• IEMEK Journal of Embedded Systems and Applications
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.247-258
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• 2017

Since 2016 when the regulations related to vehicle structure and device modification were drastically revised, the car tuning market has been growing rapidly. Particularly, many drivers are showing interest in changing the interior and exterior according to their preference, or improving the specifications of their cars by changing the engine and powertrain, among others. Also, as the initial engine settings such as horse power and torque of the vehicle are made for stable driving of the vehicle, it is possible to change the engine performance, via Engine Control Unit (ECU) mapping, to the driver's preference. However, traditionally, ECU mapping could be only performed by professional car engineers and the settings were also decided by them. Therefore, this study proposed a system that collects data related to the driver's driving habits for a certain period and sends them to a cloud server in order to analyze them and recommend ECU mapping values. The traditional mapping method only aimed to improve the car's performance and, therefore, if the changes were not compatible with the driver's driving habits, could cause problems such as incomplete combustion or low fuel efficiency. However, the proposed system allows drivers to set legally permitted ECU mapping based on analysis of their driving habits, and, therefore, different drivers can set it differently according to the vehicle specifications and driving habits. As a result, the system can optimize the car performance by improving output, fuel efficiency, etc. within the range that is legally permitted.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.267-274
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• 2017

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of chewable toothbrush and manual toothbrush and provide basic data for recommendation of the chewable toothbrush in specific groups and situations. A total of 20 subjects participated in this study (rolling method, 10; non-rolling method, 10). After professional prophylaxis, participants used the manual toothbrush to brush their teeth for 3 minutes. After a 7-day wash-out period, participants used the chewable toothbrush according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pre- and post-plaque indexing of the teeth was performed. The dental plaque index was assessed using the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TMQHPI) for amount of plaque and Silness-Loe Plaque Index (SLPI) for plaque thickness. The difference between pre- and post-dental plaque index was analyzed using a paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The Mann-Whitney U test was also used to compare the dental plaque index reduction rates. The dental plaque index differed significantly between the chewable toothbrush and the manual toothbrush. The TMQHPI reduction rate was significantly different between the rolling and non-rolling method groups for the manual toothbrush but not the chewable toothbrush. The difference in SLPI reduction rate between the rolling and non-rolling method groups was significant for the manual toothbrush but not for the chewable toothbrush. Differences in the dental plaque index reduction rates between the chewable and manual toothbrushes were not significant in the non-rolling method group. The results of this study showed higher reduction rates in dental plaque with manual toothbrush use than with chewable toothbrush use. However, the non-rolling method group did not show statistically significant differences according to toothbrush type. The present study showed that a chewable toothbrush can be an alternative to a manual toothbrush for individuals who have difficulty using the generally recommended rolling method.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.687-691
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• 2008

Purpose: An inverted nipple presents both cosmetic and functional problems. It is a source of repeated irritation and inflammation, and interferes with nursing. In addition, its abnormal appearance may cause psychological distress. With consideration of its underlying pathophysiologic components and severity, a number of techniques have been introduced for correction of this anomaly. The diversity of techniques indicates the lack of a good, sustainable, and durable solution for this quite common problem. We report our method as an alternative solution for correcting of the inverted nipple. Methods: From August 2003 to November 2007, 273 nipples in 147 patients were treated. 126 patients had bilateral inverted nipples. Patient age at the operation ranged from 21 to 63 years(mean age, 34 years). All nipples were congenital anomaly. 45 nipples were graded as grade I, 179 nipples as II, and 49 nipples as III. In the our study, we made some modification to the classic purse-string suture: (1) twice purse-string suture: (2) excision of diamond-shaped skin at the nipple neck: (3) buried suture of the breast parenchyma at the nipple base: (4) some timely release of retraction using Bovie's electrocautery dissection at inner surface of the nipple neck. Results: The operation time averaged 15 minutes. The mean follow-up period ranged from 3 to 48 months, with an average of 8.4 months. There were no complications associated with the surgery, such as infection, hematoma, permanent sensory disturbance, or total nipple necrosis except temporary sensory loss in 9 cases, partial nipple necrosis in 7 cases, and recurred inversion in 15 cases. All patients except recurred inversion were satisfied with their results. Conclusion: We believe that our modified purse-string suture is a reliable, simple, safe, and effective method for correcting the inverted nipple.

