fertilization treatment at 1000 mg/L, and 500 mg/L also showed a similar trend, which is considered to be a good option from an economical perspective.

The lesson From Korean War (한국전쟁의 교훈과 대비 -병력수(兵力數) 및 부대수(部隊數)를 중심으로-)

  • Yoon, Il-Young
    • Journal of National Security and Military Science
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    • s.8
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    • pp.49-168
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    • 2010
  • Just before the Korean War, the total number of the North Korean troops was 198,380, while that of the ROK(Republic of Korea) army troops 105,752. That is, the total number of the ROK army troops at that time was 53.3% of the total number of the North Korean army. As of December 2008, the total number of the North Korean troops is estimated to be 1,190,000, while that of the ROK troops is 655,000, so the ROK army maintains 55.04% of the total number of the North Korean troops. If the ROK army continues to reduce its troops according to [Military Reform Plan 2020], the total number of its troops will be 517,000 m 2020. If North Korea maintains the current status(l,190,000 troops), the number of the ROK troops will be 43.4% of the North Korean army. In terms of units, just before the Korean War, the number of the ROK army divisions and regiments was 80% and 44.8% of North Korean army. As of December 2008, North Korea maintains 86 divisions and 69 regiments. Compared to the North Korean army, the ROK army maintains 46 Divisions (53.4% of North Korean army) and 15 regiments (21.3% of North Korean army). If the ROK army continue to reduce the military units according to [Military Reform Plan 2020], the number of ROK army divisions will be 28(13 Active Division, 4 Mobilization Divisions and 11 Local Reserve Divisions), while that of the North Korean army will be 86 in 2020. In that case, the number of divisions of the ROK army will be 32.5% of North Korean army. During the Korean war, North Korea suddenly invaded the Republic of Korea and occupied its capital 3 days after the war began. At that time, the ROK army maintained 80% of army divisions, compared to the North Korean army. The lesson to be learned from this is that, if the ROK army is forced to disperse its divisions because of the simultaneous invasion of North Korea and attack of guerrillas in home front areas, the Republic of Korea can be in a serious military danger, even though it maintains 80% of military divisions of North Korea. If the ROK army promotes the plans in [Military Reform Plan 2020], the number of military units of the ROK army will be 32.5% of that of the North Korean army. This ratio is 2.4 times lower than that of the time when the Korean war began, and in this case, 90% of total military power should be placed in the DMZ area. If 90% of military power is placed in the DMZ area, few troops will be left for the defense of home front. In addition, if the ROK army continues to reduce the troops, it can allow North Korea to have asymmetrical superiority in military force and it will eventually exert negative influence on the stability and peace of the Korean peninsular. On the other hand, it should be reminded that, during the Korean War, the Republic of Korea was attacked by North Korea, though it kept 53.3% of troops, compared to North Korea. It should also be reminded that, as of 2008, the ROK army is defending its territory with the troops 55.04% of North Korea. Moreover, the national defense is assisted by 25,120 troops of the US Forces in Korea. In case the total number of the ROK troops falls below 43.4% of the North Korean army, it may cause social unrest about the national security and may lead North Korea's misjudgement. Besides, according to Lanchester strategy, the party with weaker military power (60% compared to the party with stronger military power) has the 4.1% of winning possibility. Therefore, if we consider the fact that the total number of the ROK army troops is 55.04% of that of the North Korean army, the winning possibility of the ROK army is not higher than 4.1%. If the total number of ROK troops is reduced to 43.4% of that of North Korea, the winning possibility will be lower and the military operations will be in critically difficult situation. [Military Reform Plan 2020] rums at the reduction of troops and units of the ground forces under the policy of 'select few'. However, the problem is that the financial support to achieve this goal is not secured. Therefore, the promotion of [Military Reform Plan 2020] may cause the weakening of military defence power in 2020. Some advanced countries such as Japan, UK, Germany, and France have promoted the policy of 'select few'. However, what is to be noted is that the national security situation of those countries is much different from that of Korea. With the collapse of the Soviet Unions and European communist countries, the military threat of those European advanced countries has almost disappeared. In addition, the threats those advanced countries are facing are not wars in national level, but terrorism in international level. To cope with the threats like terrorism, large scaled army trops would not be necessary. So those advanced European countries can promote the policy of 'select few'. In line with this, those European countries put their focuses on the development of military sections that deal with non-military operations and protection from unspecified enemies. That is, those countries are promoting the policy of 'select few', because they found that the policy is suitable for their national security environment. Moreover, since they are pursuing common interest under the European Union(EU) and they can form an allied force under NATO, it is natural that they are pursing the 'select few' policy. At present, NATO maintains the larger number of troops(2,446,000) than Russia(l,027,000) to prepare for the potential threat of Russia. The situation of japan is also much different from that of Korea. As a country composed of islands, its prime military focus is put on the maritime defense. Accordingly, the development of ground force is given secondary focus. The japanese government promotes the policy to develop technology-concentrated small size navy and air-forces, instead of maintaining large-scaled ground force. In addition, because of the 'Peace Constitution' that was enacted just after the end of World War II, japan cannot maintain troops more than 240,000. With the limited number of troops (240,000), japan has no choice but to promote the policy of 'select few'. However, the situation of Korea is much different from the situations