• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.29 no.7
• /
• pp.769-776
• /
• 1996

The application of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the examination of the thoracic cavity can be a new option in patients with mediastinal tumor because it provides outstanding visibility of the structures of the mediastinum. By clear viewing through the thoracoscope, a mediastinal tumor can be biopsied or resected, depending on the findings during an operation. We reviewed all patients who underwent curative or diagnostic operations from March 1990 to August 1995 under the impression of a mediastinal mass. The total number of patients were 113 with 59 males and 54 females. Group A underwent resection of tu or by thoracotomy(38 patients: 18 males, 20 females), and group B underwent resection of tumor by VATS (36 patients : 20 males and 16 females). Seven patients in group B were excluded because they underwent thoracotomy due to pleural adhesion or intra-operative bleeding ; therefore, the true VATS group numbered 29 cases. Group C underwent Iymph node biopsy by VATS(33 patients'16 males, 17 females), and group D(6 patients: 5 males, 1 female) underwent Iymph node biopsy through anterior mediastinotomy. The mean age in group A was 36.2 years compared to 41.3 years In group B. We compared operation time, frequency of injection for pain control, duration of chest tube insertion, postoperative hospital stay, and diagnostic yield. In group A, they were 164 minutes, 3.4 times, 5.2 days, and 11.3 days, respectively, in comparison to 152 minutes, 2 times, 4.7 days, and 8.3 days, respectively, in group B. These data revealed that the day of discharge was significantly shorter in group B (p valu : 0.03). In group C, the mean age was 45.8 years (range 1 ∼70). The operation time was from 30 to 335 minutes (mean 105), pain control was required from 0 to 15 times(mean 3.2), and a chest tube was needed for 1 to 36 days (mean 6.1). In group D, mean age was 53.3 years, operation time 121 minutes, pall control injec- tion frequency 2.6 times, and mean chest tube duration 10.5 days. The diagnostic yield in group C was 8 oyo compared to 100 oyo in group D although the number of patients in group D is small.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.37 no.7
• /
• pp.432-440
• /
• 2015

Biochar, a by-product from pyrolysis of biomass, is a promising option to mitigate climate change by increasing soil carbon sequestration. This material is also considered to have potential to remediate a soil with heavy metal pollution by increasing the soil's adsorptive capacity. This study conducted the assessment of two biochars considering the climate change mitigation potential and heavy metal removal capacity at the same time. Two kinds of biochars (BC_Ch, TW_Ch) were prepared by pyrolyzing the biomass of burcucumber (BC_Bm) and tea waste (TW_Bm). The soils polluted with Pb were mixed with biochars or biomass and incubated for 60 d. During the incubation, $CO_2$, $CH_4$, and $N_2O$ were regularly measured and the soil before and after incubation was analyzed for chemical and biological parameters including the acetate extractable Pb. The results showed that only the BC_Ch treatment significantly reduced the amount of Pb after 60 d incubation. During the incubation, the $CO_2$ and $N_2O$ emissions from the BC_Ch and TW_Ch were decreased by 24% and 34% compared to the BC_Bm and TW_Bm, respectively. The $CH_4$ emissions were not significantly affected by biochar treatments. We calculated the GWP considering the production of amendment materials, application to the soils, removal of Pb, and soil carbon storage. The BC_Ch treatment had the most negative value because it had the higher Pb adsorption and soil carbon sequestration. Our results imply that if we apply biochar made from burcucumber, we could expect the pollution reduction and climate change mitigation at the same time.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.350-355
• /
• 2002

Background: Most of pulmonary regurgitation with or without stenosis appears to be well tolerated early after the repair of pulmonary outflow tract. However, it may result in symptomatic right ventricular dilatation, dysfunction and arrhythmias over a long period of time. We studied the early outcome of pulmonary valve replacement with tissue valves for patients with the above clinical features. Material and Method: Sixteen consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary valve replacement from September 1999 to February 2002 were reviewed(9 males and 7 females). The initial diagnoses included tetralogy of Fallot(n=11), and other congenital heart anomalies with pulmonary outflow obstruction(n=5). Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Pericardial Bioprostheses and Hancock porcine valves were used. The posterior two thirds of the bioprosthetic rim was placed on the native pulmonary valve annulus and the anterior one third was covered with a bovine pericardial patch. Preoperative pulmonary regurgitation was greater than moderate degree in 13 patients. Three patients had severe pulmonary stenosis. Tricuspid regurgitation was present in 12 patients. Result: Follow-up was complete with a mean duration of 15.8 $\pm$ 8.5months. There was no operative mortality. Cardiothoracic ratio was decreased from 66.0 $\pm$ 6.5% to 57.6 $\pm$ 4.5%(n=16, p=0.001). All patients remained in NYHA class I at the most recent follow-up (n=16, p=0.016). Pulmonary regurgitation was mild or absent in all patients. Tricuspid regurgitation was less than trivial in all patients. Conclusion: In this study we demonstrated that early pulmonary valve replacement for the residual pulmonary regurgitation with or without right ventricular dysfunction was a reasonal option. This technique led to reduce the heart size, decrease pulmonary regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation as well as to improve the patients'functional status. However, a long term outcome should be cautiously investigated.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.59-67
• /
• 2017