• Ocean Systems Engineering
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.35-53
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• 2013

In this study, a hybrid floating structure with cylinder was introduced to reduce the hydrodynamic motions of the pontoon type. The hybrid floating structure is composed of cylinders and semi-opened side sections to penetrate the wave impact energy. In order to exactly investigate the hydrodynamic motions and structural behavior of the hybrid floating structure under the wave loadings, integrated analysis of hydrodynamic and structural behavior were carried out on the hybrid floating structure. Firstly, the hydrodynamic analyses were performed on the hybrid and pontoon models. Then, the wave-induced hydrodynamic pressures resulting from hydrodynamic analysis were directly mapped to the structural analysis model. And, finally, the structural analyses were carried out on the hybrid and pontoon models. As a result of this study, it was learned that the hybrid model of this study was showed to have more favorable hydrodynamic motions than the pontoon model. The surge motion was indicated even smaller motion at all over wave periods from 4.0 to 10.0 sec, and the heave and pitch motions indicated smaller motions beyond its wave period of 6.5 sec. However, the hybrid model was shown more unfavorable structural behavior than the pontoon model. High concentrated stress occurred at the bottom slab of the bow and stern part where the cylinder wall was connected to the bottom slab. Also, the hybrid model behaved with the elastic body motion due to weak stiffness of floating body and caused a large stress variation at the pure slab section between the cylinder walls. Hence, in order to overcome these problems, some alternatives which could be easily obtained from the simple modification of structural details were proposed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.3205-3211
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• 2013

Background: Bladder cancer is the second most incident malignancy among Lebanese men. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential risk factors associated with this observed high incidence. Methods: A case-control study (54 cases and 105 hospital-based controls) was conducted in two major hospitals in Beirut. Cases were randomly selected from patients diagnosed in the period of 2002-2008. Controls were conveniently selected from the same settings. Data were collected using interview questionnaire and blood analysis. Exposure data were collected using a structured face-to-face interview questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to determine N-acetyltransferase1 (NAT1) genotype by PCR-RFLP. Analyses revolved around univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, along with checks for effect modification. Results: The odds of having bladder cancer among smokers was 1.02 times significantly higher in cases vs. controls. The odds of exposure to occupational diesel or fuel combustion fumes were 4.1 times significantly higher in cases vs controls. The odds of prostate-related morbidity were 5.6 times significantly higher in cases vs controls. Cases and controls showed different clustering patterns of NAT1 alleles. No significant differences between cases and controls were found for consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea, or artificial sweeteners. Conclusions: This is the first case-control study investigating bladder cancer risk factors in the Lebanese context. Results confirmed established risk factors in the literature, particularly smoking and occupational exposure to diesel. The herein observed associations should be used to develop appropriate prevention policies and intervention strategies, in order to control this alarming disease in Lebanon.

• Atmosphere
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.257-271
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• 2011

The aim of this study is to examine weather modification by urbanization and human activities. The characteristics of the urban heat island (UHI) and precipitation in Seoul metropolitan area of Korea are investigated to demonstrate that cities can change or modify local and nearby weather and climate, and to confirm that cities can initiate convection, change the behavior of convective precipitation, and enhance downstream precipitation. The data used in this study are surface meteorological station data observed in Seoul and its nearby 5 cities for the period of 1960 to 2009, and 162 Automatic Weather System stations data observed in the Seoul metropolitan area from 1998 to 2009. Air temperature and precipitation amount tend to increase with time, and relative humidity decreases because of urbanization. Similar to previous studies for other cities, the average maximum UHI is weakest in summer and is strong in autumn and winter, and the maximum UHI intensity is more frequently observed in the nighttime than in the daytime, decreases with increasing wind speed, and is enhanced for clear skies. Relatively warm regions extend in the east-west direction and relatively cold regions are located near the northern and southern mountains inside Seoul. The satellite cities in the outskirts of Seoul have been rapidly built up in recent years, thus exhibiting increases in near-surface air temperature. The yearly precipitation amount during the last 50 years is increased with time but rainy days are decreased. The heavy rainfall events of more than $20mm\;hr^{-1}$ increases with time. The substantial changes observed in precipitation in Seoul seem to be linked with the accelerated increase in the urban sprawl in recent decades which in turn has induced an intensification of the UHI effect and enhanced downstream precipitation. We also found that the frequency of intense rain showers has increased in Seoul metropolitan area.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.113-120
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• 2004