of those countries. The Republic of Korea is facing the threat of the North Korean Army that aims at keeping a large-scale military force. In addition, the countries surrounding Korea are also super powers containing strong military forces. Therefore, to cope with the actual threat of present and unspecified threat of future, the importance of maintaining a carefully calculated large-scale military force cannot be denied. Furthermore, when considering the fact that Korea is in a peninsular, the Republic of Korea must take it into consideration the tradition of continental countries' to maintain large-scale military powers. Since the Korean War, the ROK army has developed the technology-force combined military system, maintaining proper number of troops and units and pursuing 'select few' policy at the same time. This has been promoted with the consideration of military situation in the Koran peninsular and the cooperation of ROK-US combined forces. This kind of unique military system that cannot be found in other countries can be said to be an insightful one for the preparation for the actual threat of North Korea and the conflicts between continental countries and maritime countries. In addition, this kind of technology-force combined military system has enabled us to keep peace in Korea. Therefore, it would be desirable to maintain this technology-force combined military system until the reunification of the Korean peninsular. Furthermore, it is to be pointed out that blindly following the 'select few' policy of advanced countries is not a good option, because it is ignoring the military strategic situation of the Korean peninsular. If the Republic of Korea pursues the reduction of troops and units radically without consideration of the threat of North Korea and surrounding countries, it could be a significant strategic mistake. In addition, the ROK army should keep an eye on the fact the European advanced countries and Japan that are not facing direct military threats are spending more defense expenditures than Korea. If the ROK army reduces military power without proper alternatives, it would exert a negative effect on the stable economic development of Korea and peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsular. Therefore, the desirable option would be to focus on the development of quality of forces, maintaining proper size and number of troops and units under the technology-force combined military system. The tableau above shows that the advanced countries like the UK, Germany, Italy, and Austria spend more defense expenditure per person than the Republic of Korea, although they do not face actual military threats, and that they keep achieving better economic progress than the countries that spend less defense expenditure. Therefore, it would be necessary to adopt the merits of the defense systems of those advanced countries. As we have examined, it would be desirable to maintain the current size and number of troops and units, to promote 'select few' policy with increased defense expenditure, and to strengthen the technology-force combined military system. On the basis of firm national security, the Republic of Korea can develop efficient policies for reunification and prosperity, and jump into the status of advanced countries. Therefore, the plans to reduce troops and units in [Military Reform Plan 2020] should be reexamined. If it is difficult for the ROK army to maintain its size of 655,000 troops because of low birth rate, the plans to establish the prompt mobilization force or to adopt drafting system should be considered for the maintenance of proper number of troops and units. From now on, the Republic of Korean government should develop plans to keep peace as well as to prepare unexpected changes in the Korean peninsular. For the achievement of these missions, some options can be considered. The first one is to maintain the same size of military troops and units as North Korea. The second one is to maintain the same level of military power as North Korea in terms of military force index. The third one is to maintain the same level of military power as North Korea, with the combination of the prompt mobilization force and the troops in active service under the system of technology-force combined military system. At present, it would be not possible for the ROK army to maintain such a large-size military force as North Korea (1,190,000 troops and 86 units). So it would be rational to maintain almost the same level of military force as North Korea with the combination of the troops on the active list and the prompt mobilization forces. In other words, with the combination of the troops in active service (60%) and the prompt mobilization force (40%), the ROK army should develop the strategies to harmonize technology and forces. The Korean government should also be prepared for the strategic flexibility of USFK, the possibility of American policy change about the location of foreign army, radical unexpected changes in North Korea, the emergence of potential threat, surrounding countries' demand for Korean force for the maintenance of regional stability, and demand for international cooperation against terrorism. For this, it is necessary to develop new approaches toward the proper number and size of troops and units. For instance, to prepare for radical unexpected political or military changes in North Korea, the Republic of Korea should have plans to protect a large number of refugees, to control arms and people, to maintain social security, and to keep orders in North Korea. From the experiences of other countries, it is estimated that 115,000 to 230,000 troops, plus ten thousands of police are required to stabilize the North Korean society, in the case radical unexpected military or political change happens in North Korea. In addition, if the Republic of Korea should perform the release of hostages, control of mass destruction weapons, and suppress the internal wars in North Korea, it should send 460,000 troops to North Korea. Moreover, if the Republic of Korea wants to stop the attack of North Korea and flow of refugees in DMZ area, at least 600,000 troops would be required. In sum, even if the ROK army maintains 600,000 troops, it may need additional 460,000 troops to prepare for unexpected radical changes in North Korea. For this, it is necessary to establish the prompt mobilization force whose size and number are almost the same as the troops in active service. In case the ROK army keeps 650,000 troops, the proper number of the prompt mobilization force would be 460,000 to 500,000.

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