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of air suction rate (SR) during the composting process of swine manure mixed with sawdust used as a bulking agent. In the 25 L composting reactors, the suction rate (SR) was at four different treatment levels (100%, 200%, 300%, 400%), and were fixed on the based on constant aeration rate into the composting mixtures. The temperature reached to thermophilic phase within 2 days and it was maintained up to the $5^{th}$ day of the composting process in all reactors and then gradually decreased to room temperature at the end of the composting process. The moisture content (MC, %) of the initial mixtures was 64.27%, and it was reduced to 38.4, 33.08, 14.59 and 11.93 in the different suction rate of 100%, 200%, 300%, 400%, respectively in the end process. During the composting, the level of pH was increased from 6.83 to 8.67 and it gradually decreased to 7.56 in 100% and 200%(SR). At the same time, the pH values were reduced only up to 8.19 at 300%, and 8.08 at 400%(SR), showing that suction strengths of 100% and 200% were the better option for composting than those of 300% and 400%. The total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) of initial composts mixtures was 2.3% and were changed in 3.3, 3.1, 2.5, and 2.3% at the end of the composting period from the 100%-400% (SR) variations respectively. These results also indicated that 100% and 200% (SR) were more affected by the dry mass loss as $CO_2$ and water evaporation. The initial value of C/N ratio was 25.17 and were significantly reduced to 11.88, 11.97, 14.31, and 14.72 at the end of the experiment, respectively from the 100%-400% (SR) variations. These results suggest that the suction rate (SR) of 100% and 200% relative to constant air supply would be the optimal conditions to produce high-quality compost.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.139-155
• /
• 2009

Objective : To assess the biological stability of immediate transmucosal placement of tapered implants into tooth extraction sockets. Material and methods : Following tooth extraction, tapered implants were immediately placed into the sockets. Teeth with evidence of acute periapical pathology were excluded. After implant placement, sutured allowing a non-submerged, transmucosal healing. Standardized radiographs were obtained every visiting from baseline to 32 weeks after implant placment. Changes in depth of the distance from the implant shoulder (IS) and from the alveolar crest (AC) to the bottom of the defect (BD) were assessed. Results : Thirteen patients (10 males and 3 females) were enrolled and followed. They contributed with 15 tapered implants. extraction iste displayed sufficient residual bone volume to allow primary stability of all implants. The mean surgery time was $41{\pm}10.0$ mins. All implants healed uneventfully yielding a survival rate of 100%. Mean ISQ values were relatively stable. Interproximal crestal bone decreased $1.69{\pm}1.2mm$ (mesial), $1.65{\pm}1.2mm$ (distal) from baseline to 32-week follow-up. No statistically significant changes with respect to FMPS, FMBS, PPD and width of KG were observed. Conclusions: Immediate transmucosal implant placement represented a predictable treatment option for the replacement of teeth lost due to reasons including fractures, endodontic failures and caries.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.8 no.6
• /
• pp.1634-1647
• /
• 2007

"To invest or not to invest?" Most business leaders are frequently faced with this question on new and ongoing projects. The challenge lies in deciding what projects to choose, expand, contract, defer, or abandon. The project valuation tools used in this process are vital to making the right decisions. Traditional tools such as discounted cash flow (DCF)/net present value (NPV) assume a "fixed" path ahead, but real world projects face uncertainties, forcing us to change the path often. Comparing to other traditional valuation methods, the real options approach captures the flexibility inherent to investment decisions. The use of real options has gained wide acceptance among practitioners in a number of several industries during the last few decades. Even though the options are present in all types of business decisions, it is still not considered as a proper method of valuation in some industries. Mining has been comparably slow to adopt new valuation techniques over the years. The reason fur this is not entirely clear. One possible reason is the level and types of risks in mining. Not only are these risks high, but they are also more numerous and involve natural risks compared with other industries. That is why the purpose of this study is to deal with a more practical approach to project valuation, known as real options analysis in mining industry. This paper provides a case study approach to the copper mining industry using a real options analysis. It shows how companies can minimize investment risks, exercise flexibility in decision making and maximize returns.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.61-66
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Several authors have reported excellent results of delayed reconstruction of non-union & malunion in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle and these results were equal to that of immediate fixation. But direct comparison between these treatments is rare. We evaluated the results between the immediate fixation group and delayed reconstruction group for treating displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle. Materials and Methods: We studied the results of 18 cases with immediate fixation of displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle and 15 cases with delayed reconstruction of non-union & malunion after conservative management, and these cases were seen from March 2000 to February, 2006. The final postoperative outcome was analyzed according to the clinical outcomes with using the Constant score and the radiological findings of bony union. Results: The constant score was low in the delayed reconstruction group compare to that of the immediate fixation group (p value=0.045). For the pain score & the activities of daily living score, a statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups (p<0.05), but not for the range of motion score & the power score (p>0.05). Radiological findings of bony union were seen for both groups at an average of 8.8 weeks for the immediate fixation group and at an average of 9.8 weeks for the delayed reconstruction group. Conclusion: Though the delayed reconstruction group was shown good clinical and radiological results, the immediate fixation group had a significantly better pain score, a better activities of daily living score and a better Constant score. It is important to choose the initial treatment option for displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle after sufficient explanation to patients about the merits and demerits between these two treatment options.