Selected microbiological and biochemical characteristics of the steeping process for the production of yukwa, a traditional Korean oil-puffed snack made of waxy rice, were investigated during steeping of waxy rice in water for 15 days. The lengthy steeping process was largely predominated by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), particularly, Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc. The predominat type of bacterium isolated was the Y26 strain tentatively identified as Lactobacillus plantarum. The titratable acidity of the steeping medium increased from 0.01 to 1.13%, in parallel with the decrease in pH ranging from 6.3 to 4.2 as the steeping period increased from 0 to 15 days. A high amount of lactic acid and to a much lesser extent, butyric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, and succinic acid were detected during the steeping process. The amount of reducing sugars in the steeping medium increased from 0.61 to 10.43 mg/mL, whereas sucrose decreased from 0.46 mg% to an undetectable level. Starch degradation products including glucose, maltose and oligosaccharides ranging G3-G7 were not initially noticed, but their content increased during the steeping process until completion. However, no oligosaccharides larger than G8 were detected in the steeping medium. The activities of $\alpha$-amylase, $\beta$-amylase and protease in the steeping medium of waxy rice tended to rise increase with time during the steeping process. From these results, the lengthy steeping process in yukwa production can be characterized as the spontaneous fermentation, dominated by lactic acid bacteria, which is a necessary process for inducing biochemical modification of waxy rice.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.255-260
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• 2010

The Ministry of Environment simultaneously revised testing methods and emission standards of adhesives product on the "Law of indoor air quality management" for the effective management of the building materials releasing pollutants in great quantities. Accordingly, it is impossible to compare original standards with revised standards directly. The influences of each factor of the revised testing methods of adhesive product on the emission rate of pollutants are reviewed through comparing with the original testing method. Through this study, revised pollutant emission control standards were assessed. With the result that it is found that emission rate of adhesives product is weakened two and half times by changing test period and the emission rate resulting from changing drying time has little difference. As a result of comparing TVOC emission standards with the original testing method considering the modification of testing methods, it is found that the emission standard through this revision is strengthened about 2.1 times more than that of present testing method.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.4 s.84
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• pp.587-592
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• 2007

Manipulation of the mouse genome by activating or inactivating the gene has contributed to the understanding of the function of the gene in the subset of cells during embryonic development or postnatal period of life. Most of all, gene targeting, which largely depends on the availability of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, is the milestone of development of animal models for human disease. Recombinase-mediated genome modification (Cre-LoxP and Flp-Frt etc) and the ligand-dependent regulation system, more accurate and elaborate manipulation tools, have been successfully developed and applied to dissect the mechanisms governing complex biological processes and to understand the role of protein in temporal-and spatial aspects of development. As technologies concerning refined manipulation of mouse genome are developed, they are expected to open new opportunities to better understand the diverse in vivo functions of genes.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.67-79
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• 2008

This study was conducted to find out biological response of bivalves exposed to tributyltin chloride(TBTCl). The results of the study confirmed that TBTCl induce the reduction of oxygen consumption rateand histopathological feature in the gill structure of equilateral venus, Gomphina veneriformis. The experi-mental groups consisted of a control and 3 TBTCl exposure groups (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 yg TBTCl L') and theexperimental period was 36 weeks. For histological analysis, gill tissues were fixed in Bouin's fluid andthen stained H-E stain, AB-PAS (PH 2.5) reaction and Masson's trichrome stain after having serially sec-tioned the tissue by paraffin method at thickness of 4-6 (an. The oxygen consumption rate was not signifi-cantly different between the control and exposure groups at 4 weeks, but in all exposure groups at 28 weeks,it was significantly different to the control. Gill of G. veneriformis had demibranch that attached two sheetsof lamellae and a lamella was composed of numerous filaments, numbering 25 on average. The frontal fila-ment zone had three types of cilia; frontal, latero-frontal and lateral depending on locations while the lateralcilia were the longest and largest in number. The mucous cells observed in filaments were more abundant in(542c) in AB-PAS (PH 2.5) reaction. Gill exposed to TBTCl was extended hemolymph sinus and increased hemocytes at 4 weeks, and then it showed increases of mucous cells and partially disappearance of frontalcilia. In the group of 0.8 yg TBTCl L' at 12 weeks, hypertrophy of frontal and latero-frontal epithelia wasobserved. Also it observed m decrease of mucous cell containing weekly acid mucosubstance and appearedpartially destruction muscle fiber bundle, In the groups of 0.4 and 0.6 ug TBTCl L' at 36 weeks, it appearedpartially modification of epithelia and in 0.8 us TBTCl L' group, observed filaments that come out chiti-nous rod from disappearance of frontal and latero-frontal epithelia.