• FLOWER RESEARCH JOURNAL
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2009

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of water quality remediation and the inorganic ion removal characteristics by floating plant; water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) in a batch reactor. Water lettuce can be used to remove N and P and other inorganic nutrients, by consuming them in the form of plant nutrient. The highest nutrient absorption of water lettuce was $112.5meL^{-1}\;N$ in Sonneveld-2S, $56.6meL^{-1}\;N$ in Sonneveld-1S, $31.8meL^{-1}\;N$ in sewage and P value was also the highest in Sonneveld-2S as $15.6meL^{-1}$ and in sewage as $5.0meL^{-1}$. These results indicated that using water lettuce held some promise in the context of purification of eutrophication. Also water lettuce had a preference for absorption N. Under Sonneveld-2S treatment, nitrogen percentage was the highest in plant tissue due to the highest concentration of nitrogen and removal by water lettuce. Under sewage, percentage of total N in both plant parts was high. Both above and underground parts, P percentage was less than N. It might be due to the fact that the absorption amount of P was less than N by water lettuce. It meaned that the ability of N removal by water lettuce was higher than that of P, relatively. In summary, these results show that the use of this plant was a viable option.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.280-289
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to determine whether implant length and the crown-to-implant (C/I) ratio influence implant stability and peri-implant marginal bone loss (MBL). Materials and Methods: 46 patients with single tooth missing in the posterior molar region of the mandible were included in this study. 19 implants (CMI IS-III $active^{(R)}$ long implant) of 5.0 mm diameter and 10 mm length were installed for the control group, while 27 implants (CMI IS-III $active^{(R)}$ short implant) of 5.5 mm diameter and 6.6, 7.3 or 8.5 mm length were placed for the experimental group. Each implant was inserted and immediately loaded using the digitally pre-fabricated surgical template and provisional restoration. The CAD-CAM monolithic zirconia crown was fabricated at 3 months after the surgery as a definitive restoration. The ISQ value and the MBL was measured at 48 weeks after the surgery. The correlation between the C/I ratio, MBL, and secondary implant stability was analyzed. Results: Successful results in terms of ISQ and MBL were achieved with both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of ISQ values and MBL at 48 weeks after the surgery (P > 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the C/I ratio and secondary stability as well as the C/I ratio and the MBL (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The influence of C/I ratio in both groups was not shown on the stability nor the marginal bone loss in implants supporting single crown of the mandible. Short implant could be a preferable alternative option in the reduced bone height mandible under the limited condition despite its higher C/I ratio.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.54 no.2
• /
• pp.133-140
• /
• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the radiological and clinical outcomes of tibiotalocacalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde intramedullary nailing in a severe hindfoot deformity and ankle/subtalar arthritis. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 patients (22 cases) with a severe hindfoot deformity and arthritis underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nails. The average age was 57.4 years (22-82 years) and the mean follow-up was 29.6 months (12-74 months). The radiological outcomes included an assessment of the preoperative and postoperative coronal ankle alignment, hindfoot alignment, sagittal alignment, and postoperative union time. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and postoperative complications. The results were analyzed statistically by dividing the patients into two groups based on a 10° angle of deformity. Results: Regarding the preoperative coronal ankle alignment, 14 patients had a mean varus deformity of 17.8°±14.5° and six had a mean valgus deformity of 8.1°±6.6°. Postoperatively, a satisfactory postoperative coronal ankle alignment of less than 5° was obtained in all patients. Regarding the preoperative hindfoot alignment, 12 patients showed a mean varus deformity of 15.2°±10.5° and six had a mean valgus deformity of 8.1°±4.2°. In total, 94.4% (17 patients) had satisfactory postoperative hindfoot alignment of less than 5°. Radiological union was achieved in 90.9% at an average of 19.2 weeks (12-32 weeks) and there were 2 cases of nonunion. The clinical outcomes showed improvement in the mean VAS and AOFAS scores (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Even a preoperative severe deformity more than 10° showed a significant deformity correction of coronal ankle alignment and hindfoot alignment, postoperatively (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). No significant differences were found between the patients with a preoperative coronal ankle deformity more than 10° and those less than 10° regarding the mean postoperative coronal ankle alignment (p=0.162). Conclusion: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde intramedullary nailing is an acceptable technique for achieving satisfactory deformity correction, high union rate with minimal complications, and improvement of the clinical outcomes. In addition, tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde intramedullary nailing is considered an effective treatment option, particularly in severe ankle and hindfoot deformities.